A trip to the Arikok National Park

Sheri Mercier
Published: June 25, 2008

As the planning begins for a great family vacation, consider something fun, exciting and educational.

A trip to the Arikok National Park has a lot to offer. You will find 20 miles of walking trails. The Miralamar trail has a view of the sea from both the northern and southern sides of the island. The trail will lead you past an old gold mine. On the Cunucu Arikok trail your sites will include a 100-plus-year-old Cas di Torto adobe home. If that isn’t of interest, what about huge tonalite boulders on which Indian rock drawings can be seen?

The Arikok National Park includes many important and diverse natural and historical areas. The midsection, called the Arikok Center, is 184.5 meters above sea level.

You will find early Native Ariban art and artifacts, along with domestic and farm facilities. The islands’ only fresh water source can be found at the Prins Center, which facilitated plantation farming of coconuts, fruit and aloe. An old gold mining operation can be found at the Yamanoter Center. The Fontein Cave is also found in this area, which also has clear indications of Indian rock drawings.

Park rangers will help point out more than 48 different types of native trees, with some species so scarce, they can only be found in this park. Discoveries of “shoco,” an endangered burrowing owl and a tiny “blenchi” hummingbird are among the animal species within the parks refuge. Rangers are stationed at different locations within the park, ready to assist a curious visitor or answer any number of questions.

The park is presently governed by a foundation, which allows it to seek alliances with other nature organizations throughout the world.

Are you wondering yet, where in the world is the Arikok National Park? A few more hints; the island is famous for its cactus studded landscapes, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, golf courses, terrific diving, and a shipwreck or two. The island is 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point. The island’s earliest inhabitants were the Caquetio Indians. The answer; Aruba!

Sheri Mercier is the Owner of Accent Travel in Culpeper. She can be reached at 727-8871or e-mail at