Page 17 - AHATA

Thursday 22 May 2025 locAl
A10

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and part of the island, right on
Casibari Rock Formations the road that leads you to
are known locally as one the Black Stone Beach, and
of the crucial sites to have close to the Natural Bridge.
in your “off-road” trip itiner- The Ayo is a fenced terrain
ary. These naturally formed that consists of several giant
rock formations as just one boulders, resting neatly on
of the few places on the is- top of or side by side each
land that hold a rich history other, adding gorgeous
of our culture and of our an- natural architecture to the
cestors. surrounding “mondi”*. This is
also one of the few sites to tion contains stairs that lead backyard. The Ayo is usually island and the ocean in the
Ayo contain prehistoric markings you to the top of the highest quiet, as it is situated farther south. Right in front of the
The Ayo Rock Formation of our indigenous ances- boulder, offering a breath- away from the busier parts entrance, there is the Casi-
is located in the northern tors. The Ayo Rock forma- taking view of the Aruban of the island. However, this bari Café and Grill, a great
is just another charm of the place to get refreshments
site: the quiet area and and snack before continu-
the refreshing breeze of- ing your off-road adven-
fer a sense of comfort and ture!
peace.
Both sites are open free to
Casibari the public, 24 hours a day.
Probably the busier rock for- However, unless you are
mation site, the Casibari is taking a trip with a profes-
situated more in the center sional tour guide, there are
of the island, much closer— no guides at the sites to help
and more accessible—to you climb the rock. So, do
the general public. Just like be careful when trudging
Ayo, Casibari is a fenced on the boulders, and make
area containing several sure to befriend any roam-
boulders that lay on top or ing goats you see along the
lean on each other. The best way!
aspect of the Casibari Rock
Formation is the accompa- *Mondi: what we call our
nying view when you climb Aruban wilderness. We
up the top of the round, flat don’t have forests, or des-
bolder. For this position, you erts, but we do have mondi!
can see the majority of the q

Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named after
its most recognizable fea- Blackstone Beach shows the
ture, the Blackstone Beach more natural side of Aruba:
almost represents the op- the stones that cover the
posite of the typical Aru- beaches and the shape
ban beaches. For one, it has of it has been crafted for
black sand and is covered thousand years via volcanic
in black smooth stones. Sec- eruptions, coral reef move- to access. Once you get This beach forms part of the current is very strong and
ondly, it lies on the northern ments and wave activity of passed the Ayo Rock For- Arikok National Park and is can easily stray you further
side of the island, away from the rural northern part of the mation, take the Andicuri therefore a site that is pre- in the wild ocean. However,
the white sandy beaches of island. road leading up to Andicuri served. This is why it is also you can still enjoy a spec-
in the southern region. So, if Beach. There, you can park relatively untouched by tacular view of the stones
you feel up for something Located further east to the your car and take a 1km commercial influences. De- and the northern ocean that
different—or if it’s opposite Natural Bridge and Andi- hike towards Blackstone spite being called a beach, stretches out in front of the
day, visit the Blackstone curi Beach, the Blackstone Beach. do note that it is not advised beach and take a picture
Beach. Beach is relatively easy to swim in the water, as the with your friends or family!q