|
|
What to do in the West?
Beaches
 The beaches around Westpunt are known for their natural beauty, as the white sand of Knepa Beach, the limestones of the rocks of Playa Kalki, and the clear water in the bay of Playa Jeremi. Westpoint Beach or Playa Forti consists of gravel and serves as a harbour for the local fishermen. You can also easily reach the beautiful beaches Cas Abou and Porto Marie.
Take a boat ride with a water taxi on Playa Santa Cruz and visit the blue chamber an underwater cave.
Hofi Pastor
In the national park of Hofi Pastor stands the oldest tree of Curaçao, a gigantic kapoktree of four centuries old, with roots that are as solid as walls that lie partly above the ground. Also there are mango trees, knippa's and other tropical fruits planted. This national park is on the way to Westpoint near the village of Barber.
Landhouse Knip / Museo di Tula
About 5 minutes drive from Rancho El Sobrino is the old country house of Kenepa, which was the former colonial Kenepa plantation and was turned into the Tula Museum. Tula is a national heroe, was he the slave who started a revolution and got killed.
Curacaos Lungs
Visit also the “lungs” of Curacao at Watamula, here you can listen to the islands breath!
National Park Sheta Boca
 The park of the seven bays. In this park you will find an underground cave called Boca Tabla. This deep cave can be reached through a narrow staircase, once there, you will see how the waves have worn away the limestone. This is a spectacular sight. The park has walking and car routes. The Boka Pistol circuit (60min) brings you to the bay Boka Pistol. The name arose from the waves which hit here with a big bang on the rocks store, it seems as if a gun is firing. In the breeding season it is possible to go with a ranger and visit the breeding sea turtles.
Christoffelpark
 Christoffelpark is the largest national park of Curacao and a must see for everyone. The park has a rich variety of local flora and fauna. Nature lovers will find the park teeming with local birds and plants, including species, which are not easily seen elsewhere on the island. For example wild orchids, the Palabrua, the rare native barn owl. The Curacao White Tailed deer (of which there are only about 250 left) and much more. |
|
 |
|
|
|
Curacao - fast facts
|
|
Location/Climate
Just 40 km off the south American coast, Curacao is located in the middle between Aruba and Bonaire, the so called ABC island. These islands are under the wind, outside the hurricane belt. The Climate is subtropical with constant trade winds which keep the island at an average temperature of about 80-82F, with temperatures a bit higher in summer. The island's average rainfall is just 22 inches per year, with the rainy season being October-February.
Capital Willemstad
The islands capital is a colorful harbor town with old dutch colonial houses and monuments. Since 1997 over 750 buildings are on the list of the UNESCO World heritage.
Population/Language/Religion
Curacaos population is estimated 150.000. In April 2011 the government counted the multi-cultured nation. The results have so far not been published. Due to the vibrant history, nowadays more than 55 different nationalities live peacefully with each other on the Caribbean island. The official language is Dutch and Papiamentu, a Creole-language spoken in all parts of the local society. Spanish and English are also widely spoken. Religion is 80% catholic, there is a Mosque, a Hindu Temple and a Synagoge.
History
The original inhabitants of Curaçao were Arawak Amerindians. The first Europeans to see the island were members of a Spanish expedition under the leadership of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. The Spaniards exported most of the indigenous population to other colonies where workers were needed. The island was occupied by the Dutch in 1634. The Dutch West India Company founded the capital of Willemstad. The natural harbour of Willemstad proved quickly to be an ideal spot for trade. Commerce and shipping — and piracy—became Curaçao's most important economic activities. In addition, the Dutch West India Company made Curaçao a center for the Atlantic slave trade in 1662. Dutch merchants brought slaves from Africa under a contract with Spain called Asiento. Under this agreement, large numbers of slaves were sold and shipped to various destinations in South America and the Caribbean. The slave trade made the island affluent, and led to the construction of impressive colonial buildings. Curaçao features architecture that blends Dutch and Spanish colonial styles. The wide range of historic buildings in and around Willemstad earned the capital a place on UNESCO's world heritagelist. Landhouses (former plantation estates) and West African style "kas di pal'i maishi" (former slave dwellings) are scattered all over the island and some of them have been restored and can be visited. |
|
|
|
|