You have of course heard of the Caribbean island of Aruba. It is one of the former Dutch colonies on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Most holidaymakers go there to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the many entertainment options (especially in Oranjestad) and the beautiful weather. But did you know that Aruba also has beautiful natural beauty to offer and a rich cultural heritage? You can discover it for yourself in Arikok National Park.
Arikok National Park: from idea to reality
Arikok National Park is located in the northeast of Aruba, and covers no less than 17% of the island. The first idea for the creation of the park dates back to the late 1970s. The park should protect this part of the island against advancing housing construction, increased tourism and uncontrolled land use. In 1997, the ideas were made concrete and the design of the park started. The Arikok National Park not only aims to preserve the special, dry landscapes, but also preserving the cultural history of Aruba is a priority.
Varied landscape
Volcanic activity
Aruba was formed more than 90 million years ago by volcanic activity, and this is reflected in the park. The rolling hills along the park route from the park entrance to the coast are formed by rocks of the Aruba Lava Formation. Softer rocks were eroded by water, creating the grubs (dry riverbeds), which can be seen in many places in the park.
Coral and lime
In a later period, Aruba was largely underwater, and coral was deposited on part of the flooded island. A number of times the coral was pushed up by crustal movements, so that part of it is now above water, the limestone plateau in the southern part of the park. Dunes were formed in places that rose above the water, the sand of which hardened over the years. This can still be seen on the lime plateau. Rainwater has dissolved a large part of the lime, causing the plateau to have many sharp points. Good shoes are a must to walk across the limestone plateau.
Vegetation of Arikok
Lack of water
It is clear that the dry landscape of Arikok National Park offers only a few plant species the space to grow lushly. There are many cacti in the park; they are optimally adapted to drought. Keep in mind that Aruba only receives about 450 mm of rain per year, and most of that falls in the rainy season between October and January. A number of plants grow mainly in the clearings, where the water evaporates less quickly and therefore looks much greener and more flowery than in the rest of the park.
Soil, wind, sun and sea
Yet water is not the only factor that determines what the flora looks like in Arikok. The soil plays an important role. For example, the growth of a number of plant species is limited to the limestone plateau, while other species are found in the basalt area. The often strong wind, the bright sun and the ‘spray’ of splashing salty seawater also have an influence. For example, the wind, which usually blows from the east, causes many trees to grow crooked, all in the same direction, with the wind. All these factors, from rain to the salinity of the air, create specific conditions locally, each with unique vegetation.
Animal life
Varied and specialized vegetation goes hand in hand with a rich fauna. There are many drought-loving species, such as a variety of lizards and other reptiles. Naturally, all kinds of lobsters and crabs, snails and bivalves live on the coast. In addition, land crabs are also found. We also find a rich avifauna there. Shocos (a type of owl) breed in holes in the ground. There are many beautifully colored birds, such as the trupial (oriole family) and the prikichi (a type of parakeet). Terns also breed there and birds of prey are found, of which the warawara is the easiest to see.
Cultural history
Traces of early history
Aruba was already inhabited by Indians before the Spanish set foot there in 1499. The Indians mainly lived on the coast and on the more fertile lands inland. Potsherds from this Indian civilization have been found in the park. The original inhabitants have also left their mark in the park thanks to their cave drawings in Cunucu Arikok and Cave Fountain.
Agriculture
After the arrival of the Spaniards, Aruba was used as a pastureland. Goats, sheep, pigs and horses were imported and allowed to roam freely. In a number of places you can still find fences where cattle were herded together. Due to the drought, Aruba and the Arikok National Park are only moderately suitable for setting up plantations. Yet attempts were made by the colonialists. For example, a few hundred meters before the mouth of Rooi Prins are the remains of a former coconut plantation with the house. A walking route has been set out around it, which takes you past mango and medlar trees and takes you to an old well. The plantation is no longer in use and you will no longer find coconut trees there. They have been cut down and replaced by the original vegetation.
Gold rush in Arikok
In 1824, the discovery of a gold nugget in a grub led to a small ‘gold rush’. A permit to operate mines was even issued to the Aruba Gold Concessions Ltd of London in 1899. Remnants of the mines can still be found in the area around Miralamar in the park. Not much gold was found there.
Visit Arikok
Arikok National Park (Parke Nacional Arikok according to the Arubans) offers rich nature and cultural history. The park is easily accessible. Various walking routes have been set out, and there is a visitors complex at the entrance. Various educational activities take place and research is conducted into the flora and fauna of the park. Perhaps Arikok is an idea for a trip during your sun and beach holiday in Aruba?