Aruba’s Painted Hills: Hiking Adventure to the Hooiberg Volcano
Hooiberg’s 587 concrete steps climb 165 meters from Aruba’s flat central plain, offering one of the island’s most accessible panoramic viewpoints. Known in Dutch as “haystack” for its conical shape, this ancient volcanic formation has been a landmark for centuries—so recognizable that it appears on Aruba’s official coat of arms. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler looking for a perspective beyond the beaches, this short but rewarding hike fits into almost any itinerary. Roughly 600 steps lead to a 360-degree view that spans from Oranjestad to the Venezuelan coast on exceptionally clear days. Emily’s Take Climb