Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Oriented
Roads are in good condition and signs point the way to most
attractions, so finding your way around is easy, whether
you're driving in the countryside or walking through
Willemstad. Pick up a free map at the front desk of your
hotel, any car-rental office, information kiosks at the air-
port or cruise-ship terminal, or at the Tourism Develop-
ment Bureau in Punda (Pietermaai 19,
434-8200).
The island is long (about 37 miles) and thin (no more than eight miles
across), lying almost diagonal to due north-south. Little Klein Curaçao is
about seven miles off the southeast coast.
Willemstad , the capital of both Curaçao and the Netherlands Antilles, is
located a bit east of midpoint on the protected leeward coast of the island.
Hato Airport is to the north, at about midpoint on the windward coast.
The island extends northwest and southeast from the capital and airport,
with the Watamula Lighthous e on the northwestern point, and the
Oostpunt Lighthouse on the southeastern tip.
Guided Tours
Some of the island's attractions offer guided tours, but if you have only a
few hours, or want a quick overview of the entire island before you head
out to do your own exploring, contact one of the following tour operators:
Taber Tour has a service desk in all the major hotels and offers
a variety of tours on comfortable modern buses.
737-6637 or
737-6713, www.curacao.com/tabertours.
Dornasol Tours goes off the beaten track with trips to planta-
tions, the Jewish quarters, Indian sites, and caves. Interest-
specific tours include art, African history and culture, or tradi-
tions of the sea. Groups are limited to four-seven guests on half-
and full-day tours.
868-2735 or 562-8368 (cell).
Dutch Dream conducts adventure tours by jeep and canoe. In
addition, they guide hiking, biking, and climbing trips.
864-
7377 or 560-4007 (cell).
TIP: Before signing up for a guided tour, ask if the
guide speaks your language, and if the tour is con-
ducted entirely or primarily in your language.
Peter Trips features cultural and historical tours. The full-
day outings cover the entire island; afternoon tours take in ei-
ther the east or west ends; morning trips hit some of the top at-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search