South End of Aruba

These Amerindian Caves were once the dwellings of the Arawak Indians and Caribs. Some caves contain pre-Columbian petroglyphs, stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby is a Chinese garden, as well as a small museum with native wildlife.

This is the site of the 19th C gold mining industry. Nearby, at Frenchman's Pass, are the ruins of the old gold smelters.

Hooiberg is a cone shaped 'mountain' that stands alone in the center of the island and rises 165m/617ft above sea level. After climbing almost 600 steps to the peak, on clear days visitors are able to see the coast of Venezuela from the summit.

Santa Cruz, one of Aruba's larger towns, is located in the center of the island.

The fishing village of Savaneta was once a busy center because of production in the nearby saltpans. Today there are a number of hotels and the town attracts many international visitors

At the east end of Aruba is Seroe, once occupied by oil refinery employees but now a ghost town. Today there is a lighthouse with views across the dry landscape, the beach, and the ocean beyond.

St Nicolaas is the second largest city in Aruba. It has been home to the oil refinery since 1929.