Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Did You Know? The word “boca” or “boka” is both
Spanish and Papiamento for mouth, and you will
see it on maps wherever the sea has carved a bay or
inlet.
Just to the south is Boca Andicuri , until recently the site of Aruba's
famous Natural Bridge . The stunning 25-foot-high, 100-foot-long natu-
ral limestone bridge toppled into the surf before dawn on September 2,
2005. The collapse was unexpected, but not at all surprising, since the
bridge was actually all that remained of a cave that had crumpled long
ago. Take time to walk down to the black-sand beach below the cliffs, but
be aware that the ocean currents at Andicuri are powerful, and only good
swimmers should venture into the water.
Another, shorter natural bridge is still standing on the southern curve of
the bay, where the pounding surf has worn caves into the cliffs. It's well
worth stopping there to watch the hypnotic spray that spews from the
caves' hollows as the ocean crashes wildly against the bluffs.
DRIVING TIP: Official road signs are rare, but
you may be lucky enough to spot small, hand-
lettered markers pointing in the general direction of
the island's major sightseeing attractions, includ-
ing Ayo Rock and the Boca Andicuri Natural
Bridge. It helps to have a map, but not much, since
there are few street signs. Maintain a pioneer spirit
and you'll have a great adventure, even if you never
get to your destination.
Make an inland detour to see the bizarre and intriguing rock formations at
nearby Ayo. Regular cars must make a loop back toward Bushiribana,
then south (veer left at “Ys” and intersections) to the Ayo Rock Forma-
tions , which are less than three miles west of the Boca Andicuri. These
huge wind-carved boulders are like something out of a space fantasy, and
geologists have not been able to explain how these massive stones
appeared on the otherwise flat and sandy island. Paths meander around
through the area, and lead to a small cave with pictographs left by the
Caiquetio Indians. Views from the top are spectacular, and you'll probably
spot parrots in the trees. Open daily at no charge from 9 am to 5 pm.
Similar boulders are located at Casibari Rock Formations , about
two miles farther inland, off Hwy 4 A/B. Here, steps lead to the top of the
rocks and a panoramic view of the countryside. Tunnels and narrow ledges
make the climb interesting, but a bit tricky for very young children and
those who are unsteady on their feet. Snacks, souvenirs, and drinks are
sold at the refreshment stand, and the site is open at no charge from 9 am
to 5 pm every day.
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