Aruba’s Arikok National Park covers nearly 20 percent of the island. Setting aside the land protects Aruba’s natural state as well as its indigenous species: whiptail lizard, cat eye snake, endangered Aruban rattle snake, burrowing owl and Aruban parakeet.
The wilderness that is Arikok National Park.
The park has many ways to be seen: by car, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, but one of the best ways, due to the park’s size and some road conditions, is to join an organized tour. My choice was De Palm Tours. Expert driver and tour guide Gio took us to the visitor’s center where we were introduced to the park and its wildlife, through the wilderness of cactus and brush, to an abandoned gold mine and the rocky north shore, and finally Conchi, a natural pool at the edge of the sea.
Make a wish. If the wind doesn’t blow over the rock tower you make, your wish will come true.
Nearly two centuries ago gold fever struck Aruba when gold was discovered. Today its ruins of the gold mill remain.
The rocky north shore is a beautiful area of the park and the island.
Conchi, a natural pool at the edge of the sea. is one of the highlights of visiting the park.
There are many highlights to a vacation in Aruba; make sure you don’t miss this one!
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For lunch try Boca Prins Bar and Restaurant, the only restaurant in the park. Overlooking the water, the restaurant offers excellent food and beverages.
For more information on tours, contact De Palm Tours.
For more on the park, visit the website at Arikok National Park.