{"id":805,"date":"2023-04-06T11:46:09","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T11:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/te-doen\/grotten-van-hato\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T12:56:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T12:56:20","slug":"hato-caves","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/things-to-do\/hato-caves\/","title":{"rendered":"Grotten van Hato"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"805\" class=\"elementor elementor-805 elementor-281\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-28193644 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"28193644\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div 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rgba(0,0,0,.2);max-width:880px;\n}\n.aq-hero-sub{\n  font-size:clamp(17px,1.5vw,21px);color:rgba(255,255,255,.92);\n  max-width:680px;margin:0 0 36px;line-height:1.55;\n}\n.aq-hero-cta{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;margin-bottom:32px}\n.aq-btn{\n  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:16px 30px;border-radius:6px;\n  font-family:'Inter',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:15px;letter-spacing:.3px;\n  transition:all .2s;cursor:pointer;border:none;text-decoration:none !important;\n}\n.aq-btn-primary{background:var(--brand);color:var(--ink) !important;box-shadow:0 4px 18px rgba(0,198,225,.4)}\n.aq-btn-primary:hover{background:#5ad9ec;color:var(--ink) !important;transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(0,198,225,.5)}\n.aq-btn-ghost{background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);color:#fff !important;border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.45);backdrop-filter:blur(6px)}\n.aq-btn-ghost:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);border-color:#fff;color:#fff !important;transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.aq-hero-meta{\n  display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:22px;padding-top:24px;\n  border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);\n  font-size:14px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n}\n.aq-hero-meta span{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px}\n.aq-hero-meta svg{width:18px;height:18px;flex-shrink:0;color:var(--brand)}\n@media(max-width:768px){\n  .aq-hero{min-height:78vh;padding:160px 0 80px}\n  .aq-hero h1{font-size:38px}\n  .aq-btn{padding:14px 24px;font-size:14px}\n  .aq-hero-meta{gap:14px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-hero\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap\">\n    <div class=\"aq-hero-eyebrow\">Attraction \u00b7 Cura\u00e7ao<\/div>\n    <h1>Hato Caves Cura\u00e7ao<\/h1>\n    <p class=\"aq-hero-sub\">The oldest inhabited place on Cura\u00e7ao. Walk with a guide past 1,500 year old rock drawings, limestone pillars and colonies of bats flying above your head.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"aq-hero-cta\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/booking-page\/\" class=\"aq-btn aq-btn-primary\">Book your stay <svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M17 8l4 4m0 0l-4 4m4-4H3\"\/><\/svg><\/a>\n      <a href=\"#aq-practical\" class=\"aq-btn aq-btn-ghost\">Practical info<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-hero-meta\">\n      <span><svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"\/><\/svg> Guided tour 45 min<\/span>\n      <span><svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M17.657 16.657L13.414 20.9a2 2 0 01-2.828 0l-4.244-4.243a8 8 0 1111.314 0z\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"11\" r=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg> Hato, Cura\u00e7ao<\/span>\n      <span><svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\"\/><\/svg> Family friendly<\/span>\n      <span><svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M3 8l9-5 9 5-9 5-9-5zm0 8l9 5 9-5\"\/><\/svg> Hourly tours<\/span>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-10e2a40 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"10e2a40\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-48acfaae\" data-id=\"48acfaae\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d0b1234 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"4d0b1234\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-intro{padding:90px 0;background:#fff}\n.aq-intro h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,42px);margin:0 0 26px;max-width:780px}\n.aq-intro-lead p{font-size:17px;line-height:1.75;color:var(--text);max-width:820px}\n.aq-intro-lead p strong{color:var(--ink)}\n.aq-intro-cards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px;margin-top:52px}\n.aq-card{background:var(--bg-soft);border-radius:14px;padding:30px 28px;border:1px solid var(--line);transition:all .2s}\n.aq-card:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:0 12px 28px rgba(10,37,64,.07);border-color:#d1dde9}\n.aq-card-ico{font-size:32px;margin-bottom:14px;line-height:1}\n.aq-card h3{font-size:19px;margin:0 0 10px;color:var(--ink)}\n.aq-card p{font-size:15px;color:var(--muted);margin:0;line-height:1.6}\n@media(max-width:860px){\n  .aq-intro{padding:70px 0}\n  .aq-intro-cards{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:16px;margin-top:36px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-intro\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap\">\n    <h2>One of the oldest inhabited places on Cura\u00e7ao<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"aq-intro-lead\">\n      <p>The <strong>Hato Caves<\/strong> (in Papiamento: <em>Grot di Hato<\/em>) sit on the north coast of Cura\u00e7ao, about a 5 minute drive from the airport. This limestone cave system has been in use for more than 1,500 years, first by the Arawak natives, later by escaped enslaved people, and today as a major tourist attraction.