Hooiberg: Aruba's Iconic Haystack Mountain

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Climb Aruba's iconic Hooiberg for panoramic island views and a rewarding workout. A must-see landmark!

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Hooiberg, meaning 'haystack' in Dutch, is a 541-foot (165-meter) cone-shaped hill that rises from the center of Aruba. A popular destination for tourists and locals alike, it offers panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean Sea after a climb of over 550 steps.

A brief summary to AGW TOURS ARUBA

hooiberg Aruba, Orcuyo 1, Oranjestad, AW
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Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring AGW TOURS ARUBA.

Climb early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
Take breaks during the climb to enjoy the views.
Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views from the summit.
Be aware that there is no public bus stop directly at Hooiberg; consider a taxi or rental car.

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Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Oranjestad, including at the cruise terminal. A taxi from the Oranjestad cruise terminal to Hooiberg costs approximately $17. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Public Transport

To reach Hooiberg via public transport, take the Arubus from the main bus terminal in Oranjestad. Note that there is no direct bus stop at Hooiberg. You may need to walk a short distance from the nearest bus stop to reach the base of the hill. A round trip Arubus card costs $5.
Car

If driving from Oranjestad, Hooiberg is approximately a 10-minute drive east. Parking is available at the base of the hill. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Oranjestad. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak hours.

Discover more about AGW TOURS ARUBA

Hooiberg is one of Aruba's most recognizable landmarks, a volcanic formation that stands out in the island's relatively flat landscape. Located in the district of Santa Cruz, almost in the center of the island, it is visible from nearly any point on Aruba. The climb to the top is a popular activity, with a concrete staircase of 587 steps leading to the summit. It typically takes about 20 minutes to ascend, and many people use it as a fitness challenge. At the summit, you'll find two small buildings and radio antennas. Geologists have identified the Hooiberg as being composed of a unique quartz diorite, found only in Aruba. This particular variety of the rock has been named Hooibergiet. On a clear day, the views from the top extend to the coast of Venezuela. The name 'Hooiberg' was given by the Dutch, who thought its shape resembled haystacks. The Aruban coat of arms even features a depiction of the Hooiberg.