Boca Prins
Boca Prins: Aruba's Wildly Beautiful Coast
Quadirikiri Cave: A Subterranean Wonder in Arikok National Park
Discover Aruba's hidden gem: Explore Quadirikiri Cave's natural beauty, ancient art, and captivating legends within Arikok National Park.
Explore the captivating Quadirikiri Cave in Aruba's Arikok National Park, known for its impressive limestone formations, ancient Amerindian petroglyphs, and the hundreds of bats that call it home. Sunlight streams through openings in the cave's ceiling, illuminating its chambers and adding to the mystical atmosphere.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Quadirikiri Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9 am-3:30 pm
Tuesday
9 am-3:30 pm
Wednesday
9 am-3:30 pm
Thursday
9 am-3:30 pm
Friday
9 am-3:30 pm
Saturday
9 am-3:30 pm
Sunday
9 am-3:30 pm
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Getting There
Car
From the hotel zone in Noord, drive south towards Oranjestad and then continue towards San Nicolas. Follow Route 1 until you see signs for Arikok National Park. Turn onto Route 5 and follow the signs to the San Fuego entrance, where you'll find the visitor center. Quadirikiri Cave is located within the park, a short drive from the visitor center. Note that a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring the park's terrain. The entrance fee to Arikok National Park is $22 USD per adult.
Public Transport
Take bus route 10 from Oranjestad towards San Nicolas. Get off the bus near the Savaneta area. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to the Arikok National Park visitor center. Note that there is no direct bus to the park entrance. From the visitor center, Quadirikiri Cave is a short distance away. A single bus fare is approximately $3 USD.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in the hotel zone and Oranjestad. A taxi to Arikok National Park from the hotel zone will take approximately 40 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to the San Fuego entrance and visitor center. From there, Quadirikiri Cave is a short distance away. Expect to pay around $30-$40 USD for a one-way taxi ride.
Local tips
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Wear sturdy shoes as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery.
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Bring a flashlight to explore the darker sections of the cave and to better view the petroglyphs.
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Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a cooler temperature.
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Be respectful of the bats and avoid making loud noises that could disturb them.
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Combine your cave visit with a hike in Arikok National Park to experience more of Aruba's natural beauty.
Discover more about Quadirikiri Cave
Quadirikiri Cave, nestled within Arikok National Park, offers a unique glimpse into Aruba's geological and cultural history. The cave's name originates from the Arawak language, reflecting the island's indigenous heritage. This natural wonder features two large chambers illuminated by sunlight filtering through openings in the cave roof, creating a stunning visual effect. The largest cave extends approximately 150 meters (490 feet).
As you venture deeper, be prepared for a damp and dark environment, home to a colony of harmless bats. Keep an eye out for stalactites and stalagmites, formed over centuries by mineral-rich water. The cave also holds historical significance, with Amerindian petroglyphs adorning its walls, offering a glimpse into the lives of Aruba's early inhabitants.
Local folklore tells a tale of forbidden love associated with the cave. According to the legend, an Indian chief's daughter and her forbidden lover were imprisoned in Quadirikiri Cave and the nearby Huliba Cave (Tunnel of Love), respectively. The lovers, however, found a way to meet underground. Tragically, they both died within the cave, their spirits ascending to heaven through the openings in the roof.
A brief summary to Quadirikiri Cave
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