Aruba’s Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots
Aruba conceals an array of hidden spots that offer solitude, adventure, and a closer connection to the island’s authentic charm. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Aruba’s most unique and off-the-beaten-path locations, each promising a different slice of the island’s untamed beauty.
1. Frenchman’s Pass: A Mystical Canyon of Legend
Nestled between the rugged hills of Aruba’s interior lies Frenchman’s Pass, a narrow, steep-walled canyon steeped in local legend. This little-known spot is said to be haunted by the spirits of the indigenous Caquetío people, who defended the pass against French invaders centuries ago. The air here is thick with mystery, and as you walk through the pass, you might feel a strange sense of history coming alive.
Frenchman’s Pass isn’t just a place of folklore; it’s also a site of natural beauty. The dense vegetation that lines the pass provides shelter for a variety of bird species, and the rocky cliffs offer a striking contrast to the flat landscapes found elsewhere on the island. Few visitors make it here, so you’re likely to have this mystical place all to yourself, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection or meditation.
2. Spanish Lagoon: A Serene Oasis for Kayakers and Birdwatchers
Spanish Lagoon, located on the southeastern coast of Aruba, is a hidden oasis that’s perfect for nature lovers. This serene, mangrove-lined lagoon is a haven for birdwatchers, as it’s home to an array of bird species including herons, pelicans, and osprey. The calm waters of the lagoon are ideal for kayaking, allowing you to paddle through the mangroves and explore the rich biodiversity of the area.
What makes Spanish Lagoon truly special is its tranquility. Unlike the more popular water spots on the island, this lagoon is often deserted, providing you with a rare opportunity to connect with nature in peaceful solitude. The surrounding area also has historical significance, as it was once an important site for the indigenous people who lived on the island. Take a slow, leisurely paddle through the lagoon, and let the natural beauty and quiet surroundings soothe your soul.
3. Alto Vista Labyrinth: A Spiritual Journey
While the Alto Vista Chapel is a well-known tourist attraction, the real hidden gem is the labyrinth located just behind it. The Alto Vista Labyrinth is a place of contemplation and meditation, designed to lead you on a spiritual journey as you walk its winding paths. Modeled after the famous labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, France, this lesser-known spot offers a chance to reconnect with yourself in the midst of Aruba’s wild landscape.
The labyrinth is set against a backdrop of cacti and rolling hills, with the Caribbean Sea visible in the distance. Walking the labyrinth can be a deeply moving experience, as you follow the ancient path while reflecting on life’s journey. The experience is heightened by the solitude you’ll find here, as few visitors venture beyond the chapel to discover this spiritual sanctuary.
4. Seroe Colorado: The Windswept Wilderness
At the southernmost tip of Aruba lies Seroe Colorado, a windswept, rocky promontory that feels like the edge of the world. This area is far removed from the island’s more popular destinations, offering a stark, almost lunar landscape of red hills, craggy cliffs, and sweeping ocean views. Seroe Colorado is known to the locals as "The Point," and it’s a place where you can truly feel the power of nature.
One of the most fascinating features of Seroe Colorado is the Colorado Point Lighthouse, which stands as a solitary sentinel over the rugged coast. Though it’s no longer operational, the lighthouse is an iconic landmark that adds to the area’s otherworldly feel. Nearby, you’ll find Rodger’s Beach, a small, secluded cove that’s perfect for a quiet afternoon of sunbathing or swimming.
What makes Seroe Colorado so special is its raw, untamed beauty. The wind whips across the barren landscape, creating an atmosphere of wild freedom. This is a place for those who love to explore off the beaten path, where you can hike along the cliffs, marvel at the crashing waves below, and feel like you’re standing on the edge of the earth.
5. The Hidden Caves of Aruba: Boca Prins and Huliba
Aruba’s coastline is dotted with hidden caves, each offering its own unique adventure. While many tourists flock to the more famous Fontein Cave, the caves of Boca Prins and Huliba remain relatively unknown, offering a more secluded and thrilling experience.
Boca Prins Cave, located near the Boca Prins beach, is a small, unmarked cave that’s easy to miss. However, those who venture inside will be rewarded with a cool, dark sanctuary that feels worlds away from the hot sun outside. The cave is filled with ancient rock formations and the remnants of old campfires, suggesting that it was once used by the island’s indigenous people. It’s the perfect spot to escape the heat and imagine what life might have been like in Aruba’s distant past.
Huliba Cave, also known as the "Tunnel of Love," is another hidden gem that’s worth seeking out. This cave gets its nickname from the heart-shaped opening at its entrance, making it a popular spot for couples. However, the real adventure begins as you delve deeper into the cave’s twisting passages. The interior of Huliba is pitch dark, so you’ll need a flashlight to explore its depths. As you navigate the narrow corridors, you’ll come across stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as chambers filled with bats. Huliba Cave is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a thrilling experience for those who dare to enter.
6. The Ghost Town of Bushiribana: Aruba’s Abandoned Gold Mines
Aruba’s gold rush history is often overlooked, but it has left behind some fascinating relics. One of the most intriguing is the ghost town of Bushiribana, where the remains of an abandoned gold mine still stand. The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are a haunting reminder of the island’s past, set against the backdrop of Aruba’s wild, windswept coast.
What makes Bushiribana truly unique is its desolate, eerie atmosphere. The ruins, which include crumbling stone walls and the remnants of old machinery, are all that’s left of a once-thriving gold industry. As you explore the site, you can almost hear the echoes of the past—the clanging of metal, the shouts of workers, and the hum of the mill as it processed gold. The area around Bushiribana is also dotted with old mining shafts and tunnels, many of which remain unexplored. It’s a place where history and mystery intertwine, offering a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of Aruba’s story.
7. The Aruba Aloe Factory: A Different Kind of Green Tourism
For a unique off-the-beaten-path experience that combines history, culture, and sustainability, visit the Aruba Aloe Factory. Located in Hato, this factory has been producing aloe vera products for over a century and is one of the oldest aloe companies in the world. Aloe vera is a plant native to Aruba, and its soothing properties have been used by locals for generations.
A guided tour of the Aruba Aloe Factory offers a fascinating insight into the history of aloe cultivation on the island, as well as the process of turning the plant into high-quality skincare products. You’ll learn about the meticulous care that goes into harvesting and processing aloe, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the factory and the adjacent aloe fields. It’s a different kind of green tourism, one that emphasizes sustainability and the preservation of Aruba’s natural resources. Plus, you can pick up some of the factory’s renowned products as a unique souvenir of your visit.
Aruba is an island full of hidden wonders, each offering a different way to experience its natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical canyons of Frenchman’s Pass, the eerie ghost town of Bushiribana, or the tranquil waters of Spanish Lagoon, these off-the-beaten-path spots promise an adventure that goes beyond the usual tourist trails. So next time you find yourself on this Caribbean gem, take a detour from the typical destinations and discover the secret sides of Aruba that few have seen. You’ll come away with memories that are as unique as the island itself.
If you're planning a trip to Aruba and want to experience the island's hidden gems, consider staying at the Yellow Cunucu! This charming, locally-owned guesthouse offers a cozy and authentic Aruban experience, placing you just a short drive away from many of the off-the-beaten-path spots mentioned in this guide. Book your stay at the Yellow Cunucu for a truly unforgettable island adventure!