A part of the ABC islands, Curaçao continues to rise in recognition for vacationers searching for not simply wonderful days on the seaside, however distinctive island experiences. This island is within the Caribbean Sea, proper off the coast of Venezuela. Curaçao is a multicultural society which is mirrored in its languages, with Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish all extensively spoken on the island.
Forward of your go to, you could be attempting to determine craft a Curaçao trip itinerary. Or perhaps you’re extra targeted on what to do in Curaçao for every week. And that’s exactly the place we are available. The secret’s to maintain issues so simple as doable. Keep away from filling your days with too many actions, and make sure that you’ve received the right launch pad, like one of many island’s beachside all-inclusive resorts, to take all of it in.
Image: The views from the beachside Sandals Royal Curaçao are really charming!
That can assist you get your trip planning collectively, let’s dive into our Curaçao Itinerary information. We’ve included perception on the most effective time to go to, must-see sights, distinctive eating places, energetic nightlife and extra!
Good to know: In 2023, Curaçao welcomed over 500,000 guests, marking a major enhance from earlier years.
Desk of Contents
Crafting Your Curaçao Itinerary
Preferrred Period and Greatest Time to Go to
Transportation and Lodging
Should-Go to Sights and Actions
Seashores and Water Actions
Cultural and Historic Websites
Pure Wonders and Outside Adventures
Culinary Experiences and Nightlife
Native Delicacies and Eating Choices
Nightlife and Leisure
Off-the-Crushed-Path Experiences
Sustainable Tourism in Curaçao
Key Takeaways for Your Curaçao Journey
Crafting your Curaçao Itinerary
Forward of your Curaçao trip, deciding the place to remain, for the way lengthy, and the wager time to go are essential. Give some thought to climate patterns (extra on this later), journey seasons, and native occasions. Whereas planning, understand that the length of your journey issues. A number of days is usually a good window to get a style of the island, whereas a week-long keep can enable sufficient time to discover main highlights whereas nonetheless leaving room for leisure. Beneath, we’ve included solutions for 4, 5, 7 and 10 day Curaçao trip itineraries to assist get you began.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Resort Exploration
Afternoon: Test into your resort and discover the facilities.
Night: Stroll alongside the seashore and catch your first Caribbean sundown earlier than settling in for dinner at one of many resort eating places.
Day 2: Shete Boka Nationwide Park
Morning: Enterprise out to Shete Boka Nationwide Park to see Curaçao’s rugged shoreline, together with dramatic caves and blowholes.
Afternoon: Return to the resort for a soothing poolside lunch and cocktails.
Night: Get pleasure from a romantic night with eating underneath the celebs on the resort’s beachfront restaurant.
Day 3: Klein Curaçao Tour
Morning: Take a catamaran tour to Klein Curaçao, an uninhabited island with attractive seashores and alternatives for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Afternoon: Settle in for a soothing spa therapy or sundown lounging poolside.
Night: Unwind with a energetic themed dinner night time or stay leisure on the resort.
Day 4: Resort Downtime + Departure
Morning: Savor your final hours within the islands with a leisurely breakfast and one closing dip within the pool.
Pack and put together for departure.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Resort Exploration
Afternoon: Settle into your suite and take within the ocean views.
Night: Get pleasure from a welcome cocktail and eating at a resort restaurant of your alternative.
Day 2: Willemstad Exploration
Morning: Head into Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage metropolis, and discover the colourful Handelskade waterfront, Queen Emma Bridge, and native retailers.
Afternoon: Return to the resort for lunch and a soothing afternoon by the pool or personal seashore.
Night: Expertise Curaçao-inspired delicacies on the resort’s open-air restaurant.
Day 3: Shete Boka Nationwide Park + Playa Kenepa Grandi
Morning: Make a journey to Shete Boka Nationwide Park to marvel at its distinctive coastal landscapes.
Afternoon: Cease at Playa Kenepa Grandi, considered one of Curaçao’s hottest seashores, for snorkeling or sunbathing.
