Curaçao, one of the pearls of the Caribbean, stands out for its unique blend of culture, history and breathtaking natural landscapes. Located in the Lesser Antilles, this Dutch island is famous for its crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and colonial architecture with pastel facades.
Curaçao is part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), located off the coast of Venezuela in the Lesser Antilles. These islands form a distinct group within the Netherlands Antilles, and are known for their dry, sunny climate and location outside the hurricane belt, making them attractive year-round.
The island of Curaçao is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, sharing close political and cultural ties with the Netherlands. This Dutch influence is reflected in the colorful architecture of Willemstad, the capital, whose pastel-colored buildings are reminiscent of the Dutch colonial style.
The official language is Dutch, but Papiamento (a local creole), English and Spanish are also widely spoken on the island.
Curaçao's climate is warm and sunny throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The dry season runs from January to September, and the rainy season, less intense than on other islands, runs from October to December.
Curaçao is divided into several distinct regions, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. The island is known for its diversity, ranging from the bustling capital to secluded beaches and unspoiled nature reserves.
History of the island, must-see places, activity ideas, best times to go, etc.
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Pre-Columbian period
Before the arrival of Europeans, Curaçao was inhabited by the Arawak Amerindians, more precisely by the Caquetíos, a tribe originally from present-day Venezuela. These indigenous peoples lived mainly from fishing, hunting and agriculture, exploiting local resources and developing a culture adapted to the dry conditions of the island.
Spanish colonization
In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer, was one of the first Europeans to land on the island, marking the beginning of the colonial era on Curaçao. The Spanish quickly discovered that the island was not ideal for agriculture due to its arid soil, and Curaçao was thus dubbed a “useless island” by the colonists. However, the island’s strategic location in the Caribbean was recognized, and it was used as a launching point for exploration and trade with the Native Americans of the region.
Dutch takeover
In 1634, the Dutch took possession of Curaçao, marking the beginning of several centuries of Dutch rule. They transformed the island into an important trading and military base for the Dutch West India Company (WIC). Curaçao quickly became a major center of the Caribbean slave trade, with its natural port of Willemstad playing a key role in the trade of African slaves to the Americas.
After the abolition of slavery
After the abolition of slavery in 1863, many freed slaves remained on the island, working in precarious conditions or settling in rural communities. Curaçao's economies subsequently diversified, particularly with the discovery of oil in neighboring Venezuela in the early 20th century. This led to the establishment of oil refineries on the island, which became a major source of income for the local economy.
Autonomy and links with the Netherlands
In 1954, Curaçao became an autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands along with the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles. This status allowed the island to manage its internal affairs while remaining linked to the Netherlands for defense and international relations. In 2010, the Netherlands Antilles were dissolved, and Curaçao became a separate autonomous territory within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, alongside Aruba, Bonaire, and other Dutch Caribbean islands.
You have chosen to travel to Curacao, but you would like to to inform on the transportation, there life on site and the budget to expect? Here is the basic information to know.
Like flights, accommodation prices will depend heavily on the tourist season you are traveling in. You can easily go from single to double if you travel in high season.
Prices also vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. By finding the right balance between comfort and cheapness, this is where you can save money (to compensate for the price of the ticket for example...).
At Plume Evasion, we will not mention hotels unless they are "locally-owned" and/or respect an eco-responsible charter (we want to respect sustainable values, that is to say, promote the local economy, and respect the environment as much as possible).
But between Airbnbs, lodges, guesthouses, unusual accommodations (bubbles, glamping, tree houses, etc.), there is plenty to do. Prices will vary depending on the “standing” of the accommodation chosen:
Options for getting around Curacao include car rental, taxis, and public transportation.
Car rental : This is the best option to explore the island freely. The rental price varies between 30 and 60 euros per day for a small car, with additional costs for insurance. It is recommended to rent a car to visit remote beaches and natural parks.
Taxis : Taxis are relatively expensive in Curacao. The average fare for a short trip in the city is around 10 to 20 euros, while longer journeys, such as to the airport or to distant beaches, can cost 30 to 50 euros.
Public buses : The bus network is limited but economical, with journeys costing around 1 to 3 euros. However, it is mainly used by locals and is not very convenient for tourists wishing to explore the island at their own pace.
To move around freely, it is recommended to rent a car. Rental prices also depend on the season and vary between €250 and €400 per week..
Curacao offers a wide range of activities from scuba diving to exploring the local culture.
Scuba diving and snorkeling : The island is a diving paradise. A diving trip costs around 60 to 100 euros per person depending on the site and the duration of the excursion.
Guided tours and excursions : Cultural tours of Willemstad, excursions to beaches or natural parks such as Christoffel Park, cost on average 30 to 100 euros per person, depending on the activity.
Boat trips : A day on a catamaran or an excursion to discover the isolated coves costs between 50 and 150 euros per person, depending on duration and services included.
Free activities : Many beaches are free to enter, and it is possible to visit sites such as the Willemstad floating market or hike in nature parks for very little cost (sometimes parking or entrance fees).
The food budget in Curacao depends on your dining choices. In the local restaurants, like those that offer traditional "Krioyo" dishes, you can count between 10 and 15 euros per person for a simple dish such as fish or chicken, accompanied by rice and beans. local markets, like the one in Willemstad, allow you to buy fresh produce at affordable prices, around 5 to 10 euros for a simple meal.
If you prefer to dine in mid-range restaurants, the cost of a complete meal generally varies between 20 and 40 euros per person, with more elaborate local dishes or international cuisine. For an experience in a high end restaurant, plan on approximately 50 to 100 euros per person, often with several courses and drinks included.
If you choose to cook for yourself by renting an apartment, the supermarket shopping are at similar prices to those in Europe, with local products such as fruits, vegetables and fish at reasonable prices. A budget of 50 to 100 euros per week is enough to do your shopping and prepare your meals.
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