The Arikok National Park takes up approximately 18 percent of the island of
Aruba and includes three primary geological formations: the Aruba
lava
Lava is molten or partially molten rock (magma) that has been expelled from the interior of a terrestrial planet (such as Earth) or a moon onto its surface. Lava may be erupted at a volcano or through a fracture in the crust, on land or un ...
formation, a quartz
diorite
Diorite ( ) is an intrusive igneous rock formed by the slow cooling underground of magma (molten rock) that has a moderate content of silica and a relatively low content of alkali metals. It is intermediate in composition between low-sili ...
formation, and a
limestone
Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms whe ...
formation that extends inward from the coast. These formations have directly influenced Aruba's human settlement, as well as its natural wonders.
Aruba is home to several species which only live on the island, including two unique species of
snake
Snakes are elongated, limbless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes . Like all other squamates, snakes are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales. Many species of snakes have skulls with several more j ...
and two
bird
Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweig ...
species. Rock outcroppings also create micro-climatic conditions to support these unique plant and animal species, as well as settlements. These are located within the Arikok National Park almost exclusively. Inside the park are some of the island's oldest
Arawak
The Arawak are a group of indigenous peoples of northern South America and of the Caribbean. Specifically, the term "Arawak" has been applied at various times to the Lokono of South America and the TaĆno, who historically lived in the Great ...
paintings, and has since drawn attention from the government.
Indigenous reptiles include the cascabel (''
Crotalus unicolor''), the santanero or (Aruban) Baker's cat-eyed snake (''
Leptodeira
''Leptodeira'' is a genus of colubrid snakes commonly referred to as cat-eyed snakes. The genus consists of 17 species that are native to primarily Mexico and Central America, but range as far north as the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas in Uni ...
bakeri''), and the kododo blauw or Aruban whiptail lizard (''
Cnemidophorus arubensis''). Birds include the shoco or Aruban burrowing owl (''
Athene cunicularia arubensis'') and the prikichi or Aruban parakeet (''
Aratinga pertinax arubensis'').
First designated as an important national area in the 1980s, Arikok National Park is home to popular
hiking
Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century.AMATO, JOSEPH A. "Mind over Foot: Romantic Walking and Rambling." In ''On Foot: A Histor ...
trails, covering all kinds of terrain from hills to gold mines, and even plantation ruins.
In the national park some traditional Aruban houses in the
cas di torto style can be visited.
Geology
Arikok National Park showcases diverse geologic features. Included in the park lands is the Aruba Lava Formation, mostly made up of
Pillow Lava
Pillow lavas are lavas that contain characteristic pillow-shaped structures that are attributed to the extrusion of the lava underwater, or ''subaqueous extrusion''. Pillow lavas in volcanic rock are characterized by thick sequences of discont ...
intruded by quartz diorite. Additionally, much of the park land is made up of uplifted reef carbonates. This abundance of limestone has been worn away by acidic groundwater to form several caves ranging from a few to hundreds of feet in length, a few of which can be easily accessed within the park. Notable caves in the park include Fontein Cave and Quadirikiri Cave.
Volcanic Tuff
Tuff is a type of rock made of volcanic ash ejected from a vent during a volcanic eruption. Following ejection and deposition, the ash is lithified into a solid rock. Rock that contains greater than 75% ash is considered tuff, while rock cont ...
is also found in abundance in the national park as a result of the island's volcanic history.
Human History
The earliest traces of human activity within the park lies with
Fontein Cave where pre-Columbian
cave drawings can still be seen. More recent drawings can also be seen, ranging from drawings made by early European settlers to the graffiti that is currently expanding throughout the cave. As a result of the recent graffiti the cave is now
gated and locked. It is only open to visitors who participate in guided tours with park staff. Another historic attraction within the park is Cunucu Arikok, an early farm that has since been restored for preservation and is open to visitors. Abandoned gold mines in the Miralamar area of the park are also visible. After closing in 1916, the gold mines and surrounding structures are now largely overgrown.
Locations of interest
* Cunucu Arikok: Remains of an old farm where various plants were cultivated. There are still cactus hedges and stonewalls visible.
* Arikok Hilltop: A viewpoint from where you can see much of the island.
* Jamanota Hilltop: The highest point on the island, 188 meters, slightly higher than Arikok Hilltop.
* Fontein Cave: A limestone cave with brownish-red pictographs probably left behind by the Arawak tribe, as well as some more recent "wall art" made by early European settlers.
* Quadirikiri Cave: Another limestone cave, home to many bats. In a couple of places there are openings in the ceiling, making these caves fairly easy to explore without too much artificial lighting.
* Boca Prins: Beach where turtles nest and a small bar/cafe.
* Dos Playa: Relatively calm seas, it is possible to surf or bodyboard here.
* Natural Pool (Conchi): A calm pond, protected from the rough seas on the east coast by surrounding rocks.
See also
*
Caves of Aruba
Of the several caves of Aruba, three Aruban caves are well known, seen in deep crevices on the windward face of the island. All three of the caves are located in the Arikok National Park. The most prominent are Guadirikiri Cave, the Fontein Cave ...
References
External links
Arikok National Park- Aruba Tourism Authority
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National parks of Aruba