Aruba Travel Guide – 4 Day Itinerary + Insider Hacks

Aruba Travel Guide and Itinerary for 4 Days

“Aruba is a happy place,” our driver says. “It’s a small population of about a hundred thousand people, so everyone mostly knows everyone. There’s a sense of community and belonging.” From the airport interiors to the number plates on taxis, we spot many posters and stickers pegging Aruba as ‘One Happy Island’, which happens to be the tourism slogan of the Dutch Caribbean country.

Aruba is an island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is situated off the coast of Venezuela. It’s the “A” of the ABC Islands, and is more popular among tourists vis-à-vis the other two (Bonaire and Curacao). My travel guide to Aruba will share everything you need to know before visiting the dreamy tropical oasis.

Despite being a Dutch state, everything here is Americanized. Perhaps because of the proximity to the United States, the American influence in Aruba is discernible, from the architecture to the food (you’ll find most of the US food chains here like Burger King, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts – you name it).

Everyone in Aruba speaks fluent English, and US Dollars are accepted everywhere, even though the official currency is the Aruban Florin (Afl).

Even the power sockets are the typical Amercian flat-pinned ones. You see what I’m saying?

We visited Aruba for our honeymoon, followed by Curacao. While there can never be a one-size-fits-all itinerary for a beach destination, I’ve tried to chart out a detailed Aruba travel guide with a 4 day itinerary, travel tips and more useful info. Hope this helps!

 [You Might Like: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Curacao]

HOW MANY DAYS ARE ENOUGH FOR ARUBA?

To see everything Aruba has to offer, you need to spend at least 5 days in the ‘Happy Island’.

Aruba has way more than just blond beaches and pina coladas. It affords a magnificant desert landscape, far out beaches, preserved ruins and natural pools besides a host of other experiences.

For us, personally, four days fell short and we weren’t able to cover a few of the things to do in Aruba (listed below).

BEST TIME TO VISIT ARUBA

Aruba is busy throughout the year, being a sought-after destination especially for honeymoon couples, families and senior travelers.

That said, April to August is the best and cheapest time to visit Aruba as the normally skyrocketing accommodation prices take a break. This period sees relatively higher temperatures of upwards of 30 degrees celsius, but the dry weather and strong trade winds keep the stickiness away.

A lot of annual festivals also take place during this time, like the Soul Beach Music Festival in May, Aruba Wine, and the Food & Art Festival in June.

The early months of the fall can also be a good time to visit Aruba, as the trade winds die down. Although September is the wettest month of the year, most days dont see heavy rainfall.

In the winter, the crowds start pouring in and the prices begin to jack up. Aruba can be especially expensive between December and March.

HOW TO GET IN AND AROUND ARUBA

How to get into Aruba:  Queen Beatrix International Airport is located in Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad. It has flight services to major cities in the US, serveral other islands in the Caribbean, Canada, and some South American countries. It also has flight connections from Europe, most of them being connecting flights via the Netherlands.

Entry and visa requirements vary depending on where you are coming from, but you will need a passport to enter the country. Check out all about visa rules for entering Aruba here.

How to get around Aruba: The best way to get around in Aruba is to rent a car (preferably a 4×4). This will allow you to explore the entire and also go beach hopping.

You can book your car rental from the companies represented at the airport or book it online in advance.

We prebooked a rental car from RentalCars Connect, a subsidiary of Booking.com. The car was delivered at the airport itself. We drove it to the hotel and got around with it, before dropping it off at the airport on departure day.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARUBA

While Aruba has a Iot of great beach-facing accomodations, I recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Beach Resort on Palm Beach.

The resort has a fairly big property with a private beach and abundant Caribbean feels. Checking in is a breeze, with balcony-facing rooms overlooking the common pool. There are long stretches of palm trees across the property and the gorgeous white sand beach to relax on.

The amazing part about Holiday Inn is that they are located very centrally. At the resort’s entrance, on the other side of the beach, is the Palm Beach strip, which is dotted with restaurants and bars, besides fast food joints and ice cream parlors.

You can also find many good and affordable options on Airbnb.

THINGS TO DO IN ARUBA

Explore the Arikok National Park

The Arikok National Park covers a whopping 18% of the whole island of Aruba!

