Christoffel National Park
The basics
At Christoffel National Park, you can head out on the easiest trail, which is the 20-minute walk through the white-tailed deer sanctuary, or, if you’re thinking of going on the relatively arduous climb to the top of Mount Christoffel, head off in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day. In addition, scenic driving routes lead across the hills to the coastline, and you can access them on a guided 4x4 safari tour.
Alternatively, take a tour of the historic Plantation Savonet within the park’s grounds. The park also organizes activities, such as deer watching, animal presentations, cave excursions, full moon walks, and sunrise safaris.
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Things to know before you go
- Christoffel Mountain Trail is considered a strenuous hike and climb, which takes around three hours from the visitor center and two hours from the foot of the mountain.
- You’re allowed to drive through the park on the paved routes with your own car.
- The Savonet Museum, which is located on the plantation site, charges a separate entrance fee.
How to get there
Christoffel National Park runs across the northern tip of Curacao, 40 minutes north of Willemstad in Banda Bou. Guided tours of the park typically include round-trip transportation from your hotel or the port. Large cruise ships arrive in Curacao at the terminal in Willemstad. Taxis are also readily available for getting around the island.
When to get there
The park is open daily until 2pm, with the ticket window and entrance to the park closing at 1:30pm. If you’re planning to tackle the climb up to the top of Mount Christoffel, start in the early morning to avoid the heat. For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to start the mountain climb after 10am.
Shete Boka National Park
Another nearby natural attraction, Shete Boka National Park, which is an area that borders Christoffel National Park, boasts rocky coastal views and tucked-away beaches where three species of sea turtles lay their eggs. The park also offers two hiking trails that take around an hour to complete. Some guided tours combine snorkeling with a visit to Shete Boka.