Arikok Park

[Modern Momma]

I was curious, has anyone been to Arikok Park lately? I am most interested in the Visitor Center and its surroundings. Is it a good place to stop for lunch? Also, directions would be most helpful!

Thanks,
ModMomma

[Andrea J.]

i have not been to arikok in yrs.
but, while in aruba 2 weeks ago, one of the women at the AM bb happy hr told my husband that she and her husband went......and were pretty impressed with the paved road conditions.

it think, and i might be wrong, but it have been mr and mrs EBB that were in arikok.
i will PM him as ask him to post a response.

http://www.aruba.com/OurPeoplePlaces...onal_Park.aspx

[mnwild]

We were there at the beginning of January. Since this was our first trip to Aruba, I have nothing to compare with, but we were very impressed with the visitors center. We did not eat there. The park has a nice paved road all the way through and there are spectacular views of the ocean towards the end.

One other note, we heard there was a fee to enter. When we approached the guard gate, I asked the guard how much did it cost to enter. His reply.... "Only a smile!"

We enjoyed a couple of short hikes, it was HOT, though.

Dan

[kthy66]

We were there in November. The improvements to Arikok are impressive.
The visitor center is nice and you can buy the usual souvenirs.. t-shirts, shotglasses etc etc... There is a little coffee house there.. not sure what they serve we didn't get anything there.

There are not many places to eat in the park.. there is a little place in between the turn offs to fontein cave and Guadirikiri cave. Not sure of the exact location and I don't see it on the map but you can't miss it since it is the only place around for miles.

The conservation fee to enter the park is $4 for adults and children under $17 are free as of January 1st 2010


Here is a link to the map of the park.

http://www.arubanationalpark.org/ima...okpark_map.pdf

[Eagle Beach Boy]

The Visitor Centre is nice. It has an area of education about the park, a gift shop, and a cafe. We did not ear there but it did look interesting.

To get there you drive across the middle of the island towards Santa Cruz.
Just before the stoplight you turn left at the sign. Follow the signs to the park as you drive through the country side.

The Park is paved but does have 46 drainage areas which are made of rocks.
Not a proble with a car. Just drive slow and enjoy the park.

You come out at Boca Prinz which is a restaurant/bar. Follow the gravel road out to San Nicolas under the new wind turbines.

[Andrea J.]

thank you EBB.
andrea

[Modern Momma]

Thanks everyone for your input on Arikok Park. I am hoping to stop by on our next trip.

-Modern Momma

[Eagle Beach Boy]

I Was talking to someone that went through the Park last week and they were told that there will be "charge" shortly.

The fee $8 was mentioned. Not sure if it was per car or per vehicle.

[Happy_Mom_13]

The national park map is very helpful. Can I assume that it's OK to take a regular car on the gravel roads, since other roads specify 4x4 only? Any idea how long some of the trails are? I realize it will be hot, dry, and sunny, but I'd definitely like to hike a bit in Aruba.

[wildewoman]

Is this where the ostrich farm is at??

Thanks!