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Hato Caves

Hato Caves

Guided tours through limestone caves with stalactites, a bat colony and Amerindian rock drawings, five minutes from the airport.

Photo: ImagePerson, CC BY 4.0
  • AreaHato, near the airport
  • ToursEvery full hour, 9:00–15:00
  • TimeAbout 1 h
  • Best forFamilies, rainy days

The Hato Caves are the island's best-known show caves, set in a limestone terrace on the north side of the island, just across the road from Curaçao International Airport. The rock here is ancient coral reef, lifted out of the sea and hollowed out by water over a very long time. The caves have been open to visitors since 1991.

The tour

You can only enter the caves with a guide. Tours leave every hour on the hour, with the first at 9:00 and the last at 15:00 according to the cave's own website, and last about 45 minutes. Arrive ten minutes early to buy your ticket on site. Tours are given in English, Dutch, Spanish or Papiamentu.

  • Formations: stalactites and stalagmites with names like the Sleeping Giant, and an underground pool.
  • Bats: a colony of long-nosed bats lives in one chamber; they are harmless to people.
  • History: Amerindian inhabitants used the area around the caves, and enslaved people who escaped plantations later hid here.

The petroglyph trail

Outside, a short walking path (about 30 minutes) leads past rock drawings left by the island's early Amerindian inhabitants, estimated at around 1,500 years old, plus cacti and iguanas. The trail closes a little before the last tour, so do it first if you arrive late in the day.

Tip: It is humid inside and the floor can be damp, so wear shoes with grip. Photography rules vary; ask your guide before using a flash near the bats.

Getting there

The caves are signposted off the F.D. Rooseveltweg, about 15 minutes by car from Punda and close enough to visit on your arrival or departure day. It pairs well with Landhuis Chobolobo for a half day. Many island tours include a stop; compare them on GetYourGuide or Viator. Without a car you will need a taxi or tour; see getting around and car hire.

Tours: Hato Caves

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Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Hato Caves without a guide?

No. Entry is by guided tour only, leaving every hour on the hour.

How long is the Hato Caves tour?

About 45 minutes in the cave, roughly an hour including tickets and the walk up.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The path is lit and paved, though there are steps to climb at the entrance.

Hato Caves
Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0

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