Arikok National Park

This Is the Safest Island in the Caribbean Right Now, According to a New Report

"Covering a significant portion of the island’s interior, this protected park preserves volcanic hills and a variety of natural wonders, offering a rugged, contrasting landscape to the coast and serving as a major conservation area." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

What Makes Aruba So Dreamy, According to a Travel Expert - AFAR

"An expansive, rugged protected area about 11 miles southeast of the main resort zone, celebrated for diverse plant life, dramatic scenery, and wildlife sightings including the shoco (Aruban burrowing owl) and the prikichi (Aruban parakeet)." - AFAR

11 Places to Explore in Aruba | Eater

"Comprising nearly 20 percent of the island, Arikok National Park is a hiker’s paradise located on the east coast. You can book a 4x4 tour, or don a backpack, walking stick, and good shoes to explore the collection of caves boasting ancient Arawak drawings, lava, quartz diorite, and limestone land formations. Guided nature walks that traverse the park’s many hidden bays can be scheduled. Highlights include Conchi, a natural ocean pool protected by dramatic rock formations, Quadirikiri Cave, where rooftop openings serve as organic skylights, and the Mira la Mar view, which overlooks the region’s abandoned gold mines." - Marie Elena Martinez

"Arikok National Park Among the 20 percent of Aruba that’s protected land, Arikok National Park boasts lava fields, limestone terrain, and a small beach, all crisscrossed with picturesque hiking trails. Paths lead to gold mine ruins, former plantations, and paintings by the island’s native Arawak people, making for an exciting place to visit. Explore the park by mountain bike, horseback, or car, or take a free walking tour with a park ranger (reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance). You’re likely to see snakes, owls, bats, lizards, and myriad birds, as well as goats and the local donkeys."