Arikok National Park comprises almost 18% of the island. Enjoy gorgeous vistas of Aruba’s rugged terrain, desert-like hills filled with tall cacti, a breathtaking coastline and protected local flora and fauna.
The national park Arikok takes you on a memorable journey of the islands past offering unique geological, cultural and historical sites. These can all be enjoyed and explored either on your own or during guided tours. A wide variety of educational and informative programs and fun activities is available. You are warmly invited to Arikok National Park and enjoy Aruba’s natural beauty at its best. Explore the park’s highlights.
Miralamar Hills
A short hike from the Visitor Center brings you up to the Miralamar Hill. As you walk to the top you follow a trail lush with vegetation. At the hilltop lays the ruins of the Miralamar Gold Mine Complex. On this particular location mine shafts ran underground where gold was extracted in rock ore and processed where it was transported afterwards to the Gold Smelter at Spanish Lagoon.
Fontein Cave
This limestone cave, popularly known as Fontein Cave, is an important archaeological site as well as a good example of the geological history of the limestone terraces. Inside the cave, visitors can find many Indian Pictographs that date back to about 1000 years. Along with the ancient drawings, more recent carvings have been left behind by colonial visitors some dating back to the early 1800’s.
Dos Playa
Dos Playa is one of the sea turtle nesting site on the island. At this pair of beaches sea turtles of all species that occur on Aruba come to nest. Sea turtles that nest on Dos Playa are Leatherback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles. During your visit help us protect our national park by following our rules and regulations.
For more information check out their Facebook page Aruba National Park.