The national park is home to many faunal and floral species native to Aruba, and it offers a unique geological view of the island away from the regular images of Aruba that make their way to instagram.

You can spot tall cacti, lush desert foliage, and a stunning coastline. The Arikok Hilltop is the highest point in the national park from where you can see much of the island.

Natural Pool

Colloquially called “Conchi”, the natural pool is a closely guarded secret in the Arikok National Park.

It is surrounded by formidable rocks which protect it from the otherwise turbulent east coast.

The drive to the natural pool is very bumpy as the roads are very scarcely developed. Which is why it’s absolutely necessary to drive here in a 4×4 or jeep.

However, once you get to the natural pool and take a swim in the calm water, the effort feels totally worth it.

California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse was built in Hudishibana at Aruba’s north-west tip. It was named after the British steamer California, which struck a rock and sank just off the coast nearby in the 19th century.

For a 10$ ticket, visitors can go up the lighthouse at the top which gives you a great view of the water far and wide, and massive stretches of the island.

One of the most popular things to do in Aruba, the California Lighthouse visit can be followed by an Italian dinner at Faro Blanco, a short drive away.

Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins

The Bushribana smelter was built by the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company in 1825. Now the site has well preserved ruins of the gold smelter.

Spend some time walking in and out of the fortress-like structure, and enjoy the serene wind and splendid views of the sea.

Natural Bridge

This is, as the name suggests, a bridge that appeared out of nowhere, and was used as a connecting overpass to cross a stretch of the sea until a few years ago when it collapsed due to erosion.

Even though the bridge doesn’t exist anymore, the site is still a tourist attraction. The remnants offer an expansive sight of the sea, and the spot is worth ticking off your Aruba bucket list.

Watch out, though, for the giant crabs that might freak you out if you get too close.

Oranjestad

Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, is located on the southern coast near the western end of the island country.

Besides housing the main harbor for cruise ships, Oranjestad is also Aruba’s nightlife hub with restaurants, bars, lounges and casinos dotting the streets. It also contains some of Aruba’s oldest buildings, like Fort Zoutman.

The L.G. Smith Boulevard runs parallel to the waterfront and is lined with shopping malls and boutiques. You’ll find many luxury brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Rolex, Cartier etc.

Also, we noticed a lot of jewelry showrooms there. Our driver had earlier mentioned that most of these are owned and run by Indian residents in Aruba.

There’s also a flea market where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts from.

San Nicolas

San Nicolas is the second largest city in Aruba and lies south east of Oranjestad.

Known as Aruba’s Sunrise Side, San Nicolas was formerly the refinery capital of the island.

In addition to beaches, restaurants and bars, the city has a suburban vibe with quaint buildings, cosy souvenir shops, a promenade on Zeppenfeldstraat, and curious street art.

San Nicolas also houses the main red light district in Aruba.

Alto Vista Chapel

The Alto Vista Chapel is located in the north-east part of Noord, a town in Aruba.

Also called ‘Pilgrims Church’, Alto Vista holds religious significance as it was the first ever chapel in Aruba. It was built in 1750, and was made of out of branches and wood.

The exterior facade of the chapel is painted bright yellow and is hard to miss.

There are 13 crosses lining the road to the chapel, and the fourteenth cross, stationed on the east side of the chapel, signifies the entombment of Jesus.

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

Channel your inner animal lover at the Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Cruz, Aruba.

Even though donkeys aren’t native to Aruba, they served as working animals for ages, but were gradually pushed to near extinction with automation in transportation in Aruba in the 70’s.

The Donkey Sanctuary is an non-profit organization that provides shelter to these abandoned animals. Entry is free although donations are welcome. Visitors can carry apples and carrots to feed the donkeys and spend time with the furry beasts.

P.S. Donkeys are massive cuddlers! They love being caressed the way dogs do.

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Kukoo Kunuku

This is a bus party tour in Aruba where you’re taken to 5-6 bars through the night. You’ll also get a chance to meet and party with fellow travelers on the Kukoo Kunuku tour.

Riding around town painting it red (courtesy the red bus), endless supply of cocktails, amazing music and a whole Caribbean vibe – what’s not to like?

