Curaçao - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 243

Shete Boca National Park
West of Willemstad on the eastern side of the far north coast, this is a capti-
vating part of the island. Boca Tabla , a cave washed out of the limestone
cliffs, connects with seven inlets along a dirt trail. Start by following the
sign to Viewpoint Cave, then take the steps down into the wide cavern
where waves echo loudly as they crash through the opening. Visitors often
get soaked if they fail to anticipate the flash flood that occurs when huge
waves wash into the cave. Topside, a path along the edge of the cliffs offers
spectacular views, and you can hike to the other six inlets. Boca Pistol
gets its name from the gunshot explosion of water that erupts from gaps in
the rocks when the sea rams against the cliffs. The park is open daily, 8:30
am-6 pm; the entrance fee is $1.55 per person. Guided tours are available
with a park ranger by reservation, 864-0444.

Landhuizen
The island has several notable old plantation mansions that have been
restored to their natural beauty. Some now house restaurants or other
businesses, but a few are open for special events and public visits. Many of
the original homes have crumbed beyond repair due to the inferior build-
ing materials that were used during the colonial years. The ones that
remain were built at the end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century
and feature architectural details that were popular in Holland much ear-
lier. Often, pretentious land owners constructed their homes to appear
years older than they were, so that it would seem that their family had
inherited the estate from wealthy and prestigious ancestors.
A few to visit west of Willemstad:
Landhuis Ascención , off Weg Naar Westpunt south of the town of Bar-
ber, is now owned by the Royal Marines and is open free of charge the first
Sunday of each month, 10 am-2 pm.

864-2892.
Landhuis Dokterstuin , just east of the Ascención estate, recently has
been renovated in 17th-century country style with a thatched roof. Res-
taurant Komedor Kriollo serves spicy creole meals in the casual gar-
den. Visitors are welcome daily, 9 am-7 pm, 864-2701.

Landhuis Daniel , on Weg Naar Westpunt south of the village of Tera
Kora, is a romantic hotel with eight guest rooms, and a French/Caribbean
restaurant. It's one of the oldest plantation houses on the island. You can
drop by every day (except Tuesdays and Thursdays) between 9 am and
6 pm for a drink or snack served on the patio. Call in advance for room or
dinner reservations, 864-8400.

Landhuis Knip (or Kenepa), on Weg Naar Santa Cruz near Playa
Kenepa, is the site of a 1795 slave rebellion. Today, you can dress in island
costumes to have your picture taken (this is a terrific souvenir), tour the
collection of antique furniture and memorabilia, and enjoy refreshments
in the café. The estate is open Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 am-4:50 pm, and
Sunday, 10 am-4 pm.

864-0244.