Arikok National Park Aruba Travel Magnet

Arikok National Park is a rugged, windswept treasure that covers nearly 20% of the island of Aruba. Located on the eastern side of the island, this protected area showcases a dramatically different side of Aruba than the resort-lined beaches. Instead of calm turquoise waters and palm trees, Arikok offers a wild landscape of desert-like terrain, towering limestone cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and sweeping cactus-covered hills. It's an ideal spot for adventure seekers who want to explore the island’s natural beauty and cultural history all in one place. Within the park, visitors can hike or drive to a variety of unique sites, such as Quadirikiri Cave and Fontein Cave, which feature ancient Arawak petroglyphs and sunlit chambers filled with bats. There are also hidden gems like Dos Playa, a pair of remote beaches popular with surfers and sea turtles, and the Natural Pool (Conchi), a volcanic rock-formed swimming hole tucked away along the rugged coast. The park is home to native wildlife too, including Aruban burrowing owls (shoco), whiptail lizards, and goats. Whether you're hiking through rocky trails or standing on a cliff with the waves crashing below, Arikok gives you a wilder, more untamed experience of Aruba that’s just as unforgettable as its famous beaches.