TOP BEACHES IN ARUBA TO VISIT

Aruba has a lot of pretty beaches, with turquoise, radiant water. Below are the best Aruba beaches you should visit:

Palm Beach

The queen beach of Aruba, Palm Beach is where all the high rise hotels and resorts are located. The water is calm and the sand is soft and pebble-free, which makes Palm Beach ideal for a walk or a swim in the sea.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance.

Baby Beach

Baby beach is a favorite not only amongst travelers, but also the locals.

Located at the southern tip of the island, Baby Beach offers magnificent sea views and has shallow waters, which is why it’s ideal for families traveling with kids to Aruba.

Eagle Beach

This is a white soft sand beach about 5 km from Palm Beach, and features on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

It is a bit less touristy than Palm Beach and houses many low-rise hotels. It is also the widest beach in Aruba.

Rodger’s Beach

This is a small beach lying to the immediate west of Baby Beach. It has a comparatively more private feel, even though the beach is public.

The water is calm and great for a swim.

Hadicurari Beach:

Hadicurari is a rocky beach past the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the last resort on the Palm Beach strip, and is a haven for windsurfers.

You’ll see a bunch of kites slicing through the wind, while the boarders zip along the waves fervently. The whole setting is perfect for watching the sunset. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also sign up for a windsurfing lesson!

PROTIP: Hadicurari sand is not as soft as that at the Palm Beach, as it’s littered with shells and broken corals, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear.

Druif Beach

Druif is a rocky beach located on the west coast of Aruba. It stretches over 7 miles along the coastline. Visitors can rent chairs at the beach and relax.

Mangel Halto

Mangel Halto is an excellent beach for snorkeling. There is a ladder you can climb down to enter the water.

Enjoy watching all kinds of aquatic life underwater, besides colorful reefs.

Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach lies far away from the mainstream beaches of Aruba, just off the road from California Lighthouse.

There is plenty to do here like swimming, scuba diving, body boarding and even sailing.

Malmok Beach

This is a rocky beach running along the west coast of Aruba.

Malmok is known for snorkeling and scuba diving. The SS Antilla shipwreck lies at the surface and even snorkelers are said to be able to spot the wreck – that’s how clear the water is!

PROTIP: Even if you’re not into snorkeling or water sports, spend a few hours watching the sunset at the Malmok Beach. It’s a surreal experience!

Boca Grandi Beach

The perfect combination of trade winds and challenging waves makes Boca Grandi the best beach for kite surfers.

It is only a 5-minute drive away from San Nicolas, and is a favorite among locals.

Renaissance Beach – DON’T VISIT!

An important Aruba travel tip is to skip the Renaissance Beach.

I’m talking about the insta-famous beach where you can feed flamingos. You may have seen beaming selfies of people with pink-and-white flamingos trotting about in the water.

Many travelers don’t know, though, that this IG fad is an exercise in animal cruelty.

Flamingos aren’t native to Aruba and are held at the Rennaisance Beach in captivity, and their wings are clipped so they can’t migrate.

Feeding flamingos in Renaissance Beach is akin to swimming with dolphins. It’s cruel, unnatural and unnecesary.

If you’d like to see flamingos WITHOUT inadvertently hurting them, you can fly to neighboring Bonaire and see heaps of flamingos in their natural habitat.

ARUBA TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY – 4 DAYS

Day 1 in Aruba:

By the time we landed, the sun had started to set. We boarded a taxi from the airport and headed to the Holiday Inn at Palm Beach.

We dumped our luggage and rushed to the beach immediately (needed Vitamin Sea asap). After walking along the coastline and letting the waters wash over us, we decided to get dinner.

We had a laidback meal, with chilled Aruban ‘Balashi’ Beer on the side. Then we walked along the strip, before calling it a night.

Day 2 in Aruba:

We sprang out of bed, freshened up and headed to the beach. You can find a lot of places to eat at on all the private beaches. We perched ourselves at the Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill. The restaurant sits on a pier overlooking the sea, and were lucky enough to snag a table right on the water.

The splendid view of the waterfront was only enhanced by the amazing food we got to have. Breakfast done right!

After having filled ourselves up, we spent the day bumming on Palm beach, playing in the water, catching up on reading, and basking in the beautiful Caribbean sun.

We took a swim in the pool, got a quick bite, and took a walk east of Palm Beach towards Hadicurari Beach, where we watched a blissful sunset.

