Walking in Aruba: Streetcar, Murals, Hooiberg
Where to Walk on Aruba
Aruba has no long hiking trails, but it has several rewarding short walks: a heritage stroll in Oranjestad, a mural trail in San Nicolas, a stair climb up Hooiberg and ranger-led hikes in Arikok. Heat is the main limit, so walk at dawn or late in the day, wear a hat and carry water. Prices are in US dollars.
Oranjestad on Foot
The harbor town’s heritage cluster is compact. Fort Zoutman was completed in 1796, and the Willem III Tower beside it dates from 1868. Inside is the Historical Museum of Aruba. The National Archaeological Museum, known as MANA, sits at Schelpstraat 42 and keeps weekday hours of around 9:00 to 17:00; check the fee and times first.
A free open-air streetcar links the cruise-terminal area with Main Street over 1.9 km and 10 stops. It generally runs from about 10:00 to 16:00 except on Sundays, and the number of trolleys depends on cruise-ship arrivals. Check the weekly timetable on arutram.com . Rain or an obstruction on the rails can stop service briefly.
Following the San Nicolas Murals
San Nicolas, in the south of the island, has more than 60 murals along its streets. You can follow them on your own at no cost. A guided option is Aruba Mural Tours, led by the ArtisA gallery, which lasts 2 to 3 hours and is listed at $15 to $35 depending on the route. The Aruba Art Fair takes place in September.
Climbing Hooiberg
A concrete staircase of roughly 590 steps climbs this 165 m (541 ft) volcanic cone in the center of the island. The climb is free and the site is open all day. No trees shade the steps, so choose sunrise or late afternoon. The name is Dutch for haystack.
Ranger-Led Hikes in Arikok
Four guided routes run inside the park: Miralamar, Cunucu Arikok, Jamanota Hill and Rooi Tambu with Dos Playa. A hike costs $25 for a group of up to 10 and is booked by emailing reservations@acf.aw through the Aruba Conservation Foundation . It is a separate purchase from the $22 park pass, which children under 17 do not need. The park is open 8:00 to 16:00.
At Dos Playa and Boca Prins, admire the coast from the shore only. Surf and rip currents make the water dangerous.
Getting Between Walks
Take the Arubus bus ($2.60 single, $5 return card, $15 day pass) or a taxi from the $10 starting fare. Wear sturdy closed shoes on rocky paths. The tap water is safe, so top up a bottle before you leave.
Safety and Season
Keep valuables at your hotel instead of in a parked car. Hurricane season is June through November.
Read more: Aruba sightseeing and a 2 day Aruba plan .
Local guides for city and mural walks can be compared on GetYourGuide . The Fort Zoutman listing has tourism-board details.