{"id":148701,"date":"2025-08-04T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/news\/curacao-travel-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T05:30:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T05:30:10","slug":"curacao-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/guide\/destination\/curacao-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cura\u00e7ao: Travel guide | Itineraries and Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s nothing like a getaway down South to replenish your vitamin D and energy. Since I\u2019m not a big fan of all-inclusive resorts, I looked for a destination that offers freedom and a variety of activities. Enter Cura\u00e7ao, a hidden gem in the Caribbean tucked between Aruba and Bonaire. Its arid climate, unique cactus-filled landscapes, and rare rainfall make it a truly one-of-a-kind escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do in Cura\u00e7ao<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What to do in Cura\u00e7ao – Willemstad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cura\u00e7ao is part of the Netherlands Antilles and is therefore an independent state of the Netherlands<\/strong>. Strolling through the Punda <\/strong>district in downtown Willemstad, you can also see the English influence throughout the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vibrant architecture and colourful buildings invite you to wander among the historic houses and waterfront terraces. Don\u2019t miss the Handelskade waterfront, with its iconic 18th-century fa\u00e7ades overlooking the harbour. Here you’ll find many restaurants, art galleries and boutiques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Punda<\/strong> and Otrobanda<\/strong> districts are linked by a bridge, the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge<\/strong>. It often opens to let boats through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to do in Cura\u00e7ao – Hato Caves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cave is over 200,000 years old. Hato Caves<\/strong><\/em> is located in the northern part of the island of Cura\u00e7ao. We visited this site at the start of our trip, with no great expectations. In the end, we were pleasantly surprise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s more to the site than just the cave. You can see a small cactus garden and take a 20-minute walk on the Indian Trail.<\/strong> Cura\u00e7ao is a very dry island and it is more common to come across a cactus than a palm tree! Here are some pictures of this garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Long before the arrival of Europeans, Hato Caves served as a hiding place for enslaved people. There\u2019s a lot of history within this cave!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to what you might think, you won’t go down underground to get there but climb several steps to get in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guided tour is interesting and dynamic. You\u2019ll learn more about how the cave was formed and spot some of its residents, tiny bats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to do in Cura\u00e7ao – Klein Cura\u00e7ao<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fancy a day in the sun, on an uninhabited island of almost white sand? Klein Cura\u00e7ao<\/strong> is the place for you! Here, you can swim with turtles, relax on the beach, or explore the lighthouse and abandoned boats nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Klein Cura\u00e7ao is a small island of 28 sq. km located in the Lesser Antilles. The water is incredibly clear and the sand is fine, almost pure white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The departure starts around 8:00 am and the catamaran trip lasts about 1h30. Be careful, it’s not all smooth sailing! If youget seasick like me, I advise you to sit at the back of the boat. Be sure to pack your electronics well, and hold onto your cellphone. We were at the front and got drenched by a wave. Rest assured, the return trip is much calmer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Along with basking in the sun, you can walk to the other side of the island, where there’s a lighthouse and an abandoned shipwreck. It’s very hot, so don’t forget to bring water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do in Cura\u00e7ao – Playa Kanoa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The northern part of the island is known for its crashing waves, so we wanted to explore this side, which feels so different from the south. So we opened Google Maps<\/em> and we set course for Playa Kanoa, not knowing what to expect. We arrived in a volcanic field with windmills in the background. Now I understand why this spot is a favourite for kiteboarding and surfing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also met a fellow Quebecer, who was also enjoying an impromptu adventure! We spent a few days together following this meeting. It just goes to show that unexpected moments often lead to the best experiences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We spent the afternoon away from the crowds on this small beach you see in the photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to do in Cura\u00e7ao – Mount Christoffel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Travelling without hiking is almost impossible for me. Mount Christoffel<\/a> was one of the reasons we chose this island. This place truly captured my heart!<\/p>\n\n\n\n