After catching a breathtaking sundown at Hadicurari Beach, with kitesurfers taking on the winds in the foreground, we headed to dinner, and then to the Gusto Night Club for drinks and for shaking our booties to some jivey Latin numbers.

Day 3 in Aruba:

Today we took a bus ride to Eagle beach.

A big part of Eagle Beach has public access, unlike Palm beach, as all the hotel and resort properties are off the beach. We found it to be a lot prettier and a lot less commercial. Ideal for sunbathing for hours on end. Well, that’s what beach vacations are for, right?

PROTIP: Make sure to carry towels, as all the benches and cabanas are reserved by the hotels across the road for their visitors.

We rode in a mini-van, run by Aruba Tourism, which was quick and inexpensive. They run buses as well as smaller vehicles along the hotel strip.

Later, we headed to Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.

We took a walk on L.G. Smith Boulevard and spent some time window shopping and walking along the waterfront.

We got lunch at a restaurant overlooking the waterfront, with a few cruise ships in the distance.

After spending some time in the pool back at the hotel, we got dinner and then visited the Saloon Bar with a quintessential country theme. We got chatting with the owner, a former pilot with American Airlines, Delta and Jet Blue. He shared anecdotes about his flying days, how he pre-empted a situation where one of the passengers aboard a flight raised a false alarm about there being a bomb inside, and about how he eventually decided to quit his job, settle in his home country and open a bar.

We bar-hopped, met some more amazing people, heard and shared more stories, and ended the night by hitting the Excelsior Casino at Holiday Inn and blowing up a bunch of Greenbacks.

Day 4 in Aruba:

Who would’ve known that a popular honeymoon destination like Aruba could also have a rocky, deserted countryside? Day 4 brought a whole lot of surprises for us.

We rented a Jeep and explored this Aruban landscape poles apart from the white sand beaches and busy bars. Not a soul, instead all you can see as far as sight allows are 6 feet tall cacti, lush aloe plants and an abundance of Divi Divi trees.

We visited the California lighthouse, and saw the Alto Vista Chapel, followed by the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.

Although the gold mine ruins have historical relevance, what is worth stopping here is the fantastic view of the Caribbean coast. The spot also offers great photo ops, so all the Instagrammers can #doitforthegram !

We also saw the Natural Bridge. There is a small eating joint nearby where we grabbed a quick coffee.

We drove around the interiors of the island, took a million pictures in the Arikok National Park, and then headed back to the hotel after a long day.

We saw our last sunset in Aruba, had dinner, picked up a couple of Balashi’s from the hotel bar and sat by the water in blissful Aruban calm. And Wind.

Ever. Blowing. Wind.

WHAT TO EAT IN ARUBA

Being an island, Aruba offers a culinary feast for seafood lovers.

If you’re vegan/vegetarian though, fret not because there are enough options and many cuisines to choose from.

Besides, there are many American fast food chains, so you can choose to eat local or stop by at a Burger King if that craving kicks in! 😉

One thing worth noting is that the food in Aruba is very expensive. A meal for two averages at USD 60-80. So, while I won’t advise you to cut corners, you could stock up on knick-knacks at the supermarket (most likely there will be one near your hotel) for in-between-meals binging. Oh and Balashis too!

PROTIP: Every day, there are a ton of places running early bird offers on lunch or dinner. Pick up a local newspaper/do a quick online search, and look for such ads. You might catch some great deals.

WHAT TO DRINK IN ARUBA

Definitely try the Balashi beer in Aruba. It’s a lager and has a nice, hoppy taste somewhat close to Budweiser or Coors.

There is also Balashi Chill, which is like Corona and is served with a lime wedge.

You can also try Amstel Bright, which is from the Netherlands, and several other regular American variants are available too.

Popular cocktail – It is called the ‘Aruba Ariba’, and tastes as good as it looks. Much recommended.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN ARUBA TO VISIT

Gusto Night Club

This is probably the only nightclub you will find in Aruba. They have happy hours from 9 until 11 pm every day, and the place generally picks up after.

They play commercial music and keep slipping in Latin numbers every now and then. Gusto is open till 3 am every night, barring Sundays when it closes at 1 am.

Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill

This is built on a pier and is by the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino. Perfect for sunset dinners, very well priced and great food. They also have happy hours everyday 4-5 pm and 10-11 pm.

