Ancient Aruba in Modern Times - The Caves at Arikok National Park

Our cruise ship docks in Oranjestad, Aruba.  We couldn’t ask for better weather during our February visit.  Far better than the frigid temperatures back home.

Oranjastad, Aruba

Meanwhile ... Back Home ...

We gather our things and go ashore for our afternoon tour called the "Hidden Gems of Aruba”.  We have been to Aruba a few times prior to this trip.  Aruba’s rugged landscape is beautiful and the water activities are great.  But this visit I want to do something different.  How about a tour to Arikok National Park to see a couple of limestone caves?  Guardikin Cave is famous for its two chambers where streaming sunlight illuminates the dancing dust particles.  While Fontein Cave is known for its brownish-red pictographs left by the Arawak Natives.

Tourism Map of Aruba

We board bus #57 and meet our driver/tour guide named John.  During our 30 minute bus ride to the caves, John provides us with information about the various districts and landmark homes we are seeing.   

When we arrive at the entrance to Arikok National Park, we meet Stan.  He will be our guide while we are at the caves.  Stan is a friendly and energetic young man with a strong interest in preserving the environment. 

Park Map

According to Wikipedia, “First designated as an important national area in the 1980’s it was later established as a National Park in 2000.  The Arikok National Park takes up approximately 18 percent of the island of Aruba and includes three primary geological formations: the Aruba lava formation, a quartz diorite formation, and a limestone formation that extends inward from the coast. These formations have directly influenced Aruba's human settlement, as well as its natural wonders.”

John drives the bus into this 7,907-acre Park.  The sides of the narrow, dirt road are lined with limestone rocks.  On the right side of the road are white windmill towers used to generate electricity.  Beyond the windmill towers is the Caribbean Sea crashing against the rugged and rocky shore. 

Road & Windmill Towers

We arrive at our first cave – Fontein Cave.  

Entrance to Fontein Cave

When we step off the bus, each of us is given a yellow hard hat and a flashlight.  Stan leads us to the cave’s entrance.  “The cave is accessible from an escarpment of a terrace of coral limestone.”  Once inside the cave’s entrance, Stan uses his flashlight to highlight the red ancient drawings located on the low ceiling. Each drawing has a different meaning.

Ancient Drawings

We need to be careful as we walk around the cave because the dirt/rock trail is uneven and the ceiling can get low in places (thank you, hardhat!).  We continue a little deeper inside the cave which goes back about 160 feet.  Here we see colorful stalagmites and stalactites.  So, what’s the difference? 

According to Wikipedia, a stalagmite is “a type of rock formation that rises from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings.”  And a stalactite is “a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves.”  Here’s an easy way to remember which is which.  A stala”g”mite forms from the “G”round up while a stala”c”tite hangs from the “C”eiling  

Some of the rock formations have names like the Witch's Hat, the Demon, and the Buffalo.  Stan taps the side of the Buffalo formation and it makes a deep bell-tone sound.

The "Buffalo"

We retrace our steps back to the cave’s entrance.  The desert scenery around the cave is filled with cactus plants.  Please stay on the designated trails. 

Next, we take a short walk to a pond where water oozes out from between the limestone rock of Fontein Cave.  Fish have been relocated here to eat the mosquito larva.  Some people (not me!) take off their shoes and dangle their feet in the water.  The little fish quickly arrive hoping to find food.

Trail to Pond

Nibble, Nibble, Tickle, Tickle

Back on the bus, we continue our tour and arrive at Guadirikiri Cave. We still have our yellow hard hats and flashlights with us.  We climb the uneven stone steps to enter the cave.   

Stairs to Cave Entrance

This cave has two large dome-shaped chambers which are illuminated with sunlight shining through holes in the ceiling. This natural light entering the cave reduces the need for artificial light.  I am one of the first people to reach the first chamber.  I have my camera ready.  I quickly snap a few pictures of the empty chamber with the somewhat weak sunlight streaming down to the cave floor.  It isn't as dramatic as the slot canyons found in the State of Utah (USA) but it is the main reason I booked this tour. 

Chamber Light

The second chamber is larger with several holes in the ceiling but I don't notice any shafts of sunlight shining down to the cave’s floor.  I am surprised to discover that the air temperature inside this cave is not cooler compared to the outside temperature.  Our experience has been that most cave interiors tend to be cooler and a great place to be on a warm day.

Natural Hole in Cave Ceiling

 Colorful Formations

We return to the bus and drive back to the Park entrance where we say good-bye to Stan.  

Our visit to Aruba was on a cruise so I do not have any personal insight on where to sleep or eat.  But if you are planning on staying overnight, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on lodging and dining options.

LOCATION:  Arikok National Park, San Fuego #71, Santa Cruz, Aruba, AW

Telephone:  (297) 585-1234

HOURS/FEES:  The Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The entrance fee is $11 per person (children under the age of 17 are admitted for free).  

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Aruba’s Arikok National Park click on the “Plan Your Visit” link below:

Plan Your Visit - Arikok NP Aruba