Aruba Itinerary
My 4-Day Itinerary
Aruba, the island of gorgeous ocean waves, warm sand, desert land, cactus, rugged hills, golden sunrises and beautiful sunsets, and views that take your breath away.
I watched the sun go down over dinner on the beach, toes in the sand, the sky putting on a show just for me. I laced up before dawn for a group sunrise hike through Arikok National Park, cactus and rugged hills glowing gold as the day woke up. I climbed the lighthouse for views so beautiful I stopped in admiration, and wandered through an aloe farm and a butterfly farm, learning something new at every turn. Climbed up boulders to watch the skyline of Aruba, and stood at the Natural Bridge watching the wild north coast waves crash against the rocks.
There was Baby Beach, calm turquoise water, and the most delicious Jamaican food. There were sunset walks along the shore, slow nights by the hotel pool, live music under the stars, and yes, a party bus.
Sunrise to sunset, desert to sea, quiet moments to all-out fun.
Day 1: Dinner as the Sun Melted into the Sea
Arriving in Aruba at mid-day was a dream. I got the chance to relax in my cozy hotel room, take in the excitement of being on the island and wandering around the hotel just to take it all in. Day 1 is usually a low key day depending on what time I arrive.
After relaxing for a bit, I googled restaurants on the beach, and up popped MooMba Beach bar Restaurant with great reviews. I quickly made a reservation for dinner.
Walking onto the beach was relaxing. It was fun people watching and taking in the sound of happy voices.
As the sun melted into the sea, I enjoyed a delicious beef pincho – deliciously marinated tender meat, served with french fries, sauce and chimichurri, and a glass of wine.
After dinner, I took a stroll down the busy streets of Aruba, then hopped into a taxi to my hotel, and relaxed at the pool side to enjoy the cool breezy evening.
Day 2: Sunrise with Strangers, Midnight on a Party Bus
Sometimes a 5am alarm is just what you need. I booked this sunrise hike through Viator, and the operator connected me with a taxi service for pick up from my hotel at 5:30am to the meet up point. The beautiful thing about these group adventures is the people you meet. You meet as strangers, and somehow quickly bond with each other over hilly paths, shared experiences and stunning views. Our group guide was simply amazing, and surprised us with delicious homemade lemonade and cookies, as we relaxed on the rocks at the stunning natural pools.
We wandered through the Arikok National park, and experienced the the beautiful sun rise over Aruba together.
I’m really happy I did not miss this one, even with a 5am alarm.
After the wonderful morning, I enjoyed the rest of the morning relaxing at my hotel, spent about 3 hours at the beach simply laying in a hammock watching the skies and the ocean bounce around. Grabbed delicious lunch at the beach, and headed back to my hotel room to relax and get ready for the MIDNIGHT PARTY BUS!!!
The party bus is a whole vibe. Want to test your dancing feet on the land of Aruba? Book the party bus! Whether you are travelling solo or with friends – book the party bus! They pick you up from your hotel, and let me tell you, that dance floor on the party bus, the amazing DJ with throwback music blasting through the night, the unlimited drinks (optional if you choose), the happy strangers who hop on ready to have the best time of their life – will simply make your night. Book the party bus!!!!
Day 3: Lighthouses, Natural Bridges & Jamaican Food at Baby Beach
I booked a half day group tour of Aruba on Viator, which ended up as a full day tour, so I could experience Baby Beach with the amazing people I met on the tour. This tour takes you through all the top attractions in Aruba – from the aloe factory to the amazing aloe store where you will find the best aloe soaps, bath salts, lotions etc. Take your time and smell it all. Test them, and don’t forget to pack some to bring with you, so you always have Aruba with you.
Climb up the lighthouse to look over Aruba, light a candle and say a silent prayer at the beautiful Catholic chapel, don’t hesitate to climb up the giant boulders of the Casbari Rock formations, and be sure to linger at the beautiful natural bridge.
Don’t leave just yet. You’ve got to try the delicious food at Big Mama Grill at Baby beach, dig your feet in the warm water and let the ocean breeze take you away.
After a long wonderful day, the beat of great relaxing live music at my hotel pool was the way to end the night.
Day 4: Butterflies, Beach Evening & a New Friend
Solo travel always finds a way to give you so much – adventures, laughter and beautiful people. Spent my last day on the island wandering a butterfly farm with my new friend ‘N’, lunch on the streets of Aruba, beach time, snacks and drinks at N’s hotel, dinner and an evening out.
The night was beautiful, warm and breezy. It was such a beautiful way to say goodbye to Aruba.
Tip: Don’t forget to be very flexible with your itinerary. Things happen on adventures, don’t let it ruin your experience. Smile and move things around.
Questions about my itinerary? Email me at choosingopenroads@gmail.com