Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Dozen Reasons to Visit
Pastel-painted buildings along Willemstad's waterfront.
The Animal Encounters habitat at the Sea Aquarium.
The Mushroom Forest dive site.
Water-carved cliffs and caverns at Shete Boca Park .
Driving routes through Christoffel National Park .
Kurá Hulanda Museum and restored historic village.
The Ostrich and Game Farm .
Blue Bay Golf Course .
Queen Emma pedestrian pontoon bridge .
The Hato Caves .
Herbs and remedies at Den Paradera .
The orchards and recreated slave village of Hòfi Pachi
Sprockel .
A Brief History
Early Inhabitants
Most historians agree that Curaçao's original settlers were simple hunters
and gatherers who arrived on the island around 2500 BC. They didn't
leave behind enough evidence to accurately document their presence, so
researchers jump ahead to 500 AD, when the Caiquetio branch of the
Arawak Indians arrived. It is from them that the island takes its name.
Unearthed evidence from this later group points to a tribe that farmed,
fished, and hunted. They painted on rocks and inside caves, made ceramic
housewares and religious items, and lived in huts inside small villages.
See pages 2-3 for more details on the daily life of Arawak-speaking
Indians.
European Influence & Control
Spanish explorers, led by Alonso de Ojeda (see
page 57) and navigated by Amerigo Vespucci ,
landed in 1499. They were overwhelmed by the
physical size of the Caiquetios, and named
Curaçao La Isla de los Gigantes, Island of the
Giants. Hoping to take advantage of the strength
of these peaceful hulks, the Spanish shipped most
of the tribe to Hispaniola (now the Dominican
Republic and Haiti) to work in the mines.
Amerigo Vespucci
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