We have highlighted why you might want to add Curacao to the list of places to visit HERE. Now we provide you with a guest blog entry by Demi Diaz of her itinerary along with additional tips to help guide you through your visit below.
My friends and I started a tradition our Senior year at Fordham University to travel together once a year. This year our destination was Curaçao, a small Dutch Caribbean island 35 minutes by plane from Aruba, above Venezuela. The trip was 5 days of fun, sun and friends!
We stayed at the Hilton Curaçao Beach Resort (the hotel is as beautiful as the photos!) The service was exceptional from the front desk to the room service staff and bartenders.
Beaches
Mambo Beach:
Beach club by the Seaquarium and Eric’s ATV.
Nice, clean beach with floating water park.
Cas Abou Beach
Each car pays an entrance fee.
Food is delicious and inexpensive.
Beautiful, clean, clear water.
30-35 minute drive from our hotel but it was absolutely worth it.
Places To Eat
Piri Piri ($)
Family owned Argentinian restaurant
Decent portions
Variety of options including kebab skewers
The Grill House ($$)
In an area that has different restaurant options
Right by the water
Variety of beers and cocktails
El Guacho Piscadera ($$)
Small portions
Variety of steak options
Yucca fries are delicious
Pop’s Place ($)
Favorite place, great drinks and prices
It is by a local beach
Service is slow but the food is delicious
Excursions
Eric’s ATV ($$$)
Fun tour guide, especially as a first rider he helps you feel at ease
Drive mainly on the streets of Curacao, stopping by the Aloe Plantation
The off road drive is bumpy; you will get dirty but it’s fun and the view is great
Klein Curacao Day Trip with Bounty Adventures ($$$)
They provide breakfast
Open bar and BBQ (rice, beans, macaroni salad, pork chops, ribs, chicken and more)
They give you 4 hours to explore the island, dive off the boat, snorkel (they provide equipment)
The staff is GREAT! They even let me hold the aux cord on our way back 😉
Some Nightlife Options
Club Spoonz
Bar Sauc’e
Emporio Gran Cafe
Additional Tips/ Recommendations
-If you’re a party of 4 or more, I highly recommend renting a car. Savannah Car Rental Curacao provided THE BEST customer service (the commercial rental places suck!)
-In case you’re not renting a car, befriend a local who drives a cab for better deals (they all use WhatsApp). The minimum charge is $15 USD, even if you’re going 5 minutes away.
-Cabs from the airport are cheaper than the Expedia shuttles.
-Do not book excursions through the hotel, it’ll be cheaper to go through the company directly.
-You do not have to exchange money, the country accepts USD. To be safe, you can exchange to use at local shops, family owned restaurants, tips etc.
-The locals are super friendly, we became friends with the bartender at the Hilton, he took us out 4 out of our 5 days there. Don’t be afraid to embrace the Caribbean hospitality!
Hope this has encouraged you to book that trip to Curacao. If you are looking for additional information regarding Curacao click HERE. Don’t forget to tag us on your Instagram travel photos.
Safe Travels!
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