Planning to travel Curacao in 2021? Here is my detailed Curacao travel guide including travel requirements, cost of travel, and best places to visit.
Lying about 65km off the Venezuelan coast, Curacao is a small island that’s part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Yet, it’s unmistakably Caribbean with its vibrant colors, pristine beaches and rainforests studded with cacti and green iguanas.
Having just returned from two weeks in Curacao, I wanted to share some of our experience traveling Curacao during the pandemic. Curacao has had relatively low infection rates throughout the pandemic (check current stats here) and we found it easy to keep away from crowds. As of now, hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs are all open for business.
Note that COVID measures can change anytime, please refer to this website for the latest updates.
Curacao Travel Guide 2021
How to Travel Curacao Now
The island reopened to the world on January 1st 2021 and flights have resumed. To enter Curacao, all visitors must follow these 3 mandatory steps:
- Complete this digital immigration card online before departure.
- Within 48 hours before departure, you need to fill out the online Passenger Locator Card (PLC) and carry a printed document of proof with you.
- Show a negative result from a certified COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure (NOTE: Only deep pharyngeal nose and throat swab PCR tests are accepted. Children 6 years and below are not required to take a PCR test.)
How to Get to Curacao
Flights to Curacao have resumed. Curaçao International Airport (CUR) serves as the main gateway to Curaçao, You can fly direct to Curacao from the Netherlands and many parts of the US via KLM, TUI, American Airlines, and JetBlue.
You can get direct flights from Miami to Curacao (3hrs) from just US$360 return and from New York to Curacao (4.5 hrs) for the same price. We flew direct from Amsterdam to Curacao (10 hrs) for $570 (or €450) round trip.
Search for Flights to Curacao
Fun Facts about Curacao
Curacao (also known as Curaçao) may be in the Caribbean, but it is part of the Netherlands. It’s the biggest and most rugged of the three ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.
Tracing back to its roots, Curaçao was first settled by Arawak people from South America. The first Europeans came in 1499 and the Spanish settled here, followed by the Dutch, who established it as a major centre of trade for the Dutch West India Company.
The dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010 saw Curacao become a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today it’s a stable and fairly prosperous island, with banking and tourism both big industries.
What Kind of People Travel Curacao?
Our outdoor-loving family absolutely loved Curacao and had a great time swimming off its sugary-sand beaches, hiking in the cacti-studded mountains, and snorkeling in the spearmint waters. Curacao makes for such an easy place to kick back, relax and enjoy the tropics. Plus it’s so easily accessible from the Netherlands, and many parts of the US.
However, Curacao is not cheap and it might not be suitable for solo travelers on a tight budget. You need a car to get around and prices are comparable to the US and Western Europe. For those looking for real adventure or an off-the-beaten-path experience, this is probably not for you either. We saw mostly families and couples traveling in Curacao.
Best Time to Visit Curacao
Curacao is located way south in the Lesser Antilles just 40 miles off the Venezuelan coast, which means it is safely outside of the hurricane belt. Curaçao tends to be sunny even during the months that other Caribbean islands experience torrential rains.
If you’ve come to dive or snorkel, you’ll enjoy good visibility throughout the year. Because the island is located outside the hurricane belt, its marine life is unaffected by seasonal changes.
Even though it’s great to visit all year around, the best time to visit Curaçao is from May to November, during the off-peak season. During these months, you’ll find the lowest airfares and room rates.
How Much Time to Visit Curacao?
At just 171 square miles, Curacao is a relatively small island that’s home to 150,000 people. It takes just 50 minutes to drive from one end to the other. In other words, you don’t need a lot of time to travel Curacao.
We spent two weeks in Curacao and felt like we got to explore it thoroughly and visit every single spot we wanted to. By the end of the trip, we got to know Curacao so well that we felt like we were living on the island. If you’re limited on time, I recommend spending 1 week in Curacao to enjoy it at a relaxing pace.
How to Travel Around Curacao
By Car Rental
The best way to get around Curacao is definitely by car rental, as public transport is few and far between. If you’re staying in Willemstad, you can generally walk everywhere. But rent a car when you want to explore outside of Willemstad.
We booked our car on Discover Cars before our trip. They’ve consistently given us the best prices and service. Car rentals in Curacao are affordable, at around US$25-30 per day. We spent around $400 for our 2-week car rental.
