Exploring Aruba’s famous Quadirikiri Cave
Fancy a visit to the Quadirikiri Cave in Aruba? As part of their many natural wonders, the island knows a handful of caves, each as mysterious and impressive as the next. Yet, the Quadirikiri Cave remains a must-see for Aruba’s most adventurous, romantic or history-obsessed guests. You can adventure down the cave’s three big domes, which are connected by tunnels. Besides algae, you’ll find a wondrous selection of prehistoric drawings on the walls of the Quadirikiri Cave. These petroglyphic figures are said to have been drawn by the Amerindians – allegedly influenced by hallucinogenics! Equally mythical is the folk tale of the two lovers, still whispered around the Quadirikiri Cave. As the story goes, a chief’s daughter was imprisoned in the Quadirikiri Cave after catching a bout of forbidden love. Her lover was imprisoned nearby. Armed with their love, the couple managed to meet at the Quadirikiri Cave, where they died. As such, their spirits were released, free to travel to heaven through the holes in Quadirikiri’s ceiling. Whenever you lay eyes on those limestone walls and holes yourself, you can let your imagination run wild.
Where can you find the Quadirikiri Cave
Dark, damp and incredibly hot, the cave serves as the perfect home for bats and insects – making an exception for the occasional adventurous visitor. Stretching about 490 feet, you can find the Quadiriki Cave in Arikok National Park, Aruba. Filled with lava, quartz and limestone formations (alongside rare cat-eyed snakes and Aruban whiptail lizards), Arikok National Park takes up about 18% of the island. In other words: It’s hard to get around, especially for adventurous or nature-minded guests. Besides the famous Quadirikiri Cave, you’ll also find the Fontein Cave in Arikok National Park, not to mention a diversity of rough rock formations, natural pools and beaches frequented by nesting turtles. When you visit Quadiriki Cave and Arikok National Park, visit with respect... and expect to be amazed.
Visitors need to purchase a ticket to enter Arikok National Park. You can learn more here: Arikok National Park