Published on Apr, 2025
We loved this hike! This was a highlight of our trip to Aruba. Howard picked us up first thing in the morning and drove us to Arikok National Park, where we hiked across the beautiful landscape to the Conchi Natural Pool. Howard is a delightful hiking companion, enthusiastically sharing interesting facts about the history and the environment of the island and answering the seemingly countless questions we asked as we made our way toward the pool. Once there, he provided us with snorkeling equipment, expertly guided us into the swirling water, and used bread crumbs to coax in a dazzling array of fish for us to swim among. What a magical experience! Afterward, he provided us with fruit, granola bars, and ice water to sustain us on the trek back to the car. It's also worth noting that throughout the hike, Howard took pictures of us, the landscape, and some interesting creatures we saw along the way, sending us a wonderful keepsake album at the end of the trip. As if this were not enough, on the return drive to the hotel, he stopped at a local bakery and treated us to pastechis -- delicious! By the time we arrived back at our hotel we felt we had a wonderful new friend in the world. If you enjoy walking and learning about the history and culture of a place from a local, then you should make this tour a priority on your trip. This experience was a great value; we'd go again in a heartbeat!
