Located just 15 miles north of Venezuela in the southeast Caribbean, Aruba is an island of powdery beaches lining azure waters, high-rise resort hotels and a dozen or so dazzling casinos. It is one of the island trio known as the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.
Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, has some of the best international shopping found in the Caribbean. Dutch and Spanish-style buildings reflect the island’s rich cultural history.
Approximately 80,000 people live on this beautiful Dutch island paradise of 70 square miles. Tourism in the economy’s mainstay. With less than 20 inches of rainfall annually, cacti and divi-divi trees dot the landscape. From the peak of Hooiberg, a mountain which rises from the center of the island, Venezuela’s outline can sometimes be seen.
Aruba Facts
• Climate: Dry and sunny, temperature averages 82F. Very little rain.
• Currency: The Aruban florin, but US currency is widely accepted.
• Language: Papiamento is the local language, but Spanish and English are commonly used.
History
Discovered in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer, and considered not worth colonizing, Aruba was left to its native people, the Arawak Indians. After the Indians were shipped off to work as slaves in the mines of Hispaniola, the Dutch took claim of the island and still live peacefully there today.
From gold mines to oil refineries, Aruba has tried it all. The only trade that seems to help the economy is tourism. Investments in the island’s tourism has turned Aruba into one of the fastest growing Caribbean islands.
Where to Stay
Here are some of the best hotels:
• Americana Aruba Beach Resort & Casino
• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
• Divi Aruba Beach Resort
• Hyatt Regency Aruba
• Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
• Aruba Palm Beach Resort & Casino
• Aruba Sonesta Resorts at Seaport Village
• Caribbean Palm Village Resort
Transport & Getting Around
The public bus is an easy and inexpensive way to get about town. There is also a shopping-tour bus that stops at all the major hotels on the way to town.
Taxi are also an option. The drivers are friendly and the rates are fixed.
Another stress-free way to get around the island is by renting a car. With a valid driver’s license you can arrange a car from any rental below:
• Avis
• Budget
• Hertz
• National
• Marcos
• Toyota.
Top Things to Do
Whether your goal is to relax or be entertained, Aruba has it all for tourists: watersports, beaches, shopping, casinos and nightlife. Whatever your pace, the people of Aruba are anxious for you to enjoy their island home. Be sure to check out Famingo beach and see the exotic animals wandering around.
Food
Aruba has a variety of native dishes that visitors must try.
Here’s a brief translation of some typical menu items: ayacas–leaf-wrapped meat rolls cala–bean fritter funchi–like cornmeal pudding served with fish Java honde portie–rice, beef, vegetables and fried eggs covered with curry keshi yena–Edam cheese stuffed with a mixture of beef or chicken cooked with tomatoes, onions, olives, pickles and raisins pastechi–a meat-stuffed turnover rijsttafel–shrimp, meat, vegetables and fruit piled on a bed of rice stoba–a beef, lamb, or goat stew sopito de pisca–a fish chowder with onions, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and a variety of spices.
If these dishes don’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other restaurants on Aruba that will have what you are craving.
For international and local meals, try the Old Cunucu house which provides live entertainment on the weekends. Or enjoy a cozy atmosphere where diners feast upon local cuisine on a garden patio at the Papiament International Cuisine & Grill. If you are a steak lover and are looking for a unique dining experience, you must try Le Petit Cafe. It specializes in preparing steaks on hot stones at your table. While you are so close to the sea, fresh seafood is a must.