<\/p>\n      <p>You can only enter the caves with a guide. A new 45 minute guided tour leaves every hour, taking you past <strong>rock drawings, limestone formations, an underground pond and colonies of bats<\/strong>. The guide explains the story of the Arawak, slavery and the geology of the island. From our villa at the <a href=\"\/en\/spanish-water-curacao\/\">Spanish Water<\/a> the drive to Hato takes about 30 minutes.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-intro-cards\"><div class=\"aq-card\"><div class=\"aq-card-ico\">\ud83e\udea8<\/div><h3>1,500 year old petroglyphs<\/h3><p>Rock drawings made by the Arawak natives, long before Europeans arrived.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-card\"><div class=\"aq-card-ico\">\ud83e\udd87<\/div><h3>Live bat colony<\/h3><p>Hundreds of bats fly through the caves. Visible at a safe distance.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-card\"><div class=\"aq-card-ico\">\ud83d\udca7<\/div><h3>Underground pond<\/h3><p>The first cave chamber, Kamber di Awa, holds a small pool of fresh water.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-578bedb7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"578bedb7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-46aecf3\" data-id=\"46aecf3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50cd5857 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"50cd5857\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-hl{padding:90px 0;background:var(--bg-soft)}\n.aq-hl-head{margin-bottom:48px;max-width:760px}\n.aq-hl h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,40px);margin:0 0 14px}\n.aq-hl-sub{font-size:16px;color:var(--muted)}\n.aq-hl-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:22px}\n.aq-hl-item{\n  background:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:32px 30px;\n  border:1px solid var(--line);position:relative;display:flex;gap:20px;\n}\n.aq-hl-num{\n  flex-shrink:0;width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;\n  background:var(--cta);color:#fff;\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;\n  font-weight:700;font-size:17px;font-family:'Inter',sans-serif;\n}\n.aq-hl-body h3{font-size:19px;margin:0 0 10px;color:var(--ink)}\n.aq-hl-body p{font-size:15px;color:var(--text);margin:0;line-height:1.65}\n@media(max-width:760px){\n  .aq-hl{padding:70px 0}\n  .aq-hl-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:16px}\n  .aq-hl-item{flex-direction:column;gap:14px;padding:26px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-hl\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap\">\n    <div class=\"aq-hl-head\">\n      <h2>What you will see in the caves<\/h2>\n      <p class=\"aq-hl-sub\">Four things your guide will show you during the 45 minute tour.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-hl-grid\"><div class=\"aq-hl-item\"><div class=\"aq-hl-num\">1<\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-body\"><h3>Arawak petroglyphs<\/h3><p>The rock drawings on the walls are more than 1,500 years old, made by the Arawak natives who lived here before Europeans arrived. The guide explains what the circles, spirals and figures meant in their culture.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-item\"><div class=\"aq-hl-num\">2<\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-body\"><h3>Stalagmites and stalactites<\/h3><p>Over thousands of years, slow drips of calcium rich water have built up dramatic limestone formations. Some have been named, like \"the Freedom Fountain\" and \"the Madonna\".<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-item\"><div class=\"aq-hl-num\">3<\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-body\"><h3>Bat colonies<\/h3><p>A separate cave chamber houses bat colonies. With proper lighting you can see them hanging from the ceiling or flying past. Completely safe at a distance.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-item\"><div class=\"aq-hl-num\">4<\/div><div class=\"aq-hl-body\"><h3>Soot from escapees<\/h3><p>On the ceiling of one of the deeper chambers you can see black marks. These are soot residues from torches used by escaped enslaved people, who hid here for months at a time.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1496d534 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1496d534\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-451ac5f7\" data-id=\"451ac5f7\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57b7d38e elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"57b7d38e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-practical{padding:90px 0;background:#fff}\n.aq-practical h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,40px);margin:0 0 14px}\n.aq-practical-sub{font-size:16px;color:var(--muted);max-width:720px;margin:0 0 40px}\n.aq-info-table{background:var(--bg-soft);border-radius:16px;border:1px solid var(--line);overflow:hidden}\n.aq-info-row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1.4fr 1.6fr;padding:20px 28px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);align-items:start}\n.aq-info-row:last-child{border-bottom:none}\n.aq-info-row:hover{background:#eef5fa}\n.aq-info-label{font-weight:600;color:var(--ink);font-size:15px}\n.aq-info-value{font-size:15.5px;color:var(--text);font-weight:500}\n.aq-info-extra{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted)}\n.aq-info-note{margin-top:24px;padding:18px 24px;background:#fff8ed;border-left:4px solid var(--warn);border-radius:8px;font-size:15px;color:#5a3a00}\n.aq-info-note strong{color:var(--warn)}\n@media(max-width:720px){\n  .aq-practical{padding:70px 0}\n  .aq-info-row{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:6px;padding:18px 22px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-practical\" id=\"aq-practical\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap\">\n    <h2>Hato Caves practical info<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"aq-practical-sub\">Everything you need to know before visiting. Prices are indicative, check the official site for current rates.