Curacao

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Curaçao is an island in the Netherlands Antilles, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea - one includes Curaçao and Bonaire, north of Venezuela; the other is east of the Virgin Islands. Curaçao is among the group known as the "ABC Islands" alongside Aruba and Bonaire. This trio is located near Venezuela, and are considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone." This means that vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by such tropical storms.

One of the most notable things about the island is its culture. This Dutch island features the pastel colors and building styles you'd find in the Netherlands. However, the people of the island have developed a culture, and even a language, of their own. Papiamentu (often spelled Papiamento (http://curacao-guide.info/traveler.basics/languages/)) is the island's native Creole.

	curacao Travel Guide : 1 Regions 2 Cities 3 Other destinations 4 Understand 5 Talk 6 Get in 7 Get around 8 See 9 Do 10 Eat 11 Drink 12 Stay safe 13 Get out 14 External links

Regions

The island has two main parts: the south-eastern part called Banda Riba and the north-western end of the island called Banda Bou. The names literally mean the upside and the downside. They take their names from the direction of the tradewinds that blow from top to bottom (East to West.) Banda Riba has the capital city of Willemstad and most of the population of the island. The port inside the island is a great natural harbor called Schottegat. There is an old fort there with a good view of the entire region. The channel leading from the ocean to the bay is the best part of town to visit. The east side is called Punda and the west side is called Otrabanda. They are connected by a famous moving foot bridge called the Queen Emma Brug (Bridge.) The buildings on the Punda side are very picturesque. They are of Dutch architecture and are painted with pretty pastel colors. Banda Bou is the end of the island with most of the beaches and natural attractions. The water at the beaches is a light turquoise and the weather is unparalleled. Other attractions are the east side of the island's rocky shores and grottos. The highest point on the island is Mount Christoffel at 1,239 feet (377 meters.)

Cities

The capital, Willemstad, is reminiscent of a Dutch town; with its architecture, red roofs, and pastel colors. It is also divided into two sides, Punda and Otrobanda. This is where you'll find much of the island's culture, dining, entertainment, and history.

Other destinations

Curaçao's beaches are concentrated on the southern coast, especially the western side. Find these from Kaap St. Marie up to Westpunt.

Understand

Talk

The native language of Curacao is Papiamentu, which is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, English, Dutch, and other languages. Most people from the island speak this language in addition to Dutch, English, and Spanish. Almost everyone speaks English.

Get in

Those who want to travel by air can enter at Curaçao's airport, Hato International Airport (CUR). It is located in Plaza Margareth Abraham, not far from the capital of Willemstad, and accepts flights from many regional carriers, but has recently expanded to accept international flights from North and South America (http://curacao-guide.info/getting.there/air.travel/). To contact the airport by phone, call 599-9-888-0101.

Cruise ships arrive at Curaçao Mega Pier or the Curaçao Cruise Terminal. From these ports it's just a short journey to many of the island's popular tourist destinations. Travelers can also enjoy nearby shopping at duty-free stores. Largeer ships will arrive at the Mega Pier, and smaller ships will dock at the Cruise Terminal.

Sailors can enter at ports in Willemstad and Spanish Water. While there is a Members-only Yacht Club at the latter, both have marinas (http://curacao-guide.info/getting.there/sailing.and.yachting/) at which seafaring travelers can dock their ships.

Get around

As the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao offers visitors plenty of ways to get around. Rental cars are available at rates of about $50 per day. However, buses costing under $1 per ride are another great way for visitors to get around. Better yet, they're easily recognizeable by their plate marked "BUS."

If public transit isn't your style, and you don't want to rent your own car, taxis are another popular and easy-to-find option. They, too, are marked, and their plates read "TX." Some taxi drivers will even be your tour guide for the day, if you ask. But remember to agree on a fee before heading out. Active travelers can rent bikes and mopeds, or motorcycles.

Ferries are a great way for shoppers to get two and from some of the island's main shopping areas.

See

Do

Eat

Local cuisine in Curaçao us Dutch-influenced. However, some flavors of the West Indies are also found. Cheeses and seafood are both important in Curaçaoan food. The island is also known from the liqueur which bears its name.

Drink

Stay safe

Get out

External links

Curaçao's Tourist Board (http://www.curacao.com)

Curaçao Guide (http://curacao-guide.info)

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