Night: Return to your resort for an informal beachfront dinner and stay music.
Day 4: Klein Curaçao Tour
Morning: Embark on a Klein Curaçao catamaran tour to snorkel with sea turtles and chill out on the pristine seashore.
Afternoon: Return to the resort for downtime on the spa or pool.
Night: Have a good time your final night time with a particular personal dinner expertise organized by the resort.
Day 5: Resort Downtime + Departure
Morning: Take a closing stroll alongside the resort’s personal seashore and luxuriate in breakfast in your terrace.
Pack and put together to your flight house.
7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Resort Exploration
Afternoon: Test into your all-inclusive resort and luxuriate in a welcome drink as you settle into your suite.
Night: Start your trip with a dinner that includes Curaçao’s native flavors at one of many resort’s prime eating places.
Day 2: Chill out on the Resort
Image: Double infinity pool at Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Morning: Unwind with a leisurely breakfast and spend the day exploring the resort’s swimming pools, seashore, and water actions.
Night: Watch the sundown whereas sipping cocktails poolside.
Day 3: Shete Boka Nationwide Park + Playa Kenepa Grandi
Morning: Discover the rugged fantastic thing about **Shete Boka Nationwide **Park.
Afternoon: Cease by Playa Kenepa Grandi for snorkeling or leisure earlier than heading again to the resort.
Night: Get pleasure from an informal Caribbean-inspired dinner on the resort.
Day 4: Willemstad Exploration + Native Eating
Morning: Spend the day exploring Willemstad’s vibrant streets, together with a floating market, museums, and the enduring Punda district.
Afternoon: Attempt native Curaçao delicacies at a beneficial restaurant.
Night: Return to the resort for an night of leisure and cocktails.
Day 5: Klein Curaçao Tour
Morning: Take a catamaran to Klein Curaçao for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and beachside leisure.
Afternoon: Return to the resort for spa therapies or lounging by the pool.
Night: Bask in a sublime eating expertise on the resort.
Day 6: Cas Abao Seaside + Resort Enjoyable
Morning: Go to Cas Abao Seaside, identified for its turquoise waters and vibrant marine life.
Afternoon: Spend your final full day enjoyable on the resort, attempting out water sports activities or having fun with a {couples}’ therapeutic massage.
Night: Have a good time your closing night time with a romantic personal dinner organized by the resort.
Day 7: Resort Downtime + Departure
Morning: Get pleasure from a closing dip within the pool or ocean earlier than breakfast.
Pack and put together to your departure, taking the final moments to soak within the Curaçao sunshine.
10-Day Curaçao Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Resort Exploration
Afternoon: Test into your resort, make your solution to your suite and take within the gorgeous ocean views.
Night: Get pleasure from your first night with poolside cocktails then dinner.
Day 2: Resort Leisure
Morning: Begin your day with breakfast in your personal balcony, adopted by a swim on the resort pool.
Afternoon: Bask in spa therapies or lounge by the seashore with a superb e-book.
Night: Get pleasure from dinner out on the beachfront.
Day 3: Willemstad Exploration
Morning: Go to Willemstad’s historic Punda district to see the colourful Handelskade, Queen Emma Bridge, and floating market.
Afternoon: Cease at an area café for lunch and discover boutique retailers and artwork galleries.
Night: Return to your all-inclusive resort for a relaxed night with stay leisure and dinner.
Day 4: Shete Boka Nationwide Park
Morning: Make a journey to Shete Boka Nationwide Park to witness dramatic coastal cliffs and blowholes.
Afternoon: Go to close by Playa Kenepa Grandi for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Night: Get pleasure from an informal dinner on the resort with Caribbean-inspired flavors.
Day 5: Klein Curaçao Tour
Morning to Afternoon: Embark on a boat journey to Klein Curaçao, the place you’ll be able to snorkel, swim, or discover the lighthouse on this pristine, uninhabited island.
Night: Return to the resort and luxuriate in a personal eating expertise or a themed dinner night time.
