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Summer 2010 adventure and eco Travel issue

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arubaWalk on the Wild Side!

By Susan Campbell | Photos by Diego marquez

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Scope out the scene…This is not your typical “tropical” island. Aruba’s interior countryside (called the cunucu) is arid, scrubby and rocky punctuated by cacti, meandering wild goats and torturously twisted trees (watapanas). But there’s much more than meets the eye if you know where to look. One-fifth of the island is a protected nature preserve called Arikok National Park.

Your best bet is to stop by their new visitor centre to preview the eco-attractions you’ll encounter. There you can watch movies about the flora and fauna and meet some of Aruba’s indigenous creatures up close. You can drive through the park, but a guided eco-trek is the best way to truly appreciate the stark beauty and hidden undercurrent of life in this mystifying outback. You’ll learn why the original lounge lizards (iguanas) were highly prized as a fertility enhancing meat, and why those quirky shoco owls teach their young to make rattlesnake sounds from their underground nests.

But best of all, you’ll be led to discover spectacularly unique spots like the natural blowhole that you’d have great difficulty finding on your own. Tours are available through the visitor center and tour company Nature Sensitive Hikers also conducts a fascinating night hike through the park during full moons.

Visit: http://arubanationalpark.org/Visit: http://naturesensitivetours.com/

There’s an offbeat side of this little rock that can rejuvenate your work-weary spirit just as efficiently as a liquor-laden aruba ariba! So let’s discover where mother nature gets the party started …

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Photo by jeff Berger

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meet some rock stars…Some of Mother Nature’s most fabulous work here is set in stone. Literally. Though Aruba’s most emblematic natural bridge has fallen, there are many others like the window onto the waves at Seroe Colorado. Then there are the bizarre quartz diorite formations of Ayo and Casbari that crop up out of nowhere. The Flintstones would have been right at home in these odd Bedrockesque boulder communities. The underground scene also rocks with special spelunking opportunities in a series of cool caves and caverns. Check out the natural skylight at Guadirikiri cave or Aruba’s earliest graffiti at Fontein cave left by the ancient civilisation of Caquetio Indians. (Be forewarned there are abundant bats; but they’re harmless!)

Or how about an all natural Jacuzzi? “Conchi” is a secret natural pool set in coral rock by the sea, accessible only by jeep or ATV due to really rough terrain. So fasten your seatbelts, as “Bette” would say, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! But it’s well worth the shake, rattle and roll as this refreshing oasis is VERY cool and a great snorkeling spot, but bring beach shoes because the stone stairs are very slippery. You can also get there by horseback. Or, if you are up for some serious cardio, try climbing the 592 straight-up steps of Mount Hooiberg (locals call it “the haystack” ) for great photo ops. (Don’t forget to bring water, and maybe a medic!)

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Seek out “party animals”…One natural attraction not to miss is the Donkey Sanctuary. They are fun and friendly critters rescued from the wild that surprisingly love to play soccer with coconuts! If you want to be the life of this party, show up with apples and carrots. You can also adopt one by sponsoring its feed and shelter for a year.

Visit: www.arubandonkey.org/

These are just a few of Aruba’s unique eco-attractions beyond the beach. Visit www.aruba.com to discover more.

Note: Aruba’s interior can be unforgiving, so bring sun block, good covered walking shoes, water, and of course… your camera!

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aruba welcomes all….aruba is welcoming to gLBT tourists in many ways. Though all major resorts welcome same sex couples, the Bucuti Beach Resort, Renaissance aruba Resort & Casino and the aruba Hyatt are of-ficially Tag (Travel alternatives group) approved accommodations. Tag approved® means agreeing to not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in their employment practices, actively outreach to the gay and lesbian community, and strive to create a gay-friendly experience for their guests. There are also two member hotels of igLTa (international gay and Lesbian Travel association) which are the Cunucu arubiano and The Holiday inn Resort aruba. Little David’s is a small B&B dedicated to gay guests only. most nightlife establishments welcome a mixed gay/straight clientele, and there’s one official gay nightspot called Jimmy’s Place.