These caves had a utilitarian purpose during the early days of the slave trade in Curacao,
escaped slaves used them as hiding places, and lived in them for months at a time. Even
before the arrival of Europeans and slaves, the Amerindian Arawaks used them for shelter,
and left behind cave drawings, or petroglyphs, estimated at 1,500 years old.
Guides will take you through the caves. They'll point out the apocryphal and fanciful
stories behind some of the stalactites and stalagmites; in the eerie lighting, some take
on shapes and are called the Pirate's Head, the Sea Tortoise, and the Giant of Jack
and the Beanstalk fame. The caves are north of Willemstad on the Roosevelt Weg ('weg'
is 'street' or 'road' in Dutch), across the road from the Hotel Holland (near the airport).
Panoramic Photo
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The Caves are open daily
Multi-lingual tours are given on the hour from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission is:
$6.50 for adults
$5 for children (4-12 years)
Address: Rooseveldweg z/n.
Tel: +(599-9)- 868 03 79
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