Day 6: Cas Abao Seaside + Leisure
Morning: Go to Cas Abao Seaside, identified for its turquoise waters and glorious snorkeling alternatives.
Afternoon: Head again to the resort for poolside lounging or take pleasure in a {couples}’ therapeutic massage on the RedLane Spa.
Night: Dine al fresco underneath the celebs. Ideally, by candlelight.
Day 7: Blue Room Cave + Playa Lagun
Morning: Discover the Blue Room, a gorgeous underwater cave with mesmerizing blue hues.
Afternoon: Cease at Playa Lagun, a serene seashore that’s nice for recognizing sea turtles and having fun with some downtime.
Night: Return to the resort for a sundown dinner by the ocean.
Day 8: Black Bay or Flamingo Sanctuary
Morning: Take a guided hike to Black Bay to see distinctive black sand seashores and hidden caves. Or go to the Flamingo Sanctuary close to Jan Kok to see vibrant flamingos of their pure habitat.
Afternoon: Get right into a pool aerobics session at your resort.
Night: Chill out with cocktails and bask in worldwide delicacies for dinner.
Day 9: Resort Enjoyable + Sundown Cruise
Morning: Spend your final full day having fun with the resort’s actions, together with paddleboarding, kayaking, or a cooking class.
Afternoon: Lounge by the infinity pool or take within the views out of your suite.
Night: Finish your day with a romantic sundown catamaran cruise organized by the resort.
Day 10: Resort Downtime + Departure
Morning: Get pleasure from a relaxed breakfast by the seashore and take one final stroll alongside the shore.
Pack and put together for departure, taking within the closing moments of Curaçao’s magnificence.
Good to know: Generally it’s higher to plan watersports early on in your trip, fairly than leaving this for the final day. With many resorts, there’s a set schedule for issues like dives, and with Sandals Resorts, the dive places can range based mostly on the day.
Greatest Time to Go to Curaçao
The best time to visit Curaçao is throughout peak season (December to mid-April). These months are finest if you wish to go to at a time when there’s tons occurring, together with Curaçao Carnival. This island’s annual carnival culminates in an enormous avenue parade within the month of March.
Throughout peak season in Curaçao, you’ll be able to discover standard sights just like the Ostrich Farm. This farm tour features a thrilling safari journey and an opportunity to see child ostriches. Plein Air Curaçao, a large-scale portray occasion open to the general public, and Curaçao Culinair, one of many island’s largest meals festivals, occur in April, throughout peak season. The attract of peak season has a lot to do with the unimaginable climate. And as you may anticipate, it’s a really busy time to fly to this island. We’ll discover extra about peak season slightly in a while.
Climate Concerns
Climate concerns are vital with regards to reserving an island getaway. It’s at all times finest to journey with good climate in sight, however there are different issues to contemplate too. Earlier than confirming your trip dates, let’s dive in slightly deeper and discover what you’ll be able to anticipate with Curaçao’s climate.
We’ll begin with the temperatures. If there have been one phrase to explain Curaçao’s temperatures, it might be constant. This island is heat year-round. On common, you’ll be able to anticipate issues to be within the area of 78°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C). This island has a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December. However, even within the wet season, showers don’t normally final lengthy. They’re usually localized as effectively. General, Curaçao simply doesn’t have as a lot rainfall as different tropical locations. That is a lot because of its arid local weather. As for sea temperatures, these vary from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F) all year long.
As for hurricanes, Curaçao is outdoors of the hurricane belt which makes it a lot much less seemingly that a lot of these interruptions will have an effect on your trip. A really promising trip forecast, if you happen to ask us!
Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons
Peak season is the most well-liked time to journey to Curaçao. This time of 12 months is finest for holidays with a lot of seashore time and diving. Excursions, excursions and actions are available too. As peak season is such an unimaginable time to go to this island, particularly for vacationers who need to escape colder temperatures, it may be extra expensive to journey throughout this time. The excellent news? You possibly can work round this if you happen to e-book your trip early.
