Published on Apr, 2025
We loved this hike! This was a highlight of our trip to Aruba! Howard picked us up at our hotel and drove us to Arikok National Park where we enjoyed a beautiful and educational hike to the Conchi Natural Pool. Howard is a delightful hiking companion, enthusiastically sharing his knowledge of the history and environment and answering the countless questions we threw at him as we made our way across the park. He made a point to photograph anything interesting we saw along the way and shared a wonderful album with us at the end of the trip. When we arrived at the Conchi pool he provided us with snorkeling equipment and expertly guided us into the water where he used bread crumbs to coax in a variety of gorgeous fish for us to view and swim with. Before setting off on our hike back to the car, he shared fruit, granola bars and ice water for sustenance on the return trip. As if this was not enough, on the drive back to the hotel, he pulled in to a local bakery where he treated us to freshly made pastechis -- delicious! We ended our time with Howard feeling we have a wonderful new friend in the world. If you enjoy walking and learning about the history and culture of a place from a local, make this tour a top priority. A great value -- 100% worth it!