The Christoffel Park is located on the west side of the island and is the largest national park of Curaçao.
The Christoffel Mountain is the highest point on the island and is 372 meters. The park has been open since 1978 and it has 3 former plantations: Savonet, Zorgvliet and Zevenbergen. The Savonet landhouse was built around 1662 and is one of the oldest and best conserved plantation house of Curaçao.
Three reasons why you should visit the Christoffel Park
1. Learn about History and Culture
There is more to Curaçao than it’s gorgeous beaches of course. When you buy a ticket for the Christoffel Park you automatically get the entrance for the Savonet Museum, which is located right at the beginning of the park. The Savonet Museum is in the former plantation house and tells you the story of the Savonet Plantation, the slaves, the abolishment of slavery and their lives after. It is not a very extensive museum so keep that in mind but it has a lot of history.
2. Enjoy the Nature
If you love and enjoy being out in nature than this is it for you. There are many options you can choose from. There are hiking trails that you can do on your own or with a guide and a jeep safari with a guide. If you enjoy birdwatching or just being out in nature you will love it. The white tailed deer is very special because it is only found in Curaçao and on the nearby island of isla Margaritha. People think that they have been on the island for about 3500 years and that the native inhabitants brought them with them when they came to Curaçao. It is quite extraordinary that you cannot find this type of deer anywhere else and something to be proud of. We ourselves have not done one of the trails yet because usually after we climb the mountain we go straight to the beach but I will say I would love to do one of those tours and have the opportunity to meet this deer.
3. Amazing view
You don’t have to climb to the top of the Christoffel Mountain if you are physically not able to. You could also drive around the mountain (one of the trails) and also get a very nice view.
If you are able, I would definitely recommend climbing to the top of the mountain. It’s a very nice experience but it’s also quite a workout, don’t underestimate it.
You can start walking from the entrance, but we ourselves always park at the foot of the mountain and start the walk from there.
The last time we climbed the mountain our youngest was 2 and she went along too. Now she was pretty tough and I guess not your average 2 year old, we didn’t go all the way to the top with her though because that was too much.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- Bring at least 1 or 2 liters of water (I think 2 is better)
- Make sure you are wearing good walking shoes because it is a real climb and at the end right before you reach the top, you really have to climb with hands and feet
- Bring enough sunscreen and/or wear a hat
- Start as early as you can (the park opens at 6 o’clock and you are not allowed to start the climb after 10 am)
The view from the top of the mountain is one of my favourites in Curaçao. I especially like it if it’s the raining season and everything looks extra green! That reward once you are on top is totally worth all your efforts. I am so proud of the all the kids that got to see the top of the mountain. You can do it! If you want to read more about Curaçao, this article is about the top 10 things to do on the island. Let me know if the article was helpful to you. Until next time!
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