The subsequent finest time to trip in Curaçao is in the course of the off-season (September to early November). Throughout this time, the island is quieter with much less crowds at standard sights. This is usually a good time to go to Curaçao for a low-key tropical escape. Off-season can include lodging and flight offers, so that is one thing that you could look out for forward of your journey.
Then there’s shoulder season. That is one other off-peak choice for touring to Curaçao. The shoulder season (Might to November) affords the most effective of each worlds: nice climate, fewer crowds, and higher offers. If you happen to’re wanting to save cash and don’t thoughts the occasional rain bathe, contemplate visiting in the course of the off-peak months.
Getting Round Curaçao
Forward of touching down in Curaçao there’s just a few belongings you’ll want to determine. This contains transportation preparations for getting across the island. As with journeys to different locations, this largely depends upon your price range, journey fashion and the place you’ll be staying. The benefit of this island is that the highway community is effectively maintained, and most main sights are accessible by automotive. This leaves many choices open to get round, together with by bus, taxi, or with a automotive rental.
Some guests want to depend on public transportation to get round. If you happen to select to discover this route, it will contain making your means across the island on the general public bus system generally known as “Konvoi”. This technique connects main cities and customer areas. Different vacationers want the automotive rental choice which might be handy. If you happen to don’t need to drive, taxis are additionally an choice. All of it depends upon the sights you propose on visiting throughout your trip.
Rental Automotive vs. Public Transportation
The are just a few vital concerns when evaluating the automotive rental choice with public transportation in Curaçao. Rental automobiles are finest for flexibility and comfort however can value extra. This is usually a worthwhile choice if you happen to’ve received off-the-beaten-path excursions (distant seashores and visits to the countryside) in your Curaçao itinerary. With last-minute itinerary modifications, such a flexibility is useful. Most main automotive rental corporations function in Curaçao.
Public transportation might be handy for brief stops, significantly when exploring areas across the metropolis (Willemstad). Buses are a extra budget-friendly choice for getting round. If you’d like a guided tour as you make your means across the island, tour operators and taxis are the most suitable choice.
Good to know: If you happen to plan on taking out a rental in Curaçao, understand that driving is on the proper facet of the highway.
The place to Keep in Curaçao
Image: Sandals Royal Curaçao’s Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows.
The potentialities are far reaching in Curaçao with regards to lodging. You possibly can select from boutique inns and trip leases to inns and all-inclusive resorts. All of it depends upon your price range and preferences. Many guests select to remain at all-inclusive resorts like Sandals Royal Curaçao, the place most of your trip necessities are included along with your bundle. This contains lodging, eating, leisure, land and water sports activities, and extra. With 8 eating places, 13 bars, 3 numerous meals vehicles and several other swimming pools together with a double infinity pool, the beachfront Sandals Royal Curaçao continues to skyrocket in recognition.
Knowledgeable Tip: Staying at an all-inclusive resort in Curaçao is an effective choice if you happen to’re searching for comfort, a lot of completely different facilities multi function place, and beachfront views. Plus, you’ll be near a number of the finest sights in Curaçao!
Should-Go to Sights and Actions
Although Curaçao is nearly 171 sq. miles, the listing of choices on this island is intensive. On these shores, you’ll discover the whole lot from radiant seashores to world-class dive websites and cultural and historic sights. For an itinerary that embraces the island’s wealthy cultural heritage and pure wonders, right here’s just a few places you’ll be able to embrace in your itinerary:
Greatest Seashores in Curaçao
There are over 35 seashores in Curaçao, and also you may need to add just a few of those to your Curaçao itinerary. The seashores on this island vary from secluded coves to choices with energetic seashore golf equipment. With clear water and numerous marine life, there’s tons you’ll be able to rise up to in your seashore day. Because the island is within the southern Caribbean, the water tends to be calmer on the leeward (western coast), which makes this space preferrred for swimming and water sports activities.
