Fontein Cave — Attraction in Aruba

This limestone cave called Ouadirikiri is one of the special caves in this national park. The original name of this cave is Warerikiri and has a possible Indian origin in the Arawak language spoken by Ihe Caquetio Indians lvho lived on Aruba in the Preceramic Period (l0,000-1,800 b.C.) and Ceramic Period (1 ,000 A.d.) The following local legend about the Quadirikiri cave is a great example how cultural heritage influences the perception of nature.. An Indian chief's daughter named Wadirikiri was believed to be a descendant of the God of the Sun. She was the most beautiful woman in her tribe and many men dreamt of being loved by her. However, Wadlrikiri did not love ;asily and it. became a common believe that she lvould never marry. Then one day Wadirikiri did fall in love aad lost her heart to a foreigner named Wftitc Feather Her father felt insulted by this act of treason by his daughter. He condemned their love and ordered Wadirikiri to be kidnapped and'held captive inside this cave novadays known as Quadirikiri cave. The beaubful Wadirikiri was never seen again The legend goes that aft h d her soul was released through the holes of the cl ceiling inside the Quadirikiri cave so Yhe could be reunited tvith the...

A small fun cave to explore and to learn about it's historic drawings in the cave. The other cave in the park is much more magnificent and impressive if you dare going in 100 meters or so. Entry fee to the park is $11 per adult, children under 17 are free. North side entrance has a nice visitors area, free wifi and restrooms before you head into the park. Unless you have an ATV, be prepared to go at 10-15 km/hr as roads in the park are v small with frequent speed stoppers /water flow drains for first 15-20 mins.

Park ranger Stan Tromp is the friendliest, highly knowledgeable and engaging young man we met. We spent about an hour talking with him on local history, world war 2 and Arubas relevance to it and many other topics. It's pleasure meeting genuine people like Stan who go out of their way to share their knowledge about the Island. Stan is second generation local who values the Islands history and aspires to be an Ecologist. Pls support his cause in anyway if you can. Thank you Stan for the great afternoon...

Fontein Cave is one of the smaller coral caves in the National Park, but still interesting and worth the stop.

A short passage leads into a more extensive gallery. The caves have typical limestone formations, but only the largest remain after centuries of visitation.

The walkways are easy to follow, but care needs to be taken to mind your feet and head (low ceilings in places).

Outside the cave is a spring with a freshwater pool that harbors small fish. Dipping one’s feet - shoes and socks removed - in the pool and the fish will feed on the dried skin - a picine pedicure. No harm is done, and it’s refreshingly cool but tickles.

The surrounding landscape is arid with tall organ pipe cacti and many other botanical species.

Take time to enjoy the...