Caribbean Cruise (February) 2025: Curacao (Willemstad), part 1
Day 4 of the cruise we docked in Willemstad, Curacao, another small island in the Caribbean with a total area measuring about 171 sq mi. Roughly 38-40 miles long and 2-8 miles wide. We had planned on doing two things here: 1) visit the cave, and 2) visit the Curacao distillery.
We booked a private van with a driver just outside the port to take us to these two destinations. From the cruise terminal, it took about a 15-20 minute drive to Hato Caves. The Hato Caves are a major tourist attraction. They are formed over million of years from marine limestone. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the caves are located near the airport.
The caves were used by the Arawak Indians, with petroglyphs estimated to be 1,500 years old; although I don't remember seeing petroglyphs. They were later used by runaway slaves as a hiding place. The caves are also home to a colony of rare long-nosed fruit bats, which we saw from afar.
The compound includes a garden and a small cafe.
You need a tour guide, which is provided with the fee, to tour the caves. They don't allow DIY-ers. In order to reach the cave from the compound, you have to climb 49 steps and enter into the caves with well-lit and paved paths. The stalactite/stalagmite formations are stunning. The cave itself is beautiful, although naturally very hot and they have fans located all over to make the total experience more enjoyable for the visitors.
The guide was strict, not allowing photography anywhere but the designated area. He stops the tour to make sure everyone is within hearing distance. Only one tour at a time is conducted. I maybe have tried to be at the tailend of the group to take some photos.
This hole in the roof of the cave is where the bats come and go and this area is the one the guide okayed for photogaphy.
The tour is offered in multiple languages according to what I read and lasts about 30-45 minutes. I thought it was about an hour in my estimation.
Truly a place to visit if you are in Curacao.
Once the tour was over we headed to the cafe for a little refreshments before going to the next stop.
To be continued.....
We booked a private van with a driver just outside the port to take us to these two destinations. From the cruise terminal, it took about a 15-20 minute drive to Hato Caves. The Hato Caves are a major tourist attraction. They are formed over million of years from marine limestone. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the caves are located near the airport.
The caves were used by the Arawak Indians, with petroglyphs estimated to be 1,500 years old; although I don't remember seeing petroglyphs. They were later used by runaway slaves as a hiding place. The caves are also home to a colony of rare long-nosed fruit bats, which we saw from afar.
The compound includes a garden and a small cafe.
You need a tour guide, which is provided with the fee, to tour the caves. They don't allow DIY-ers. In order to reach the cave from the compound, you have to climb 49 steps and enter into the caves with well-lit and paved paths. The stalactite/stalagmite formations are stunning. The cave itself is beautiful, although naturally very hot and they have fans located all over to make the total experience more enjoyable for the visitors.
The guide was strict, not allowing photography anywhere but the designated area. He stops the tour to make sure everyone is within hearing distance. Only one tour at a time is conducted. I maybe have tried to be at the tailend of the group to take some photos.
This hole in the roof of the cave is where the bats come and go and this area is the one the guide okayed for photogaphy.
The tour is offered in multiple languages according to what I read and lasts about 30-45 minutes. I thought it was about an hour in my estimation.
Truly a place to visit if you are in Curacao.
Once the tour was over we headed to the cafe for a little refreshments before going to the next stop.
To be continued.....
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