Aruba's second-highest peak attracts lionhearted souls with its 165m, 587-stair climb. Summiting Hooiberg (it means 'haystack' in Dutch) takes most people about 20 minutes, and the reward is more than worth it: you'll use the energy of a johnnycake or two, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Venezuela.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
4.44 MILES
Powerful wave action has worn this depression into the coastal limestone ridge. The surrounding rocks break the surf, so – with waves crashing all around …
4.78 MILES
Fronting a line of low-rise resorts just northwest of Oranjestad, Eagle is a long stretch of white sand that regularly makes lists of the best beaches in…
2.99 MILES
Limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and crashing waves make this beach experience different from all others on the island. This east-coast beauty is…
7.66 MILES
Up the hill from Arashi Beach, this tall sentinel is named for an old wrecked ship called the California, which is not the ship of similar name …
2.29 MILES
With 18 ostriches, 16 emus and a bunch of ducks, geese, peacocks, chickens and turtles, this well-kept little farm makes a fun and educational stop on…
2.67 MILES
Make an ass of yourself doting on these winsome critters, who will follow you around for attention and snacks. Donkeys were brought to Aruba by the…
4.94 MILES
Tucked between the low-rise and high-rise resort areas, this place will make your heart go aflutter, as the gorgeous gardens are teeming with butterflies…
2.43 MILES
Surfside is a pretty pleasant place to spend an afternoon if you're hankering after some sun, surf and sand. It's the best, most swimmable beach in…
Nearby Aruba attractions
0.92 MILES
About 1 mile west of Ayo Rock, these mysterious rock formations rise out of the desert landscape in the shape of creatures such as birds and dragons. It's…
1.9 MILES
Some say it's a pile of rocks; others say it's an incredible natural wonder. This fascinating geological formation is a popular spot for rock-climbers and…
2.29 MILES
With 18 ostriches, 16 emus and a bunch of ducks, geese, peacocks, chickens and turtles, this well-kept little farm makes a fun and educational stop on…
2.43 MILES
Surfside is a pretty pleasant place to spend an afternoon if you're hankering after some sun, surf and sand. It's the best, most swimmable beach in…
2.67 MILES
Make an ass of yourself doting on these winsome critters, who will follow you around for attention and snacks. Donkeys were brought to Aruba by the…
2.73 MILES
This shady refuge is a tribute to Queen Wilhelmina, the longest-reigning Dutch monarch (1890–1948).
2.75 MILES
It's not much to look at, but this 18th-century fort was built to defend the port against pirates. The attached Willem III Tower was added later, serving…
2.75 MILES
Fort Zoutman houses a tiny museum featuring rotating exhibits on the island's history. It's worth the price of admission just to climb to the top of the…