Why you shouldn’t stack stones in Aruba

These carefully assembled rock piles have served as guideposts for travelers throughout ancient times, preventing them from losing their way in the natural world. Additionally, they've been used as burial monuments to honor the departed and as markers to locate concealed or meaningful items. These stacked stones symbolize direction, memory, and a deep respect for the land. However, in Aruba, this practice is strongly discouraged due to its adverse environmental consequences. Learn more about why you shouldn’t stack stones when you’re visiting Aruba.
 

What is the meaning of stacked stones?

Stacking stones holds special significance as human-made landmarks and memorials. But what’s the exact meaning of these rock stacks? Over time, this practice has evolved into a meaningful way to create guiding points and remember important locations. Stacked stones have been used since ancient times to mark paths and ensure that travelers do not lose their way in nature. They have also served as burial monuments, helping to honor and remember those who have passed away. Moreover, these rock piles have functioned as landmarks for locating hidden or significant items. In essence, stacked stones carry a deep historical and cultural significance as symbols of direction, memory, and respect for the land. While the practice has gained popularity among tourists, it is important to remember the traditional and meaningful origins of stacking stones.

Why you shouldn’t stack rocks in Aruba

In Aruba, it's strongly discouraged to stack rocks, and there are good reasons for this. So, why shouldn’t you stack rocks in Aruba? The most important reason for this is that these rock piles disrupt the natural balance of the environment. Every time a pile is built, it scares away the local wildlife and harms their habitats. Think about the little creatures like crabs, insects, and geckos that rely on these rocks for shelter and safety. By disturbing these habitats, we risk causing harm to these small species, and some experts even suggest that it could lead to their extinction. Besides, it’s also against the code of conduct. While having fun stacking rocks might sound tempting, the impact on nature and its delicate ecosystems is simply not worth it. To protect the island's natural beauty and the creatures that call it home, it's best to leave the rocks as they are and appreciate the natural landscape without adding more stacked stones. So, while visiting Aruba, let's show our care for nature by refraining from rock stacking and help keep the island's environment safe and beautiful.

Environmental consequences of stacking stones

When stones are piled up, it disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem. These carefully stacked stones can serve as homes and hiding places for various small creatures like crabs, insects, and geckos. When we build these unnatural structures, we scare these animals away and endanger their survival. Moreover, excessive rock stacking can even lead to the extinction of certain species, a serious threat to biodiversity. Additionally, the rocks used for these stacks are part of the habitat for these small creatures, and by removing them, we are essentially taking away their shelter. This disturbance to the natural environment can have far-reaching effects on the local wildlife and the delicate ecosystems they depend on. So, while it might be tempting to create these rock piles, it's essential to consider the adverse impact on the environment and the creatures that call it home. To protect these ecosystems, avoid environmental consequences and work towards sustainability on the island, it's best to avoid rock stacking and leave nature undisturbed.