Discover Curacao

Drive west into the country past the salt flats and flamingoes to a typical Curacaon village with an impressive church and excellent examples of both Cunucu and land houses - the original homes of both the poor and wealthy. Proceed to the spectacular Hato Caves. Deep within the cliffs, overlooking the north shore of the island is a dramatic collection of grottos filled with stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear pools, centuries in the making. At the foot of the caves is found the easily negotiated Petroglyphs Trail. A short stroll will take you past an ancient shelter for slave shepherds and exceptional 1,500-year-old religious scenes carved into the rock walls. From the Hato Caves you’ll continue to the Curacao Museum in Otrabanda, founded in 1946 and housed with a former military quarantine hospital. The museum combines contemporary art with an exhibition of life in Curacao during the mid 19th century. Crossing the Queen Juliana Bridge, 200 feet above Willemstad, you are afforded magnificent views of the city below. Your guide will point out major points of interest as you drive through Punda in the heart of Willemstad and past the Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in use in the Western Hemisphere. If you wish to stay in town, you may leave the tour at this point; otherwise, it’s a short five-minute drive back to your ship. Note: There are 50 steps to climb at the Hato Caves. Wear comfortable walking shoes.