Hiking in Curaçao: Step into the Island’s Natural Wonders

While you might primarily associate the Caribbean island with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Curaçao is also a true paradise for hiking. For active vacationers who want to explore the beauty of nature and engage in physical activity, we’ve compiled the most sought-after hiking spots for you. Let nature captivate you and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the island.

Whether you have already explored some hiking trails or are a complete novice to the hiking world, the island offers suitable routes worth exploring for everyone.

The Christoffelberg is the tallest mountain in Curaçao, located right in the middle of Christoffel Park — the largest and most popular national park on the Caribbean island. While you can comfortably stroll up the initial meters, you will need to demonstrate some climbing skills as the altitude increases. The effort is worth it, as you will be rewarded with a spectacular view.

The admission price for the park and the adjacent museum is $15.00. Both attractions are open daily from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Therefore, we recommend starting your hiking trip early in the morning. Not only is it usually less crowded, but you also have enough time to climb Christoffel Mountain before it gets too hot in the midday sun.

If you prefer to be part of a group and want to be accompanied by a local guide, a guided tour through Christoffel Park might be for you. You’ll explore the national park in a pickup and then hike up the mountain together. You also stop at Boca Grandi, a beach within the national park, which impresses with its fascinating nature. A great exploration tour for those who want to hike and also learn more about the island and its flora and fauna from locals.

Those who prefer a bit more adventure will find a hiking tour up Tafelberg to be perfect, known for its flat top. The mountain located to the east is not only popular among hiking enthusiasts but also known for action-packed climbing tours.

On the accompanied excursion, you have the option to climb great climbing spots. Your experienced guide will explain the basics of climbing so that you can rappel down steep walls and enjoy the view. An unforgettable experience for those who want an extra dose of adrenaline in their hiking.

An affordable alternative is a trip to Kabrietenberg, which at 149 feet is relatively small. You reach it by walking past the ruins of Fort Beekenburg, another recommendable attraction you can visit during your vacation in Curaçao.

The path to Kabrietenberg is easy to manage and here too you will be rewarded with a phenomenal view of the island. You get a great view of the Spanish Waters with its many small islands and a multitude of sailboats. A truly impressive sight.

Particularly for novice hikers, a trip to the Zoutpannen at Jan Thiel Beach is recommended. The 3.1-mile-long path along the salt pans is located south of the island’s capital. Originally, the salt pans were created to harvest salt from seawater.

Although the salt pans no longer serve their original purpose, they are still intact and today a popular destination. Due to the special composition of the water, it shimmers in pinkish hues, making it a coveted photo motif.

On your tour, you can not only explore the lagoon itself but also experience flamingos in the wild. With a bit of luck, you might also spot more water birds and exotic animals on your hiking trip. Access to the hiking path is available, for example, through Sorsaka Park, where you can also park your rental car excellently.

Curaçao offers a variety of different routes and spots for hiking enthusiasts. Experienced travelers who do not shy away from a few climbing sessions will particularly enjoy an excursion to Tafelberg. For inexperienced hikers, a tour through the salt pans is recommended, where you can fully enjoy the beautiful nature.