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Landhuis San Juan: A Window to Curaçao's Colonial Past

Explore Curaçao's colonial history at Landhuis San Juan, a heritage building with access to pristine beaches and cultural experiences.

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Landhuis San Juan, dating back to 1662, is a beautifully preserved plantation offering a serene escape into Curaçao's history and natural beauty. Explore the grounds, learn about the island's colonial past, and discover the pristine San Juan beaches.

A brief summary to Landhuis San Juan

Local tips

  • Bring cash for the entrance fee to access the Landhuis San Juan and its beaches, as card payments may not be accepted.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on dirt paths to explore the different beaches accessible from the landhuis.
  • Pack your own snorkeling gear to fully enjoy the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life at the San Juan beaches.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures while exploring the landhuis and beaches.
  • Check for local events or art exhibitions happening at Landhuis San Juan to enhance your visit with a cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Willemstad, take the Weg naar Westpunt road northwest. Continue for approximately 30 kilometers, passing through Tera Kora. Look for the sign to Soto and turn left. Follow the road, passing the entrance to Cas Abou. A few kilometers further, you'll see a sign for San Juan. Turn left at the red rock with the number 20-23 (dive site numbers) onto a dirt road. Follow the dirt road until you reach the Landhuis San Juan. Parking is available on-site. Note that the road to the beaches can be rocky, so a SUV or Jeep is recommended. Expect to pay an entrance fee of $5 USD per car.

  • Public Transport

    From Willemstad, take the bus towards Soto from the Otrabanda bus terminal. The bus ride takes approximately 55 minutes and costs $2 USD. Once in Soto, you can walk to Landhuis San Juan, which is about a 10-minute walk. Head south on Weg naar Soto, and look for the entrance on your right, where you'll find a sign for Landhuis San Juan at 7W32+5HP, Soto, Curaçao.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Willemstad, a taxi or ride-share to Landhuis San Juan will take approximately 35 minutes. Expect to pay between $40 and $50 USD, depending on traffic and the specific service. The taxi will drop you off directly at the entrance of Landhuis San Juan.

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Discover more about Landhuis San Juan

Landhuis San Juan, originally named St. John, stands as a remarkable testament to Curaçao's rich colonial past. Constructed in 1662, this former plantation is located between Cas Abou and Santa Martha, offering visitors a serene escape into the island's history and natural beauty. In its early days, Landhuis San Juan thrived as an agricultural hub, cultivating sugarcane, cotton, corn, and indigo. Livestock was also raised in the fertile valley surrounding the plantation. The estate's history is exceptionally well-documented, providing valuable insights into the lives of the island's early inhabitants and the plantation's operations. One unique aspect of Landhuis San Juan is its documented history of enslaved people, including a slave book detailing pregnant enslaved women who gave birth on the property. The main house, largely intact, showcases the architectural style of the 18th and 19th centuries. While the main house is not consistently open to the public, its exterior provides a glimpse into the past. The property has undergone renovations, including a fresh exterior renovation when it served as a filming location for the 2013 film 'Tula: The Revolt,' starring Danny Glover, a movie based on the Curaçao slave uprising of 1795. Today, Landhuis San Juan offers more than just a historical landmark; it provides access to some of Curaçao's most beautiful and undeveloped beaches. The San Juan beaches, four in total, each offer a unique coastal experience. From west to east, these include Playa Chiki, a small cove near Boca Grandi; Playa Manzaliña; Playa Shon Mosa; and Playa Largu. Each beach is accessible via dirt paths from the landhuis, allowing visitors to explore diverse landscapes and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The plantation complex includes the main house, various outbuildings, corals, a rainwater tank, an aqueduct, several magasina's (warehouses), stables, a well, and a cemetery. These elements collectively paint a picture of a self-sufficient plantation community. Visiting Landhuis San Juan is an immersive experience that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. The site often hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and local markets, offering a vibrant glimpse into contemporary Curaçaoan culture intertwined with its historical roots.

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