By Day Trip
If you don’t drive, it’s still possible to take the local buses or small vans (similar to colectivos in Latin America) though it’ll take ages to get anywhere. An alternative is to base yourself in Willemstad and go on day tours from there. Here are some good options for day tours:
- National Treasures of Curacao Jeep Tour
- Tugboat Snorkeling Trip
- Curacao Sunset Yacht Tour
- Shete Boka National Park Jeep Tour
- Speedboat and Snorkel Adventure
Where to Stay in Curacao
The best beaches in Curacao are concentrated along the northwestern coast of the island, but that is also the most rural and rugged part of Curacao and accommodation is limited in the area.
I recommend staying in the capital city, Willemstad, where there are plenty of well-priced hotels and restaurants. The western tip is just a 30-45 minute drive away and you’ve got all the coolest cultural spots and restaurants at your doorstep. Alternatively, Jan Thiel is another great residential area within easy access from Willemstad.
Budget: De Plantage Boutique Hotel
We stayed at this spacious Airbnb located in Jan Thiel and found it suitable for families like ours. Only some of the apartments are renovated though — definitely ask for the ones by the pool. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Landhuis Klein Santa Martha
A small, intimate boutique hotel converted from a historical plantation estate, located in the west near the best beaches in Curacao. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Scuba Lodge & Suites
Located in Pietermaai overlooking the sea, Scuba Lodge is a stylish boutique hotel and iconic landmark in Curacao. It’s housed in one of the pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings in Pietermaai. Our 2-bedroom apartment was huge and stylishly decorated, with sweeping views of the sea. My review will be up soon! Check rates here.
Luxury: Avila Beach Hotel
Another hotel with a great location in Willemstad, this resort has two private beaches and modern five-star hotel facilities. It’s one of the oldest historic hotels in Curacao, but all rooms have been renovated and given a fresh new look. Wait for my review. Check room rates.
Things to Do in Curacao
Curacao has some of the best beaches I’ve ever seen. But beyond the beaches, there are also quite a lot of things to do in Curacao in terms of art walks, museum visits, and jungle hikes. Here’s a summary of the best things to do — for the full list, check out my detailed article below.
1. See the Historic Center of Willemstad
The capital city of Willemstad is perhaps the most fascinating town in the Caribbean (in our opinion). Its rich history is evident in every corner of the old town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The heart of the city lies at Handelskade, a picturesque stretch of pier you’ve seen on every Curaçao postcard. 17th-century colonial Dutch buildings painted in pastel colors line the waters of St. Anna Bay. Grab a seat at Iguana Cafe and watch the Queen Emma Bridge swing open to let ships into the harbor.
From there, cross from Punda to Kura Huland Village and admire the beautiful architecture left behind by the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Wander down the narrow cobblestoned alleys tucked behind Breedestraat, have a local lunch at the Plasa Bieu market, then snap a signature photo at the Wilhelminaplein’s giant Curaçao sign.
2. Explore Pietermaai District
Willemstad is divided into several districts, with many of the city’s most tastefully restored buildings concentrated in Pietermaai. A full-scale revitalization effort began in 1999, and now almost all of the historic buildings have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, galleries and bars in this district.
From Wilhelminaplein, continue walking along Pietermaai street and you’ll start seeing buildings splashed in turquoise, pink and purple. The most photogenic ones are Scuba Lodge, BijBlauw, Ginger and the purple/orange houses at the end of Nieuwestraat.
3. Visit the Best Beaches on Curacao
The best beaches in Curacao lie along the northwest coast. Grote Knip is lauded by many (including myself!) as the best beach on Curacao. Before going down to the water’s edge, be sure to stop at the cliffs by the entrance to admire this postcard-perfect Caribbean image.
Just a 10-minute drive from Grote Knip is the Playa Piskado (or Kenepa Grandi), famous for the turtles that live in the area. You are almost guaranteed to see them as they feed off the scrapes that fishermen leave in the sea. The turtles are used to human beings and aren’t afraid to get close!
Playa Porto Mari is most famous for the two feral pigs that hang around here: Willy and Woody. They’re often hanging out at the beach, sniffing at your food and snooping in people’s bags. If you’re lucky, you might even see them swimming! When we were there, they were lounging in the mud and snoozing away.