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"aq-info-table\"><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83d\udccd Location<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">F.D. Rooseveltweg \/ Hato, Cura\u00e7ao<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">5 min from airport, 30 min from the Spanish Water<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83d\udd50 Opening hours<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">Daily 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">Last tour leaves around 3:30 PM<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Tickets<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">From USD 11 adults, USD 7 children<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">Buy on site, no online booking required<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83d\udeb6 Tour departs<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">Every hour on the hour<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">No reservation, just join the next one<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\u23f1\ufe0f Duration<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">About 45 minutes<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">Allow 1 hour total including arrival and exit<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83d\udc76 Kid friendly from<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">Around 5 years and up<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">Paved walkways, easy to navigate<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83d\udc5f Footwear<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">Flip flops or sneakers are fine<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">No hiking boots needed, paths are paved<\/div><\/div><div class=\"aq-info-row\"><div class=\"aq-info-label\">\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Temperature<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-value\">Warm, sometimes humid<\/div><div class=\"aq-info-extra\">Fans inside the cave, bring water<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-info-note\"><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> the caves are right next to the airport. Many travelers combine a visit with their departure day, you can leave luggage in the car.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-47e5174e elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"47e5174e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4928a537\" data-id=\"4928a537\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ec0ab05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"7ec0ab05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-history{padding:90px 0;background:var(--bg-soft)}\n.aq-history-head{text-align:center;margin-bottom:48px;max-width:680px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}\n.aq-history h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,40px);margin:0 0 12px}\n.aq-history-sub{font-size:17px;color:var(--muted);margin:0}\n.aq-history-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}\n.aq-history-item{background:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:34px 30px;border:1px solid var(--line)}\n.aq-history-ico{font-size:34px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1}\n.aq-history-item h3{font-size:18.5px;margin:0 0 14px;color:var(--ink);line-height:1.3}\n.aq-history-item p{font-size:15px;color:var(--text);margin:0;line-height:1.7}\n@media(max-width:900px){.aq-history-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:16px}}\n@media(max-width:600px){.aq-history{padding:70px 0}}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-history\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap\">\n    <div class=\"aq-history-head\">\n      <h2>1,500 years of history in one place<\/h2>\n      <p class=\"aq-history-sub\">Three storylines that intersect inside these caves.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-history-grid\"><div class=\"aq-history-item\"><div class=\"aq-history-ico\">\ud83e\udeb6<\/div><h3>The Arawak (from ca. 500 AD)<\/h3><p>The Arawak natives, also known as Caquetio, lived here for centuries before any European set foot on the island. They did not live in the caves but used them for ceremonies. The walls still hold their petroglyphs, abstract symbols of sun, water and spirits that were sacred to them.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-history-item\"><div class=\"aq-history-ico\">\u26d3\ufe0f<\/div><h3>The slave era (17th to 19th century)<\/h3><p>During slavery, escaped enslaved people used the same caves as hiding places. Sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months they hid deep in the system. The black soot marks you see on the ceiling today come from their torches.