Papillon Restaurant

Safe to say we had the best meal, during our stay, here. The food is worth the high prices.

They have daily specials and I’d recommend ordering those, and you will love the food, I know that.

Dragonfly Sushi & Asian Restaurant – Lounge

We visited here for dinner and were very pleased. Food is great and the servers are quick and available.

Pelican Nest Seafood Grill

This perfect place has everything going about it: it’s on a pier, hence splendid sea view, you can sit right by the water and gorge on delectable food, and the service is fantastic.

Pelican has this happy Caribbean vibe that makes visiting here mandatory if you’re in Aruba.

Saloon Bar Aruba 

Such a fun bar, this! The owner Andre is a sweet, chatty guy, and he makes you feel at home. The bar has a country theme.

ARUBA TRAVEL TIPS

Here are some travel tips you will need while planning a vacation in Aruba.

Language in Aruba

Arubans are multi-lingual, with the locals speaking up to 4 languages!

The local language is Papiamento and everyone mostly also speaks Dutch and Spanish.

That said, everyone speaks fluent English. But it’s nice to learn some local words as well, before you travel.

Currency

Even though the official Aruban currency is Aruban Florin (Afl), US dollars are accepted everywhere.

You can also use credit cards in pretty much all places. ATM machines are also ubiquitous; you can find them at the airport in your hotel or the markets.

Getting Around in Aruba

To travel within the island, the ‘Arubus’ is ideal. These are government-run buses, and drive visitors and locals within beaches, also to and from downtown Oranjestad.

The prices are fixed at USD 2.60 and they are very convenient and reliable.

I also suggest you must rent a car, specifically a 4×4. Aruba is so more more than just a beach destination. Renting a car will give you the flexibility to leave the beaches behind and explore Aruba’s sprawling countryside.

The countryside, of course, is uninhabited and has unpaved roads, dusty terrains and inhospitable to smaller cars – even jeeps for the matter!

If you get stuck, you’ll have nothing but endless swathes of sand all around you and not a living person. A 4×4 or UTV is, hence, mandatory to for a solid Aruban adventure without, you know, getting lost.

Note that in Aruba you drive on the right side of the road, as in the US.

Aruba Weather

Aruba is located in the southern part of the Caribbean sea, which puts it sufficiently outside hurricane belt.

However, Aruba experiences high trade winds throughout the year – which is why it’s an excellent destination for windsurfers.

The winds also keep the humidity in check.

Aruba is one of the few Caribbean islands with year long sunshine, 25+ degrees weather, clear blue skies and virtually no rain. Average annual precipitation is less than 20 inches.

Carry a pair of walking shoes when you go exploring the hinterlands of the island, as they are craggy, dusty and uneven.

Also carry a ton of sunblock. The Aruban sun is MAD strong.

Power Plugs in Aruba

The power plugs in Aruba are type A, B and F, with standard frequency at 60 hz and standard voltage at ~120V.

If you are traveling from the United States, you won’t have a problem.

If you’re coming from elsewhere, I recommend carrying a converter and a universal adapter to ensure surge protection.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Aruba is drinkable. Save the single-use plastic bottles (and your money) and drink straight from the tap.

ARUBA SAFE TRAVEL TIPS

Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean to visit. Violent crime is pretty much at a minimum.

I also feel the locals have been sensitized towards treating visitors with courtesy and warmth, as the entire economy thrives on tourism. This reflects in the demeanor of the people. From taxi drivers to store owners, everyone is sweet and kind, and no one will screw you over to make an extra buck.

Besides, Aruba has a very low unemployment rate.

Looks like everyone here finds something or the other to do. Like this minivan boutique near Palm Beach:

That being said, your safety is your responsibility. Petty crimes are rare but not unheard of. It’s best to keep an eye out for aberrations, avoid venturing out alone at night – especially in remote areas, and be smart about your travel.

I definitely recommend getting travel insurance. Things can go wrong and it’s best to be prepared when they do.

Also be careful of iguanas. These are native to aruba and are ubiquitous on the island. We found one sunbathing next to the pool in our hotel!

They usually tend to skedaddle away from humans and rarely harm them, it’s best to keep a safe distance.

 

 

That’s about our trip! Feel free to reach out with questions if you’re planning a vacation in Aruba soon. If you’ve been there lately, I’m all ears about hearing your stories!