Aruba travel guide

Aruba is a small (32km long and 10km wide) and mostly flat island in the southern part of the Caribbean. Most of the island’s terrain consists of a wild, barren countryside called mondi. There are no rivers on Aruba so irrigation is limited, which gives the landscape a desert-like appearance with cactus forests and woody scrublands mixing with the large boulders scattered across the surface.

However, the island isn't all flat and steep-sided; isolated hills break up the skyline. The highest point is Mount Jamanota with an elevation of 189m above sea level. A popular attraction, The Hooiberg (Dutch for haystack), dominates the centre of the island at 180m high. Those of you feeling energetic can take the 550-plus steps to the summit where you'll be rewarded with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. During the climb, there's a good chance you'll encounter wild goats, colourful lizards and parakeets.

On the northwestern tip of the island at Hudishibana lies the California Dunes nature reserve. This area features a pockmarked limestone shoreline and rolling dunes, offering a serene spot to relax and enjoy breathtaking sea views, accentuated by the nearby California Lighthouse.

Diverse cultural influences have shaped Aruba from its first known occupation by South American Indians around 2500 BC to its current status as a thriving tourist destination. The Arawak Indians, who were the island's first inhabitants, led simple lives in coastal villages, fishing and crafting. Their legacy endures in the rock and cave paintings at Fontein Cave in Arikok National Park and the Ayo Rock Formation. These early influences are reflected in Aruba's rich food, architecture, and culture.

In 1499, Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda discovered the island, starting 137 years of Spanish occupation and control. During this period, many of the native Indians were sadly enslaved to work on plantations and the area also became a hot location for piracy and smuggling. During the 17th century, the Dutch West India Company recognised Aruba’s strategic importance and took control. Apart from a small spell of occupation by the British in 1805, Aruba has been and still is linked to the Netherlands.

Despite a very fleeting gold rush in 1824, the Island’s economy has been largely based around agriculture and fishing. In the 1920s, an oil refinery was built near San Nicolas; with immigrants arriving from North America, Europe and other parts of the Caribbean. It quickly established itself as the largest employer on the island, becoming the epicentre for the diverse cultural mix found today. The first tourist ships started arriving in the late fifties, but it took until the latter years of the last century before tourism really took off, becoming the dominant economic force.

In 1986, a popular Aruban political activist, Betico Croes, succeeded in separating Aruba from complete Dutch rule, when it became an autonomous country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Aruban population has never seemed inclined to obtain full independence and to this day remains a part of the Netherlands with its foreign affairs and national defence controlled from there.

Aruba’s warm and dry climate means that the majority of its native animals are birds, making this island a bird-watching paradise. One of Aruba’s most extravagant, colourful and noisy birds, the prikichi, is blessed with dramatic vibrant green feathers and yellow-orange heads. It’s almost impossible to miss them.

Aruba is also home to beautiful birds of prey, including the warawara which bears resemblance to an eagle. Along with brown pelicans, egrets, herons and seven different types of tern. Aruba loves birds so much that even their national animal is the shoco; a small, endangered burrowing owl.

Aruba's weather creates an idyllic environment for reptiles, hosting half of all lizard species, including the blue aquatic Kododo Blauw and the Pega Pega, named for the suction pads on their feet. Indigenous species include the near-extinct cascabel rattlesnake, the leaf-toed gecko, and the whiptail lizard. Additionally, a variety of turtles and iguanas also reside on the island.

If you’re a lover of fluffier creatures then don’t fear, Aruba has you covered. The island is also home to animals that were brought over by settlers, such as the cottontail rabbit from Venezuela and sheep, goats and donkeys from Spain.

Aruba, with its breathtaking scenery and wide range of adventurous activities, is the perfect island for everyone. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie who loves watersports or someone who enjoys trekking through the wilderness, Aruba has it all. You’ll find endless excitement and adventure, ensuring you'll never be bored on this idyllic island.