Page 11 - AHATA

a7
local Tuesday 9 sepTember 2025
Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

(Oranjestad)—Amongst new natural pool is situated
the countless beaches sur- on the northern coast of
rounding the island that are Aruba. However, this pool is
well-known and frequently much easier to reach with
visited, there are an addi- any type of vehicle, and
tional two “hidden” natural there is no hiking needed.
pools that are situated in This spot has also become
the northern coast of the is- a regular stop for touring
land, two ideal stops in your visitors.
tour itinerary.
When you get there, may-
Conchi (Natural Pool) be you won’t be able to
For many years, Conchi spot the pool immediately,
was the only natural pool because you will probably
that we had on the island. notice the moon-shaped
Located in the Arikok Na- lagoon where wild northern
tional Park, near Boca Keto waves crash into each oth-
and the Daimari Ranch, er. Sounds scary, but if you
Conchi—also known “Cura look down on your right,
di Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or you’ll see a calm, crystal
just Natural Pool—is reach- blue little pool in the cor-
able with any 4×4 vehicle ner. To get there, you have
or by foot if you’re up for a National Park, this is also wild waves on the other peared just a few years to climb down some stairs.
long hike. However, since it possible: do bring plenty side. Though the pool is lo- ago, when a part of the Be careful when climbing
is part of the National Park, of protective clothing and cated on the northern side dried up coral cliff floor down and follow the in-
you must first get permission enough water and food—it of the island (where the sea broke off and created structions of your tour guide
from park management to could take you up to three is largely rough and largely a partition between the if you have one.
enter. You would have to hours to hike there! no suitable for swimming), ocean and what is now
purchase a day pass, and the pool itself is very calm. the natural pool that is hid- And just like Conchi, this
receive a wristband as However, when you even- It’s also relatively deep, den there. Because it’s still pool also has a jumping
proof of payment. Once tually do get there, you and you can climb up the so new, there is no official spot, and a rope to climb
you’ve completed that, will be greeted with crystal rocks and jump in! name for it, but most peo- back up the boulder.q
you are set! blue water surrounded by ple just call it the cave pool.
If you decide to hike from a natural rock formation Cave Pool Picture of cave pool is cred-
the entrance of the Arikok that protects you from the This relatively new pool ap- Just like the Conchi, the ited to RockaBeach Tours

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to the “bitterbal”.
taste something different While you’re at it, why not
for a change? How about These two snacks are typi- accompany your snack
some Aruban snacks that cally found in all local snack with a refreshing “batido”?
you can find all around the trucks, which can be found Batidos are fruit shakes,
island? Hop in your car, and all over the island, including typically made with added
go to these locations to find on the side of the main road milk for some creaminess.
some of the most popular that stretches from San However, you can also ask
and tasty snacks that are Nicolas to the Hotel Area. to hold the milk. Batidos are
beloved by our locals. You can also find pastechis commonly found in snack
and krokets at local bak- shops too. You may find
One of the staples of Aru- eries and snack shops, like some batido shops next the
ban cuisine and snacks is Bright Bakery in Piedra Plat, flee markets downtown, or
the Pastechi. Pastechi is a Huchada in Santa Cruz or if you’re on your way to San If you are looking for some- • At the Alto Vista Cha-
Caribbean fried pastry that Pastechi House in the city Nicolas, at Mauchi Smooth- thing a bit more fresh and pel.
is filled with cheese, meat, center. These places may ies and Juice Bar in Sava- healthy, why not try some
chicken, veggies and also sell other snacks and neta (located at the side of coconuts, or shaved ice These vendors may also sell
sometimes even fish! Or per- sandwiches too, perfect for the main road). from local vendors? These other delights, like the be-
haps you might want to try on-the-road lunch break. vendors carry their little loved coconut-based des-
a croquette, locally called shop at the back of their sert “cocada” or peanuts.
a “kroket,” which is a crusty truck, so they are ever- All in all, in Aruba, you can
fried snack with typically a moving around the island. always find some place
meat and dough mix filling. However, there are a few to take a break and have
The Aruban kroket is based spots where you can al- a bite of something local,
on its Dutch counterpart, most always find a coco- you maybe just might have
nut/shaved ice vendor: to look for them!q
• Right next to the Red
Anchor in San Nicolas,
on the way to Baby
Beach.
• Along the main road
next to the airport field.
• At the California Light
House.