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Cactus stands tall in Christoffel National Park, with Mt. Christoffel in the background, Curacao. (Marjie Lambert/Miami Herald/MCT)

MCT via Getty Images

Christoffel National Park

Top choice in °ä³Ü°ù²¹Ã§²¹´Ç


This 1800-hectare preserve is formed from three old plantations, including the Savonet Plantation, which is now the excellent Savonet Museum; combination ticket available. The park has two driving routes and eight hiking trails, which provide a variety of perspectives on the island's landscape, flora and fauna. It takes two to three hours to hike to the summit of Christoffel Mountain (375m), the island's highest point. To summit, you'll need to begin by 10am. Bring lots of water.

Attractions of the Mountain Car Route include an orchid trail, old copper mines, plantation-house ruins and fabulous views. The Northern Car Route – heading to the coast – is great for birding and Caquetío cave paintings. These routes are also popular among mountain bikers; you must bring your own bike and, again, get an early start.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby °ä³Ü°ù²¹Ã§²¹´Ç attractions

1. Savonet Museum

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Set in the old landhuis (plantation house), this fascinating museum recounts the history of °ä³Ü°ù²¹Ã§²¹´Ç through the story of the Savonet Plantation. Visitors…

2. Shete Boka National Park

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3. Museo Tula

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Once among the island's most prosperous plantations, Kenepa was the site of a devastating, month-long slave rebellion in 1795, led by a man named Tula…

4. Grote Knip

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This West End beach is a stunner. In fact, you've probably seen it on the cover of a °ä³Ü°ù²¹Ã§²¹´Ç tourist brochure: a perfect crescent of brilliant white sand,…

5. Playa Kalki

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The island's westernmost beach, Playa Kalki is a small, secluded strand tucked into a cove near °ä³Ü°ù²¹Ã§²¹´Ç's far tip. It's not exactly a destination beach:…

6. Blue Room

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7. Landhuis Groot Santa Martha

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Dating to 1675, this landhuis (plantation house) is one of the oldest country houses on the island. Throughout the 18th century the Santa Martha…

8. Cas Abao

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This mid-coast beach (sometimes spelled Cas Abou) is an island favorite for its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and surrounding scenery. It's a…