Ruisandro Cijntje, former Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao, told EL TIEMPO.
One of the island's main attractions, without a doubt, is its lack of white, as colors are the focus of its architecture, according to locals to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. There is a floating bridge that connects the two parts of the island: "Punda" and "Otrobanda"; it offers picture-postcard photos and allows you to visit the capital, Willemstad, which has unique European-style buildings.
The beaches, like any Caribbean destination, are beautiful. In this case, they are characterized by soft sand and extremely clear, clean seas, where it is possible to find fish. However, there are also high rocks from which you can jump and dive.
Added to this are water sports, such as snorkeling or seabobbing, the latter a type of underwater scooter that allows you to go at high speed to delve into the seabed and observe corals, shipwrecks, and marine species. For example, one local business is Andy Max Adventures, which offers 1-hour tours for 100 euros, which in Colombian pesos is about 467,000 pesos.
For those who enjoy a different kind of adventure, not in the water, there's Shete Boka National Park, with enormous rocks that the waves crash against to rise several meters high, underground caverns, and large cliffs. The view is spectacular, unique, like a natural wonder located on the island's north coast. It's best to wear shoes rather than sandals for more comfort, as there are only rock formations.
"The park has approximately 10 small bays where three species of sea turtles are known to lay eggs," they note on their website. Admission for adults is 62,715 Colombian pesos and 8,362 pesos for children between 6 and 12 (current exchange rate).
It's worth mentioning that the local currency on the island is the florin, although most areas also accept dollars.
Ibiza-Style Party: From Colombia to Curaçao
Colombia and Curaçao have strengthened their relations, both diplomatic and business. Recently, the country's leading electronic artists and DJs made their grand debut on the Caribbean island with the Almar Fest, an all-inclusive Ibiza-style event featuring flashing lights, fire shows, and pool and ocean parties.
(In context: Almar Experience: a three-night electronic music festival set against the idyllic Caribbean Sea.)
"Curaçao opened its doors to us incredibly; this is a spectacular country. We made a great partnership, bringing excellent musicians, an impressive festival with the best Colombian talent, the entire lineup is Colombian, and we also have a Burning Man experience. We're very close to Bogotá, an hour and a half away, and we don't need a visa. Colombians have the best options to visit Curaçao," highlights Carlos Caballero, commercial director of Almar Fest.
The festival held its first edition with 4 days and 3 nights between August 16 and 19. It was described by its organizers as "a success" and by attendees as "incredible." With hotel, internal transfers, and food included, spectators only had to worry about their flights.
For this reason, the event adds to the list of experiences to be had in Curaçao, boosting tourism to the island.
For detailed local events and tourism plans, you can visit the country's official website curacao.com, a destination you definitely must discover and even return to, not only for its wonders as an island, but also for its human quality, whose broad smiles and fun energy inspire excitement in all who visit.
LAURA AVENDAÑO LADINO