Off The Beaten Path - Aruba

If all you see of Aruba is the over populated resort area, then you are missing out on Aruba.

California Lighthouse
The California Lighthouse is located near Arashi Beach on the northwest tip of Aruba. This lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which was wrecked nearby on September 23, 1891. Constructed in 1910, on a high seaside elevation, the lighthouse has become one of Aruba's scenic trademarks and offers a picture perfect view of the island's western coastline of sandy beaches, rocky coral shorelines and of the beautifully landscaped golf course Tierra del Sol. Immediately adjacent to the lighthouse is a restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco (English: The White Lighthouse Restaurant), and also nearby is the Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club. It is possible to sight a herd of wild goats just south of the lighthouse. The terrain there is moon like with sharp rocks sticking out of the ground, making it difficult for people to walk on without sturdy footwear. Also adjacent to the lighthouse are the California Sand Dunes which offer loads of family fun or a hand-in-hand starry-eyed stroll to the secluded coastline. Any time of day or night is a great time to visit the lighthouse for a 360 degree view, but the sunset is hands down the right time of day to be there as the big orange ball of fire gently dips into the Caribbean Sea.

Wariruri Natural Bridge
Mother Nature carved a picturesque natural bridge just to the right of the  Wariruri beach. This sand cove is found along Aruba’s rocky north shore, attracting local surfers as well as fishermen who cast their lines from the bordering limestone cliffs. Wariwuri is accessible by following the dirt road north towards the Bushiri Gold Mill Ruins. 

Gold mines

In the 1400's and 1500's, adventurers traveled throughout the Caribbean in search of wealth and treasures. According to legend, one of these treasure islands was named "Oro Ruba," which means "red gold." Now known as Aruba, a colorful history of gold prospectors has shaped the island's history. Today, remnants of this history can still be experienced.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

On the northern coast, midway down the island, sits the abandoned gold mill that once processed ore from mines in the nearby hills during Aruba's gold rush of the nineteenth century. In 1824, gold was finally discovered in Aruba, and eventually, the industry produced more than 3 million pounds of gold.
Balashi Gold Mill Ruins

The Balashi Gold Mill was built at the tip of the Spanish Lagoon. Remnants of this once bustling mill are still visible in the picturesque setting near the narrow canyon of rocks known as Frenchman's Pass.

Caves
Who would have thought that these two caves, renowned in folklore as the site where two lovers burst through rock and into heaven, would be so dark, damp, gritty and full of bats. The Guadirikiri Caves, located in Arikok National Park are two of the larger ancient caves in Aruba that allow you to actually enter and see some cave drawings. Guides are available at certain times and greatly improve the experience. Don't be afraid of the bats in the cave, they are fruit bats and will have no interest in you, however they are beautiful creatures to behold. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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