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-history-item\"><div class=\"aq-history-ico\">\ud83c\udf0b<\/div><h3>The geology (millions of years)<\/h3><p>The caves formed in limestone that was once part of a coral reef. Tectonic shifts lifted the reef above sea level. Today the caves sit at about 60 meters altitude, with views over the so called limestone terraces below.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6255e5c2 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6255e5c2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b5d33fd\" data-id=\"b5d33fd\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78e88f46 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"78e88f46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-tips{padding:90px 0;background:#fff}\n.aq-tips h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,40px);margin:0 0 40px}\n.aq-tips-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:18px}\n.aq-tip{background:var(--bg-soft);border-radius:12px;padding:24px;border:1px solid var(--line)}\n.aq-tip-ico{font-size:24px;margin-bottom:10px;line-height:1}\n.aq-tip h3{font-size:16.5px;margin:0 0 8px;color:var(--ink)}\n.aq-tip p{font-size:14.5px;color:var(--muted);margin:0;line-height:1.55}\n@media(max-width:860px){.aq-tips-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}}\n@media(max-width:520px){.aq-tips{padding:70px 0}.aq-tips-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-tips\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap\">\n    <h2>Tips for visiting the Hato Caves<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"aq-tips-grid\"><div class=\"aq-tip\"><div class=\"aq-tip-ico\">\u2600\ufe0f<\/div><h3>Go in the morning<\/h3><p>It is warm inside and even warmer outside in the afternoon. A 10:00 or 11:00 tour is usually the most comfortable.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-tip\"><div class=\"aq-tip-ico\">\ud83d\udcb5<\/div><h3>Bring cash<\/h3><p>Tickets are best paid in cash, USD or ANG. The card reader does not always work.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-tip\"><div class=\"aq-tip-ico\">\ud83d\udcf7 <\/div><h3>Photos allowed<\/h3><p>Flash is not allowed in some chambers due to the bats, the guide will say so in advance.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-tip\"><div class=\"aq-tip-ico\">\ud83e\uddd2<\/div><h3>With kids<\/h3><p>Easy from 5 years and up. Kids often love the bats and the stories about people hiding in the caves the most.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-tip\"><div class=\"aq-tip-ico\">\ud83d\ude97<\/div><h3>Combine smart<\/h3><p>Combine with a visit to the north coast on the same day, for example Boca Tabla or Shete Boka.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"aq-tip\"><div class=\"aq-tip-ico\">\ud83e\udde5<\/div><h3>No jacket needed<\/h3><p>Unlike other caves, these sit 60 m above sea level and are warm inside.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5e9d6557 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5e9d6557\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1a978450\" data-id=\"1a978450\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82f6aca elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"82f6aca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-villa{position:relative;padding:0;background:var(--ink);color:#fff;overflow:hidden}\n.aq-villa-inner{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr 1fr;min-height:480px}\n.aq-villa-img{background:url('https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/palabrua-zwembad.jpg') center\/cover no-repeat;position:relative}\n.aq-villa-img::after{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 60%, var(--ink) 100%)}\n.aq-villa-content{padding:80px 60px 80px 50px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center}\n.aq-villa-eyebrow{font-size:12.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--brand);margin-bottom:14px}\n.aq-villa h2{font-size:clamp(26px,3vw,36px);color:#fff;margin:0 0 20px;line-height:1.25}\n.aq-villa p{font-size:16.5px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);margin:0 0 32px;line-height:1.7}\n.aq-villa p strong{color:#fff}\n.aq-villa p a{color:var(--brand);font-weight:500}\n.aq-villa p a:hover{color:#80e3f0}\n.aq-villa-cta{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin-bottom:30px}\n.aq-villa-cta .aq-btn-primary{background:var(--brand);color:var(--ink) !important}\n.aq-villa-cta .aq-btn-primary:hover{background:#5ad9ec;color:var(--ink) !important}\n.aq-villa-cta .aq-btn-ghost{border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.4);color:#fff !important}\n.aq-villa-cta .aq-btn-ghost:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-color:#fff;color:#fff !important}\n.aq-villa-ratings{display:flex;gap:24px;padding-top:24px;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.18);font-size:14px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.78)}\n.aq-villa-ratings span strong{color:#fff;font-weight:600;margin-right:6px}\n@media(max-width:900px){\n  .aq-villa-inner{grid-template-columns:1fr;min-height:auto}\n  .aq-villa-img{min-height:280px}\n  .aq-villa-img::after{background:linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 50%, var(--ink) 100%)}\n  .aq-villa-content{padding:60px 30px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-villa\">\n  <div class=\"aq-villa-inner\">\n    <div class=\"aq-villa-img\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-villa-content\">\n      <div class=\"aq-villa-eyebrow\">Stay<\/div>\n      <h2>A 30 minute drive from 3 Palabrua<\/h2>\n      <p>Our villa <strong>3 Palabrua<\/strong> sits right on the Spanish Water in Jan Sofat. From here you reach the Hato Caves in about <strong>30 minutes by car<\/strong>. Combine your visit with the north coast, for example with <a href=\"\/en\/things-to-do\/grote-knip\/\">Grote Knip<\/a> or <a href=\"\/en\/things-to-do\/playa-lagun\/\">Playa Lagun<\/a> on the same day.