The best beaches in Curaçao embrace Playa Kenepa (often known as Grote Knip), Cas Abao and Playa Lagun. Playa Kenepa is beloved for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand, whereas Cas Abao affords facilities like seashore chairs, water sports activities tools leases, and a restaurant. Playa Lagun is a peaceable cove that’s small, secluded and preferrred for a peaceable few hours close to the ocean.
Image: Cas Abao Seaside in Curaçao.
Good to know: Curaçao is a chief dive spot because of its thriving coral reefs that help a various marine ecosystem. There are over 500 species of fish and 65 species of coral within the waters round this island. Make some extent of testing a number of the finest dive spots in Curaçao or simply snorkel close to your resort!
Cultural and Historic Websites
Curaçao has a variety of cultural and historic websites starting with the UNESCO World Heritage metropolis of Willemstad (the capital). Exploring this and different places can present perception into the island’s colonial previous and cultural evolution. A multicultural society with a mixture of Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish being the primary languages, right here’s the place you’ll be able to start:
Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites
Mixing Dutch colonial fashion with Caribbean influences, Willemstad, the capital metropolis of Curaçao speaks to the vibrancy of this island. Handelskade, the colourful buildings close to the waterfront, are a supply of intrigue for a lot of. These and different historic buildings within the metropolis present a glimpse into Curaçao’s colonial previous. The structure is likely one of the issues that stands out about this metropolis, and you’ll discover many native sights on this space together with museums.
Whereas in Willemstad, enterprise to the Queen Emma Bridge for a stroll. It is a floating pontoon bridge that swings open to permit ships to move and it’s a key fixture within the metropolis with charming views. To see much more colourful and distinctive Dutch colonial structure, go to the Punda and Otrobanda districts. These areas are separated by St. Anna Bay and have quaint Dutch colonial structure.
Kura Hulanda Museum
The displays on the Kura Hulanda Museum are housed in restored 18th and Nineteenth-century buildings. This museum is a must-visit if you wish to study concerning the transatlantic slave commerce and its affect on Curaçao and Caribbean area at massive. Positioned in Otrobanda, the gathering inside these partitions contains artifacts, paperwork, and interactive shows. The complicated historical past of the islands involves life right here and there are over 5,000 artifacts. Kura Hulanda has the most important African assortment within the Caribbean. Guided excursions can be found.
Pure Wonders and Outside Adventures
Making an attempt to determine what to do in Curaçao for every week? For a trip that features a lot of time outside, there are some key spots you may need to embrace in your itinerary. This goes past simply the seashores and extends to the numerous landscapes and different stand out pure sights. Right here’s just a few of the most well-liked:
Christoffel Nationwide Park
Curaçao’s semi-arid local weather has influenced the distinctive wildlife on the island. There are endemic species discovered nowhere else on the planet on these shores, and top-of-the-line locations to see this for your self is the Christoffel Nationwide Park. As conservation efforts on this island are in place to guard each terrestrial and marine ecosystems, parks like this proceed to thrive.
Christoffel Nationwide Park is the most important on this island. Yow will discover quite a lot of mountaineering trails right here, with probably the most difficult being the hike to the highest of Mount Christoffel, the island’s highest level at 1,220 ft (372 meters). Aside from this path, there are different trails on this park which can be appropriate for much less skilled hikers. The finest time to hike at this park is within the early morning to keep away from the warmth. It’s doable to discover Christoffel Nationwide Park on foot, by automotive, or with a guided tour. Whereas right here, look out for the Curaçao White-tailed Deer.
Good to know: Christoffel Nationwide Park is open day-after-day between 9 am and 4 pm. Entrance prices round USD $10 per particular person.
Shete Boka Nationwide Park
Skete Boka interprets to “seven inlets”, and it is a nationwide park in northern Curaçao. There’s an underwater cavern right here generally known as Boka Tabla that showcases the uncooked energy of the ocean. This is likely one of the highlights of this park which additionally serves as a nesting floor for sea turtles. As such, it’s an vital conservation zone and covers about 10 kilometers alongside the island’s coast. The Shete Boka Nationwide Park has notable limestone formations which can be attention-grabbing to see up shut. It’s price including this park to your Curaçao trip itinerary if you wish to spend a while in a serene setting with scenic vistas.
