Top Hiking Trails in Aruba

With sparkling Caribbean waves and glorious white sands, Aruba attracts beach-lovers in droves. However, there’s more to this jewel of the Caribbean than just the beaches. The island’s fascinating desert interior invites travelers into a realm full of adventure.

Hikes traverse cactus-studded landscapes leading to stunning natural swimming holes and rocky peaks. To fully enjoy this exotic island, prepare by lacing up comfortable shoes, applying sun protection, and bringing plenty of water, then head for these incredible hiking destinations in Aruba.

Conchi Natural Pool Trail

Best hike for dazzling views

7.7km (4.8 miles) round trip, 3 hours, easy

Aruba’s normally smooth roads transition to a rugged gravel trail en route to Conchi Natural Pool. Protected from the crashing waves by a wall of rocks, this natural pool on the eastern coast is the most popular natural attraction on the island. Most visitors typically take the convenient 4WD track to the pool, yet those who choose to hike are rewarded with breathtaking views along the way, passing through aisles of prickly pear cacti and encountering an array of diverse plants and wildlife.

Starting at the Arikok National Park visitor center, this trail winds through the island’s dry interior before joining the 4WD track, which can often become congested with vehicles. To avoid the crowds, start your hike early in the morning and experience the tranquility of one of Aruba’s most secluded and beautiful locations.

Daimara to Conchi Natural Pool

Best for a gentle hike

3.8km (2.4 miles) round trip, 1.5 hours, easy

This shorter, seaside route to Arikok National Park’s renowned natural pool offers a gentle alternative, featuring continuous views of the coastline and the delightful sights of wildflowers as you stroll past the dunes at Daimari and the captivating sands of Boca Keto beach. While travelers encounter eager swimmers at Aruba’s most famous swimming spot, the journey from Daimara is generally less crowded than the primary route to the pool. This route also provides excellent bird-watching opportunities, alongside inviting spots to sink your toes into the sand.

Aruba’s Northern Tip

Best hike for photo opportunities

4.1km (2.6 miles) round trip, 1 hour, easy

The historic California Lighthouse presides over a flat, dusty loop trail that meanders around the northernmost tip of Aruba. This less-traveled route features dirt roads, rocky shorelines, and sand dunes, delivering breathtaking views of the unspoiled coastline. The northern shoreline, north of Malmok, remains one of the island’s least visited areas, making it a perfect location for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

For photographers, this loop trail is a dream. Arriving before dawn allows for stunning sunrise photos over the rocky shore at Westpunt, while catching sunsets over the California Lighthouse from the Arashi Dunes creates unforgettable memories.

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins Walk

Best hike for families

1.4km (0.9 miles) round trip, 35 minutes

In 1824, a discovery of gold nuggets in the riverbed of Rooi Fluit triggered mining activity that led to the establishment of several gold mills during Aruba’s brief gold rush. The haunting remnants of this era still stand along the northern coast in the form of windswept, sandstone ruins at Bushiribana. A lightly trafficked loop trail guides you to the site where gold was transported via donkeys to smelters. This short, family-friendly hike pairs well with a visit to the nearby ostrich farm.

Bushiribana to Calbas via Wariruri Bay

Best hike for a beach stop-off

7.2km (4.5 miles) round trip, 2.5 hours, easy

This hike easily extends to the tranquil Wariruri Beach, a hidden gem frequented by surfers keen on catching waves over the submerged reef. Nestled beside a forest of cacti, Wariruri provides excellent opportunities for photography and people-watching, making it a worthwhile stop during your hike.

Balashi Gold Mill Ruins

Best hike for ruins

2.9km (1.8 miles) round trip, 50 minutes, easy

Another significant site from Aruba’s gold rush is the Balashi mill, situated near the island’s southwest and operational since 1899. Intended to surpass its predecessor at Bushiribana, the Balashi mill was shut down during World War I and never reopened. A loop trail leads to these impressive ruins, winding through the mangroves of Spanish Lagoon, where hikers may spot Caribbean parakeets nesting in the reserve.

Hooiberg Trail

Best hike close to Oranjestad

1km (0.6 miles) round trip, 30 minutes, moderate

Many visitors ascend the painted concrete stairs to 91m (300ft) atop Mt Hooiberg for sweeping views over Oranjestad and Santa Cruz. Those seeking an adventure can opt for an alternative route away from the crowds. Marked by red dots and arrows, this path leads through lush cacti and wildflowers, where the occasional wandering goat might appear, all while climbing to stunning panoramic views at the summit.

Sero Jamanota to Fontein Cave and Dos Playa

Best hike for wildlife-spotting

13.6km (8.5 miles) round trip, 4.5 hours, moderate

This challenging yet rewarding hike takes you to Aruba’s highest peak, Sero Jamanota, and features ancient Arawak artworks created more than a millennium ago. This loop through Arikok National Park showcases a diverse range of wildlife, including wild donkeys, rattlesnakes, and parakeets. After approximately 40 minutes of climbing to Sero Jamanota’s summit, hikers descend toward the historical Fontein Cave, adorned with drawings that date back over 500 years.

Concluding the hike with a 2.5km (1.5-mile) trek to the pristine twin beaches of Dos Playa offers some of the best surfing on the island. Post-hike, travelers who have worked up an appetite can venture an additional mile to the Boca Prins Cafe before looping back to the parking area at Sero Jamanota.