Are you travelling to Curacao and want to learn about it? Check out this article and get to know some of the most incredible attractions that you can discover when travelling to the island. Curacao is a country located in Central America, with 150,000 inhabitants. Its capital is Willemstad. In addition to the Caribbean Sea, the country has a lot to offer tourists from all over the world. It is the largest island belonging to the ancient archipelago of the Dutch Antilles, one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the Caribbean today.
Curacao is great for diving and also offers extreme sports such as horseback riding, mountain biking, jeep safari and windsurfing. Popular culture is highly valued, and this reflects the amount of local artists and museums. English, Dutch, Spanish, French and Papiamento are the spoken languages. Florin is the official currency, however, the US dollar is accepted in almost all institutions.
In 2010, the inhabitants of the various islands of the archipelago took part in a referendum that decided their political destiny: its people chose to become an autonomous nation in the state of the Netherlands. This political change has not significantly changed this paradise, which has developed further as a tourist destination in Central America.
Among its attractions, the museum Kura Hulanda is located in the port of Willemstad, the capital of Curacao (see more). In the past, this Central American country has sold African products to European nations, such as the Netherlands. The museum shows how the slaves were captured in the African region, passed through the Middle East, and sent to the “New World”.
The Jewish Cultural Historical Museum present pieces and furniture from the colonial era. Also, there is a synagogue, which was built in the 17th century. Decorations include colonial-era pieces and furniture with photographs, fragments, and typical religious objects.
Then, Tula Museum depicts the history of the uprising of 1795, in which slaves, enraged by what was happening in the country, decided to fight against the authorities. The museum has a craft shop, guided tours and restaurants.
Another great museum is the Maritime Museum. Through photos, objects and tools, the museum displays 500 years of the country’s marine life history. The duration lasts 3 hours and tourists can learn about the boat´s navigation, in addition to seeing aquatic species such as squid. There are also many amazing bars, gift shops and cool restaurants.
The Curacao Museum is in the western part of Ostrobanda, and it features pre-Columbia indigenous artefacts, paintings by local and international artists, graphics and maps of the Americas. The colonial-style atmosphere also reflects the occupations that existed for the African slaves after the abolition of slavery, and depicts their beliefs, typical food, and lifestyle.
Another highlight on the island is the Queen Emma Bridge. This is a floating bridge, one of the most visited tourist destinations on the island. It is an excellent place for amazing souvenir photos. At night, the bridge is fully illuminated and its opening and closing is an attraction in itself.
Hato Caves is another amazing attraction. These caves are 60 meters above sea level and it is an incredible geological formation of over 250,000 years ago. There are guided tours where tourists can see glimpses of alluvial rocks scattered in the roof and mud. These sculptures are rich in details and produce curious designs that add more charm to the environment.
Christophel National Park is an interesting destination for adventurers exploring ecological trails and hiking. This is the first and largest park in the Carmabi Marine Reserve. It has guided jeep-tours and leisure options tours where you can see iguanas. Also, the mountains offer scenic views of the local landscapes.
Shete Boka National Park is a new creation. It covers the area from Boka Tabla (cave), in which the visitor can enjoy strong ocean currents in contact with the rocky parts of the region. It is only accessible by a trail built by 4×4 cars. The park crosses the north coast of Curacao, whose forests are protected, mainly because it is a breeding ground for turtles.
Wet and Wild Beach Club is on the edge of the artificial beach of Mambo Beach. It is a trendy place in Curacao. It is one of the island’s nightlife destinations. With bar service, snacks, drinks, food and live music, the atmosphere attracts many tourists.
