The Travel Agent’s Ultimate Guide to Curaçao

When choosing a Caribbean destination for an outdoor adventure, it’s easy to think that one island is just like any other. But with more than 35 captivating cove beaches, a diverse heritage spanning 55 different cultures, a “live and let live” attitude, and unrivaled traditional European architecture, Curaçao sets itself apart from the rest as an island to be explored.

Ideal for insatiable curiosities, this Southern Caribbean island destination offers a rugged terrain as the perfect backdrop for all types of travelers: adventure seekers, beach bums, divers, history buffs, epicureans and modern city explorers.

Curaçao Basics

• Getting there – Travelers can easily fly into the Curaçao International Airport from many major U.S. cities. It’s only 2.5 hours from Miami and direct flights are available from Miami, Charlotte, New York and many other major cities. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to travel to the island.
• Location – Curaçao is located just off the coast of Venezuela in the southern, Dutch Caribbean and on the outer fringes of the hurricane belt. It’s an autonomous country within the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
• Climate – Weather is rarely an issue in Curaçao because it’s warm and sunny year-round with an average temperature around 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Currency – When it comes to money, the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also called the Florin, is the official currency used. However, you can use U.S. dollars everywhere in Curaçao. The exchange rate is 1 USD to 1.80 ANG although it fluctuates depending on whether you're buying or selling, and where you are exchanging.
• Language – English, Dutch, Spanish, Papiamentu and occasionally Portuguese are all spoken in Curacao.

Food

Blue Curaçao liqueur isn’t the only tasteful experience that is authentic to Curaçao. Local eateries are influenced by a melting pot of over 55 different cultures on the island, so naturally it’s a culinary heaven. Indulge in signature dishes at the rustic, alfresco Old Market landmark in downtown Willemstad, which is a hotspot for a Curaçaoan lunch. Portions are plentiful and prices can’t be matched, especially at their famous sidewalk cafés, which are all over the island, where you can buy drinks, pastechis (savory pastries) and so much more!

Fun, Festivals and Events

Ideal for insatiable curiosities, this southern Caribbean island offers a rugged terrain as the perfect backdrop for every type of traveler: adventure seekers, beach-goers, divers, history and food buffs and modern city explorers. Several festivals, carnivals, sailing and cycling events happen year-round that celebrate culture, food, music, pride and more. A few worth mentioning are as follows:

• Curaçao’s North Sea Jazz Festival is taking place the weekend before Labor Day this year, from Aug. 29 to 31. It’s located at the World Trade Center Piscadera Bay near Willemstad.
• Curacao’s culinary events are scheduled during different months this year; Flavors of Curacao is set for Sept. 28 and Corks and Forks is set for Nov. 2.
• Curacao’s official holiday, Curacao Autonomous Day, is on Oct. 10.
• Curacao Cycling Week takes place from Nov. 14 to 17.

If festivals aren’t your thing, there is something for everyone on this island. Visit the Aloe Vera plantation, try out watersports galore, swim with dolphins, or learn about local herbal remedies on the east side of the island. On the west side, tour the Hato Caves, hike the Christoffel National Park or go cliff diving at Playa Forti. Go on a weekend getaway to Curacao and discover the Caribbean the way it’s meant to be seen.

History and Culture

A UNESCO World Heritage City is a rare gem in the Caribbean – but with the history and culture you’d expect from a European capital, Willemstad has more than earned the title. Of all the exciting things to do in Curaçao, Willemstad itself may offer the most unique experience in all of the Caribbean. The capital’s Dutch colonial ancestry is evident at every turn, most notably in Punda’s kaleidoscopic, sherbet-colored architecture, which you won’t find anywhere else outside of the Netherlands.