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"aq-villa-cta\">\n        <a href=\"\/en\/the-villa\/\" class=\"aq-btn aq-btn-ghost\">See the villa<\/a>\n        <a href=\"\/en\/booking-page\/\" class=\"aq-btn aq-btn-primary\">Book direct <svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M17 8l4 4m0 0l-4 4m4-4H3\"\/><\/svg><\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"aq-villa-ratings\"><span><strong>\u2605 9.5<\/strong>Booking<\/span><span><strong>\u2605 4.9<\/strong>Google<\/span><span><strong>\u2605 9.2<\/strong>Micazu<\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-17eb431b elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"17eb431b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4a11f4ba\" data-id=\"4a11f4ba\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-587471e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"587471e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-faq{padding:90px 0;background:var(--bg-soft)}\n.aq-faq-head{text-align:center;margin-bottom:44px}\n.aq-faq h2{font-size:clamp(28px,3.5vw,40px);margin:0 0 12px}\n.aq-faq-sub{font-size:16px;color:var(--muted);max-width:560px;margin:0 auto}\n.aq-faq-list{max-width:820px;margin:0 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}\n.aq-faq-item{background:#fff;border-radius:12px;border:1px solid var(--line);overflow:hidden;transition:border-color .15s}\n.aq-faq-item[open]{border-color:var(--brand)}\n.aq-faq-item summary{\n  list-style:none;cursor:pointer;padding:20px 28px;\n  font-family:'Inter',sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:16.5px;color:var(--ink);\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:18px;\n}\n.aq-faq-item summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.aq-faq-item summary::after{\n  content:'';width:14px;height:14px;flex-shrink:0;\n  background:url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24' fill='none' stroke='%232668a5' stroke-width='2.5' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'%3E%3Cpolyline points='6 9 12 15 18 9'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") center\/contain no-repeat;\n  transition:transform .2s;\n}\n.aq-faq-item[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(180deg)}\n.aq-faq-item summary:hover{color:var(--cta)}\n.aq-faq-item .ans{padding:0 28px 22px;font-size:15.5px;color:var(--text);line-height:1.7}\n.aq-faq-item .ans a{text-decoration:underline}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n  .aq-faq{padding:70px 0}\n  .aq-faq-item summary{padding:18px 22px;font-size:15.5px}\n  .aq-faq-item .ans{padding:0 22px 20px;font-size:15px}\n}\n<\/style>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much is a ticket to the Hato Caves?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A ticket is around USD 11 for adults and USD 7 for children. Prices may change, check the official site for current rates. You buy the ticket on site, no online booking required.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the opening hours of the Hato Caves?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The caves are open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The last guided tour leaves around 3:30 PM. Hours may differ on public holidays, check the official site to be sure.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How often does a tour leave?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A new guided tour leaves every hour on the hour. You can simply show up and join the next one. Each tour takes about 45 minutes.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I visit the Hato Caves without a guide?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No, the caves can only be entered with a certified guide. This protects the petroglyphs, the bats and the visitors. The guide also explains the story of the Arawak and the slave era.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long is the tour?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A tour takes about 45 minutes. Allow one hour in total, including arrival, buying tickets and time afterwards.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Are the Hato Caves suitable for children?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, easy from about 5 years old. The paths are paved and well laid out, flip flops or sneakers are fine. Kids tend to love the bats and the stories about people hiding in the caves.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How far are the Hato Caves from the Spanish Water?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"From the villa at the Spanish Water the drive to Hato takes about 30 minutes. The caves sit right next to the airport, on F.D. Rooseveltweg. Parking at the caves is free.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I take photos in the caves?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Photos are allowed, but flash is not permitted in a few chambers because it disturbs the bats. The guide will tell you in which chambers in advance.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How old are the rock drawings?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The petroglyphs on the walls are around 1,500 years old and were made by the Arawak natives (Caquetio), the original inhabitants of Cura\u00e7ao before Europeans arrived.