Hooiberg

Hooiberg, also known as Haystack Mountain, is a cone-shaped mountain standing 541.3-feet (165-meters) tall in the heart of the island. Its summit commands outstanding panoramic views across the island and out to the Caribbean Sea. Bring your camera and best zoom lenses for photos and climb more than 550 steps to reach the top.

The tallest mountain on Aruba is actually the 617-foot (188-meter) Mount Jamanota, which is located in Arikok National Park further south. It is Hooiberg, however, that is more prominent because of its isolated position amid a mostly flat landscape. Hooiberg is more widely known and has a higher tourist profile; a depiction of it can even be seen on the Aruban coat of arms.

Lace up your walking boots and prepare for the hike. The mountain features a pathway comprised of concrete steps leading to the lookout. You’ll often see joggers and exercisers working out here. Take note of the Hooibergite rock from which the mountain is composed; this distinctive quartz rock is what gives the mountain its name.

As you hike, be sure to check out the surrounding vegetation. Look for cacti as well as Aruba’s iconic divi-divi trees. These windblown trees curve in a southwesterly direction because of the prevailing winds and their image is often used to promote the island. The mountain’s yellow-flowered poui trees provide bursts of color.

At the top, you’ll be able to see telephone towers and radio antennae, which ensure the island has communications services. Seek out a quiet spot away from these to pause and appreciate the superb vistas. Look all around the island and beyond the coastline. Plan your visit here for sunrise or sunset for an extra special view, when the spiky silhouettes of the catci stand in high relief against the orange hue of the sky.

Hooiberg is just a 10-minute drive east of Oranjestad. There is no public bus stop at the mountain, so consider driving or taking a taxi instead.