4. Hike in the Christoffel National Park
Sprawling across 2300 hectares in west Curacao, Christoffel Park is the largest national park on the island. This is where you go to immerse in the lush greenery of Curacao and see unique species like the giant columnar cacti (kadushi), white-tailed deer and green iguana.
One of the absolute best things to do in Curacao is to climb the Christoffel Mountain. It takes an hour to reach the peak, just 375m above sea level. It is not allowed to start your climb after 10 am (as it gets too hot). The hike is gorgeous and rather easy — even our 5-year-old could do it with no difficulties. If you don’t drive, you can still visit on a jeep tour leaving from Willemstad. Entry: 30 ANG (US$17) per person.
5. See Wild Flamingos at Jan Kok
While driving from the west back to Willemstad, you’ll pass through the salt lakes of Jan Kok where hundreds (sometimes thousands) of flamingos like to converge. There’s an observation deck on the edge of the salt pans where you can go to see a nice view of the flamingos without traipsing on the mud.
Traveling Curacao with Kids
Curacao is an excellent place to visit with kids. It’s safe, and it has great infrastructure (besides the pot-holed roads) and plenty of nature to explore with little ones. Go hiking in Christoffel Park, see flamingos feeding on the salt lakes and visit the beaches on the west coast (most of calm and shallow).
You might not find quite as many mega attractions here as in other Caribbean islands like in Jamaica or Dominican Republic, but that’s exactly what I love about Curacao. It’s got a distinctive character and authenticity, which are evident from the colorful architecture and museums in Willemstad.
Some of the few places we recommend visiting with kids are the Curacao Children’s Museum, Curacao Sea Aquarium (outdated by staff have a strong passion for the animals) and Amazonia, a lush rainforest garden with colorful birds and cool reptiles from the Amazon.
What to Eat in Curacao
Curacao’s vibrant culinary culture comes as no surprise, considering the island’s history. Typical dishes like Karni Stoba (stewed meat) show evidence of their Caribbean identity and Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch influences. Curacao locals have really created something special with the fusion of Caribbean ingredients and European flavors. Here are some of the most quintessential Dutch Caribbean dishes worth trying!
- Keshi yena — A signature dish of Curacao: a round ball of cheese, usually Edam or Gouda, stuffed with spiced chicken/pork and then baked until perfection.
- Karni stoba — This ubiquitous dish is a hearty stew made usually with goat meat and sometimes papaya.
- Funchi — This popular side-dish is basically cornmeal, a reminder of the African roots in Curaçao. The consistency resembles polenta, and it’s usually served fried (similar to fries).
- Arepa — A traditional Venezuelan dish, these puffy corn-based patties are hugely popular here. Curaçao has their own unique interpretation of this dish.
- Awa di Lamunchi — A refreshing Antillean drink made with freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar and water.
- Blue Curacao — A local liqueur prepared with the dried peel of the bitter orange laraha, a citrus fruit grown in Curacao.
Best Places to Eat in Curacao
There’s no shortage of great Creole restaurants and oceanfront seafood spots on Curacao. I was really surprised by the vibrant culinary scene as you’ll find plenty of traditional local seafood spots and trendy gourmet restaurants. Here are some of the best places to eat in Curacao:
- De Visserij — My absolute favorite place to eat in Curacao! It’s a simple, casual spot in Piscadera that serves the freshest, juiciest shrimps I’ve ever had. We waited in line for 15 mins to get in, but it was easy to see why this place is such a big hit among locals.
- Plasa Bieu Market —Definitely the cheapest place to try local Curacao dishes like Karni Stoba. It has been renovated recently, which in my opinion has taken away its authenticity.
- Brisa do Mar — An excellent seafront restaurant in Caracasbaai, great spot to try local dishes and have a Blue Curacao cocktail while watching sunset (pictured right).
- Seaside Terrace — A casual beach shack and locals’ favorite hangout, near Mambo Beach. We liked the red snapper and shrimps!
- Rozendaels — A fixture in the Curacao restaurant scene, it serves fusion Caribbean dishes in an atmospheric garden setting in Pietermaai.
- Restaurant & Café Gouverneur De Rouville — Housed in a beautiful colonial building overlooking Handelskade, this landmark restaurant has a beautiful patio and romantic ambiance. One of the best places in Willemstad!
- Jaanchies Restaurant— A local legend of some sorts, with an ultra-friendly owner and iguana on the menu in Westpunt. Get a table by the garden and observe the chirpy birds.
