Hiking in Aruba
Hiking in Aruba means the dry interior, not the beaches. The island is flat and desert-like, but Arikok National Park has the best trails here, over low hills, past old gold ruins and limestone cliffs. Trails run from short family-friendly loops to a longer walk to a natural pool on the northeast side.
Places to go
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park is Aruba's large wild reserve, covering about a fifth of the island on the rugged east side. Its dry trails, caves, old gold ruins and limestone cliffs make it the place for hiking and wildlife on land.
Casibari and Ayo Rock Formations
Casibari and Ayo are clusters of giant boulders inland in Aruba, near Hooiberg. Visitors climb the rocks and paved paths lead to the tops for views across the island.
Hooiberg
Hooiberg is a conical hill in the center of Aruba, rising 165 meters above the flat land. Visitors climb 561 steps to the top for wide views over the island.
Natural Pool
Conchi, also called the Natural Pool or Cura di Tortuga, is a small saltwater tide pool on Aruba's wild north coast. You reach it inside Arikok National Park, across rough volcanic rock.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most visitors go into Arikok National Park by car, then pick one trail. The Cunucu Arikok loop starts near the visitor center and is easy, passing a restored cunucu house, old plantation walls and candle cactus. It takes about 3 hours. The Miralamar trail is an easy-to-moderate out-and-back of about a mile each way to the stone ruins of Aruba's largest former gold mine.
The park also has harder ground. Its hills, caves, abandoned gold mines and limestone cliffs make for rougher walking, and guided nature walks go through dry riverbeds to secluded bays such as Moro, Boca Prins and Dos Playa. A private guided hike lets you take your time with birds, flowers and the geology of the arid landscape. Conchi, a natural pool on the north side, is a longer hike of about 3.5 miles each way over exposed rock.
Where to go
- Arikok National Park. Aruba's best hiking trails, over hills, caves, gold ruins and limestone cliffs. Guided walks are available with advance booking. By car. A trip that goes here: Cunucu Arikok Trail, 3 Hours, $83 a person
- Cunucu Arikok loop. An easy loop near the visitor center, passing a restored cunucu house, old plantation walls and candle cactus. By walk from the visitor center. A trip that goes here: Cunucu Arikok Trail, 3 Hours, $83 a person
- Miralamar gold-mine ruins. An easy-to-moderate out-and-back of about a mile to stone ruins of Aruba's largest former gold mine.
- Conchi Natural Pool. A natural pool named after turtles once found in it. The hike is about 3.5 miles each way over exposed rock with no shade. By hike from the Arikok Visitor Center.
- Hooiberg (Haystack Mountain). Climb the 561 steps for a view that can reach Venezuela's coast on a cool, clear day.
Getting there
When to go
Trails are open year-round, and the climate stays warm with little seasonal change. Start early in the day, since Conchi and the open rock trails have no shade.
Good to know
- Bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes, since there is no water sold inside the park.
- Book a park guide in advance if you want one; walks cannot be arranged on the spot.
- Stay on marked trails and do not take sand, shells or coral from the park or beaches.
Questions
Where is the best hiking in Aruba?
Arikok National Park has the island's best hiking trails. They run over hills, through caves and past old gold ruins and limestone cliffs. The park is reached by driving Route 7 east from Oranjestad.
What is the easiest hike in Aruba?
The Cunucu Arikok loop is easy and starts near the visitor center. It passes a restored cunucu house, old plantation walls and candle cactus, and takes about 3 hours. The Miralamar trail, about a mile each way, is also easy to moderate.
Can I hike to Conchi Natural Pool?
Yes. A trail runs from the Arikok Visitor Center to Conchi, about 3.5 miles each way over exposed, shadeless rock. The round trip takes three to four hours, so bring water and sun protection.