\"}}]}<\/script>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-faq\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap-narrow\">\n    <div class=\"aq-faq-head\">\n      <h2>Frequently asked questions about the Hato Caves<\/h2>\n      <p class=\"aq-faq-sub\">The questions most travelers ask before visiting.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"aq-faq-list\"><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>How much is a ticket to the Hato Caves?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">A ticket is around USD 11 for adults and USD 7 for children. Prices may change, check the official site for current rates. You buy the ticket on site, no online booking required.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>What are the opening hours of the Hato Caves?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">The caves are open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The last guided tour leaves around 3:30 PM. Hours may differ on public holidays, check the official site to be sure.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>How often does a tour leave?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">A new guided tour leaves every hour on the hour. You can simply show up and join the next one. Each tour takes about 45 minutes.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>Can I visit the Hato Caves without a guide?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">No, the caves can only be entered with a certified guide. This protects the petroglyphs, the bats and the visitors. The guide also explains the story of the Arawak and the slave era.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>How long is the tour?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">A tour takes about 45 minutes. Allow one hour in total, including arrival, buying tickets and time afterwards.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>Are the Hato Caves suitable for children?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">Yes, easy from about 5 years old. The paths are paved and well laid out, flip flops or sneakers are fine. Kids tend to love the bats and the stories about people hiding in the caves.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>How far are the Hato Caves from the Spanish Water?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">From the villa at the Spanish Water the drive to Hato takes about 30 minutes. The caves sit right next to the airport, on F.D. Rooseveltweg. Parking at the caves is free.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>Can I take photos in the caves?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">Photos are allowed, but flash is not permitted in a few chambers because it disturbs the bats. The guide will tell you in which chambers in advance.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"aq-faq-item\"><summary>How old are the rock drawings?<\/summary><div class=\"ans\">The petroglyphs on the walls are around 1,500 years old and were made by the Arawak natives (Caquetio), the original inhabitants of Cura\u00e7ao before Europeans arrived.<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-311dfa75 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"311dfa75\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6564fd1f\" data-id=\"6564fd1f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-422c849e elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"422c849e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n.aq-final{padding:80px 0;background:linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand) 0%, var(--brand-dark) 100%);color:var(--ink);text-align:center}\n.aq-final h2{font-size:clamp(26px,3vw,36px);color:var(--ink);margin:0 0 14px}\n.aq-final p{font-size:17px;color:rgba(10,37,64,.85);margin:0 auto 28px;max-width:580px}\n.aq-final .aq-btn-primary{background:var(--ink);color:#fff !important;box-shadow:0 6px 22px rgba(10,37,64,.25)}\n.aq-final .aq-btn-primary:hover{background:#1a3556;color:#fff !important;transform:translateY(-2px)}\n<\/style>\n<section class=\"aq-page aq-final\">\n  <div class=\"aq-wrap-narrow\">\n    <h2>Book your stay at the Spanish Water<\/h2>\n    <p>Plan your Cura\u00e7ao days from a villa right on the water. No middleman, book directly with Jan & Wendy.<\/p>\n    <a href=\"\/en\/booking-page\/\" class=\"aq-btn aq-btn-primary\">Book direct <svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M17 8l4 4m0 0l-4 4m4-4H3\"\/><\/svg><\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Attraction \u00b7 Cura\u00e7ao Hato Caves Cura\u00e7ao The oldest inhabited place on Cura\u00e7ao. Walk with a guide past 1,500 year old rock drawings, limestone pillars and colonies of bats flying above your head. Book your stay Practical info Guided tour 45 min Hato, Cura\u00e7ao Family friendly Hourly tours One of the oldest inhabited places on Cura\u00e7ao [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":682,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-805","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/805","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=805"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/805\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1527,"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/805\/revisions\/1527"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aqualife-3palabrua.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=805"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}