Cost of Travel in Curacao
In general, Curacao is an expensive place to visit. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands after all, and one of the wealthiest islands in the Caribbean. Living standards and prices are naturally high. We’ve found the prices similar to Amsterdam, where we live.
NOTE: Most beaches in Curacao are not public beaches i.e. there’s a fee to pay to visit each beach so these costs add up. Most charge around 6 ANG (US$3) for entrance and another 5-10 ANG ($2.5-5) for renting a beach bench.
- Accommodation — An Airbnb (pictured) costs minimum of US$70 per night, while a more upscale beachfront hotel can go for $200-400 per room.
- Food — A restaurant meal in Curacao generally costs around 40-60 ANG ($20-30) per person. Cocktails are expensive, around 15-30 ANG ($8-15). The cheaper options are food trucks (which locals are obsessed about) and arepa stands that offer meals for 10-20 ANG ($5-10).
- Supermarket — Grocery prices in Curacao are rather expensive, as they import a lot of food from the Netherlands (only fresh fruit and local produce are cheap). A pack of spaghetti costs 3 ANG ($1.50), a 1.5L bottle of water is around 3 ANG ($1.50), and a pack of fresh chicken fillet is 5 ANG ($2.50).
How to Travel Curacao on a Budget
While it is expensive to travel Curacao, there are some ways to lower your expenses and explore on a budget. Here are some tips:
- Go to public beaches — Most beaches in Curacao are private beaches i.e. you need to pay a fee to visit each beach. Public beaches are free to visit, but there are very few and they aren’t the best beaches in Curacao. Check out Playa Forti and Playa Marie Pampoen (next to Mambo Beach).
- Eat at food trucks — Locals are obsessed with food trucks, or truk’i pan, that usually serve barbecue dishes with fries or bread in the evening. Award-winning BBQ Express is said to be the best food truck (and we agree)! Get there just before 6pm to avoid the lines.
- Stay in apartments — Apartments and Airbnbs are generally cheaper than hotels in Curacao. The cheapest areas to stay in are Willemstad and Jan Thiel. You can book an apartment with fully-equipped kitchen and swimming pool for around US$70/night.
- Cook your own meals — Shop at local supermarkets and cook instead of eating out for every meal. We made breakfast and lunch everyday and ate out for dinner. Mangusa Hypermarket is the best in town, in terms of variety and prices. Sambil mall has a Carrefour but it’s not cheap.
- Bring your gear — Pack your snorkeling mask, beach shoes, fins, sunscreen and mosquito repellant, to avoid having to buy them in Curacao.
Internet and Data in Curacao
For digital nomads who plan to work remotely in Curacao, you’ll be thrilled to know the internet speed is quite high. Most residential connections can connect at 16 Mbps, but you can go up to 26 Mbps. Free WiFi is available in many restaurants, public spaces and museums.
We worked remotely during our two weeks in Curacao and only lost connection for 2 hours at an Airbnb that we stayed. There was also a coworking space across the street from us, though we didn’t try it (simply worked in our apartment).
You can also easily get a SIM card. The two main telecommunications operators are Digicel and UTS (Chippie). There is a Chippie kiosk at the airport’s baggage claim area — a SIM with 2GB of data costs US$30.
Language of Curacao
Because of their history, most people in Curacao speak at least four languages: Papiamentu, Dutch, Spanish and English. I was so impressed that everyone we met on the island was multilingual. We definitely did not encounter any issues communicating with people.
Papiamentu is the local Creole language (spoken in the Dutch Caribbean islands) that’s a fascinating mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and African dialects. It has a large percentage of Spanish words and is quite easy to understand if you speak Spanish like we do. Here are some common words you’ll hear often:
- Bon bini! — Welcome!
- Dushi — Sweetheart (their favorite word)
- Bon dia! — Good morning!
- Danki! — Thank you!
- Con ta bai? — How are you?
Plan Your Trip to Curacao
Curacao is such a naturally stunning island, plus there are so many things to do in Curacao you’ll be spoiled for choice. Have a dushi time in Curacao! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below.
Here are more articles on Curacao to help you plan your trip:
- 24 Fun Things to Do in Curacao
- Best Beaches in Curacao
- Where to Stay in Curacao
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The post Curacao Travel Guide 2021: All You Need to Know appeared first on Wild Junket Adventure Travel Blog.