Native Markets
Supporting native markets is an effective solution to give again to the island of Curaçao. In spite of everything, the locals actually are those that preserve issues shifting. The Previous Market (Marsche Bieuw) or Serena’s Artwork Manufacturing facility are two of the most effective choices for such a expertise. At these places, you’ll be capable to buy handmade craft objects just like the well-known Chichi dolls, hand-painted and adorned in vibrant attire. The title chichi means “older sister”, and this is likely one of the hottest memento objects to take again house from Curaçao. If you happen to go to Serena’s Artwork Manufacturing facility, you’ll be capable to take part in workshops to paint your personal Chichi doll.
Another choice is the Floating Market in Willemstad. At this location, Venezuelan merchants promote contemporary produce and fish from their boats. Spices can typically be bought at this bustling location. If you happen to’re on a strolling tour, attending to this location results in different memento retailers and outside market places. The better part about supporting the native markets and shopping for souvenirs and native merchandise is that you just’re serving to to help native artisans, distributors, and their households.
Good to know: Other than the sights talked about, there are many different alternatives to transcend the bizarre in Curaçao. Throughout your trip, you’ll be able to expertise Curaçao’s distinctive geological formations, together with limestone terraces and volcanic rock, which contribute to its numerous panorama.
Culinary Experiences and Nightlife
To see Curaçao in full coloration, take a while to expertise the culinary scene and nightlife. This island has a vibrant leisure scene that may vary from laid-back seashore bars to energetic nightclubs. A few of the spots price visiting embrace Madero Ocean Membership on Mambo Seaside Boulevard, Moist & Wild Seaside Membership, Cabana Seaside Membership, Miles Jazz Café, Membership Zen, and others. The weekly Punda vibes held each Thursday within the Punda district can also be a well-attended occasion.
As for the native delicacies, you’ll discover from day one which this displays the island’s multicultural heritage. The African, Dutch, and Caribbean flavors melded along with native touches actually communicate to the center of the island. As you discover the normal dishes and worldwide fusion delicacies, you may need to modify your Curaçao itinerary to slot in much more eating experiences!
Native Delicacies and Eating
Curaçao’s culinary panorama is stuffed with undeniably engaging choices. This may be seen via the road meals that you just may come throughout whereas there and the best restaurants in Curaçao that received’t be laborious to search out. These eating places serve up the whole lot from the normal keshi yená, the nationwide dish of Curaçao, to funchi, a breakfast favourite. Right here’s a number of the should strive native dishes on this island:
Keshi yená – That is Curaçao’s nationwide dish, and it consists of spiced rooster and greens with cheese because the binding agent. This dish is usually stuffed with olives and prunes as effectively. With African and Dutch influences, yow will discover Keshi Yená at many native eating places on the island.
Funchi – A foodie’s day in Curaçao may begin with a standard breakfast of Funchi. That is basically cornmeal porridge that resembles polenta. Funchi is usually served as a facet with different island staples.
Stoba (stew) – A hearty stew that may be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Stoba is made with rooster, beef, or goat, and these components are gradual cooked with contemporary greens and fragrant spices. That is a kind of objects that you need to strive not less than as soon as!
Pastechi – This dish falls on the street meals class and it consists of fried pastries stuffed with cheese, meat or fish. These crescent formed snacks have a flaky crust and are just like empanadas.
Blue Curaçao liqueur – Blue Curaçao liqueur is constituted of the peels of the laraha citrus fruit native to Curaçao. This liqueur falls within the class of must-try drinks in Curaçao. It’s a generally seen ingredient for cocktail recipes!
Other than these, there are a lot of unimaginable Curaçao food and drinks you may need to strive throughout your trip. These actually can add a cultural medley of flavors to your island escape!
