Introduction - introductie

This blog is not a trail guide. It is about the beauty and the diversity of Curaçao.
There are dry months and wet months, days with wind or storm or no breeze at all.
Due to the weather conditions, you may find he trails to be very different from what our pictures show.

Most recent hikes are described in Dutch / Nederlands (kijk voor de laatste wandelingen in het blogarchief). De paden veranderen snel, ze groeien dicht of worden gesloten. Er komen ook nieuwe routes bij.

The other entrees are in English. Our main object is to show the beauty of the island. We cannot always give exact directions of trail heads or ends.
Many trails change, closed by owners, or overgrown. . the maintenance depends on
enthusiastic volunteers. Our group tries out new trails too.

Important: never go hike alone! When visiting popular places like the Salt pans of Jan Kok or Ascencion Bay don't get out of your car unless other people are there. Leave money, cards and other valuables at the Hotel.
If you have no one to come with you, take a hiking tour with a guide. Please read the page with
tips and info
!
Do not touch the
Manzanilla tree or its leaves and apples. They are poisonous.
On all photos copyright of the owners.

Enjoy Hiking Curaçao!
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maandag 2 november 2009

Jan Kok

 Pelican

 Light tower Rif Sint Marie


Saltpans of Jan Kok - View of church of Willibrordus


Looking back to Jan Kok


The Pipe!


Ruin of Rif Sint Marie


Trail along the Saltpans




The Jan Kok laguna (with salt pans) is famous for its flamingos. You can see the birds from the main road. In the wet season (that can be any time, but mostly from November till January) the trail may be muddy and slippery.
We do all trails in the evening. It gets cooler along the way and the setting sun guaranties beautiful pictures.
Guess what! Walking along the salt pans makes you very thirsty. Bring at least one liter of drinking water! (You always have to bring a sufficient suply of water of course)

At Plantation house Jan Kok you can have snacks and drinks. Open from 10 am - 6 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Trail along Bullenbaai

Bullenbaai

Bullenbaai


Trail Tip1: Walk around the laguna. To keep the sun out of your eyes, better start at the South end. You find it in Willibrordus, at the left side of the road, just after passing the Richenel bar (closed).
(Ask locals for the right starting point) You 'll see the ruined plantation house Rif Sint Mari, you'll do part of the trail on the West side of Bullenbaai. Turn left after balancing over a big pipe that covers the outlet of the laguna. Follow the trail to the main road, where you will end up in the little restaurant-bar for a cool local beer! (You were on your feet for about two and a half hours). Walk back (at the left side of the road) to your car that you left at the roadside near the plantation house Jan Kok. It will be dark by then...be careful and watch for cars without proper headlights and free roaming donkeys.

Trail Tip2: You can include a walk to Bullenbaai, and back.
Trail Tip3: Go on from the Bullenbaai (going North) and find the new trail, that our hiking club made, to plantation house Hermanus. You will probably get lost and have to push yourself through thorny bushes, but somehow you'll manage to get to the main road. It is fun! It is a while to get back to your car. It will be pitch dark by then. Always bring a pocket light!