Page 5 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Monday 20 May 2024

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and
Casibari Rock Formations
are known locally as one
of the crucial sites to have
in your “off-road” trip itiner-
ary. These naturally formed
rock formations as just one
of the few places on the is-
land that hold a rich history
of our culture and of our
ancestors.

Ayo closer—and more acces- don’t have forests, or des-
The Ayo Rock Formation sible—to the general pub- erts, but we do have mon-
is located in the northern lic. Just like Ayo, Casibari di!
part of the island, right on is a fenced area contain-
the road that leads you to ing several boulders that
the Black Stone Beach, and lay on top or lean on each
close to the Natural Bridge. other. The best aspect of
The Ayo is a fenced terrain the Casibari Rock Forma-
that consists of several giant tion is the accompanying
boulders, resting neatly on view when you climb up
top of or side by side each the top of the round, flat
other, adding gorgeous bolder. For this position, you
natural architecture to the can see the majority of the
surrounding “mondi”*. This island and the ocean in the
is also one of the few sites south. Right in front of the
to contain prehistoric mark- entrance, there is the Casi-
ings of our indigenous an- bari Café and Grill, a great
cestors. The Ayo Rock for- place to get refreshments
mation contains stairs that and snack before continu-
lead you to the top of the ing your off-road adven-
highest boulder, offering a ture!
breath-taking view of the
Aruban backyard. The Ayo Both sites are open free to
is usually quiet, as it is situ- the public, 24 hours a day.
ated farther away from the However, unless you are
busier parts of the island. taking a trip with a profes-
However, this is just anoth- sional tour guide, there are
er charm of the site: the no guides at the sites to
quiet area and the refresh- help you climb the rock.
ing breeze offer a sense of So, do be careful when
comfort and peace. trudging on the boulders,
and make sure to befriend
Casibari any roaming goats you see
Probably the busier rock along the way!
formation site, the Casi-
bari is situated more in the *Mondi: what we call our
center of the island, much Aruban wilderness. We