Meals Excursions and Cooking Lessons
Meals excursions are an exquisite solution to get slightly nearer to island tradition. And with cooking courses obtainable in Curaçao, you’ll additionally be capable to take a bit of the island house with you after your go to. Both of those are a superb choice to discover the island’s delicacies. Native meals excursions will take you to a number of the most standard eating places and avenue meals places on the island, typically in and round Willemstad. Cooking courses alternatively make it doable to discover ways to make conventional meals objects. These actions are finest for vacationers who need to study concerning the cultural heritage of Curaçao via the island’s numerous flavors.
Nightlife and Leisure
Very similar to Curaçao’s delicacies, the nightlife and leisure scene supply a novel perspective. Not simply that however getting out and about on this island is an opportunity to let unfastened and make new connections. Whether or not you need to sip cocktails close to the ocean or dance the night time away, right here’s a number of the finest locations to go:
Good to know: At Sandals Royal Curaçao, you may get a style of the native leisure and nightlife in Curaçao with out leaving your resort. Leisure choices embrace stay reveals, themed events, seashore occasions, cultural performances, and extra!
Pietermaai District
Positioned in Willemstad, the Pietermaai District is a well-liked hub for bars and eating places. It is a fashionable neighborhood the place restored mansions now function bars, eating places, and stay music spots. Let the music paved the way as you discover this space beginning with Mundo Bizarro and its eclectic decor and stay jazz performances. For an evening of craft cocktail indulgence, go to 27 Curaçao, a speakeasy-style bar tucked away behind a cigar store.
Curaçao Carnival
Held yearly in February or March, Curaçao Carnival is a significant spotlight on the island’s occasion calendar. If you happen to go to the island throughout this time, you’re in for a deal with. There’s normally extra actions taking place on the island round carnival time because the occasion falls throughout peak season. Carnival is the greatest cultural occasion in Curaçao and usually options parades, music, and colourful costumes.
The foremost spotlight of carnival celebrations in Curaçao is the Grand Carnival Parade in Willemstad. Throughout this occasion, it’s frequent to see floats and dancers within the streets. There are each grownup and kids’s parades at Curaçao Carnival, and the occasion options native genres together with tumba with its rhythmic African roots.
Good to know: Even if you happen to don’t plan on visiting throughout carnival, you’ll be able to find out about this custom on the Curaçao Carnival Museum in Otrobanda.
Off-the-Crushed-Path Experiences
Whereas in Curaçao, make a while to go to off-the-beaten path seashores, coves and even enterprise to the countryside to see a distinct facet of the island. With the latter, you’ll have an opportunity to go to small villages, farms, and different pure sights. Plus, as you get away from the town, you’ll get to witness the various landscapes which vary from arid cacti-filled plains to lush hills.
Kunuku Homes
In Curaçao, it doesn’t get extra conventional than Kunuku homes that are basically conventional Curaçaoan farmhouses. These homes are normally easy and colourful and are made with supplies together with coral stone and clay tiles. Again within the day, plantation staff and farmers had been among the many individuals who lived in kunuku homes. There’s nonetheless a handful of those homes round in the present day which have been restored and are open to guests. At some places, you’ll be capable to get into craft workshops and native cooking courses. With a go to to those historic gems, you may get a glimpse into Curaçao’s agricultural previous and the each day lifetime of rural inhabitants.
Aloe Vera Plantation Excursions
There are a restricted variety of islands the place you’ll be able to embark on organized aloe vera plantation excursions and Curaçao is considered one of them. This island’s dry local weather is good for rising aloe vera, and this crop has been cultivated right here for so long as most individuals keep in mind. Throughout your trip, you’ll have entry to various aloe vera plantations that’ll provide you with an in depth up have a look at its cultivation. These excursions are a great way to study concerning the completely different makes use of of aloe vera and its significance in Curaçaoan tradition and financial system. If you wish to see how aloe vera is harvested and processed, and even buy regionally made aloe merchandise as souvenirs, you’ll be able to go to locations just like the Curaçao Aloe Vera Plantation.
Good to know: As a part of your aloe vera plantation tour, you’ll be able to take part in hands-on workshops the place you’ll be able to discover ways to extract the gel from aloe leaves and create your personal pure skincare merchandise. This makes it doable to realize a deeper appreciation for this versatile plant.
Distinctive Sights
One of many issues that units Curaçao aside as a trip vacation spot is the distinctive actions that guests can get into whereas there. This ranges from visiting ostrich farms to going flamingo recognizing at Jan Kok Salt Flats. Forward of your journey, let’s take a better have a look at a number of the actions you may need to strive:
Flamingo Recognizing at Jan Kok Salt Flats
There aren’t many islands the place you’ll be able to go flamingo recognizing, however in Curaçao, you completely can. Head to the Jan Kok Salt Flats on the west coast of Curaçao for this journey. Right here, you’ll have an opportunity to see flamingos of their pure habitat. These vibrant, pink birds are a sight to witness, nevertheless it’s vital to notice that they aren’t naturally pink. Flamingos’ feathers are grey once they hatch. They change into pink because of their weight-reduction plan which consists of algae, shrimp and different organisms which can be wealthy in carotenoids.
At Jan Kok Salt Flats, you’ll be capable to see these birds wading via the shallow waters of the salt pans. The finest time to see them is within the early morning or late afternoon. For higher views, stroll along with your binoculars. Conservation efforts are in place on this space to guard wildlife. Within the Jan Kok space, it’s also possible to view the ruins of an previous plantation home that may be an attention-grabbing photograph backdrop.
Good to know: The Jan Kok Salt Flats are a part of Curaçao’s historic salt manufacturing trade, which dates again to colonial occasions.
Landhuis Ascension
Visits to previous plantation homes are doable in Curaçao. Probably the most standard locations for that is Landhuis Ascension within the Boca Sami space. This location was based in 1672. Crops like maize, cotton, and beans had been grown right here. Within the Nineteenth century, cattle breeding turned extra standard, and ultimately, actions started to decelerate.
If you happen to go to this hilltop restored plantation in Curaçao, you’ll be capable to discover a few of Curaçao’s colonial previous. There’s a museum and a cultural heart right here, and excursions can be found. Whereas at Landhuis Ascension, pause for a second and take within the panoramic views of the encircling countryside and shoreline.
Learnings Recap
And that’s Curaçao in a nutshell! As we wrap up our Curaçao itinerary information, let’s evaluation a number of the key factors forward of your island getaway. Keep in mind, flexibility is vital. It’s at all times nice to have a plan however go away room for spontaneous discoveries and surprising finds! Here is what you want to bear in mind:
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The finest time to go to Curaçao is in the course of the peak season months of December to April.
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Shoulder season (Might-June, November) is price contemplating for good climate and fewer crowds.
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Curaçao is outdoors of the hurricane belt and subsequently much less inclined to main storms.
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Discover past the seashores: Whereas Curaçao’s shoreline is gorgeous, don’t miss out on its wealthy cultural heritage and numerous landscapes.
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Embrace native flavors: From keshi yená to Blue Curaçao liqueur, the island’s delicacies is a journey in itself.
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Together with distinctive experiences like flamingo recognizing or visiting a kunuku home can provide you a deeper understanding of the island.
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Each historic and adventure-based excursions can be found on this island via locations just like the Kura Hulanda Museum and the Shete Boka Nationwide Park.
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Tempo your self: Curaçao operates on island time, so enable your self to decelerate and totally immerse within the laid-back Caribbean life-style.
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Keep secure: Whereas Curaçao is mostly secure for vacationers, at all times train frequent sense and take customary precautions, particularly when exploring distant areas or participating in water actions.
Image: Island holidays aren’t nearly getting away, they’re about residing. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, you’ll be able to stay utterly within the second with lodging, eating, leisure, land and water sports activities and extra included along with your trip bundle!
