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Aruba🇦🇼 | landmarksFontein CaveArawak ceiling drawings, stalactites, old spring, roosting bats | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Fontein Cave
🌟 Highlightunique site ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

People come to Fontein Cave for the Arawak drawings, the red-brown symbols and faces on the limestone ceiling that date back centuries before Europeans arrived. What gets overlooked is the cave’s other residents and its natural setting: a freshwater spring once drew people here, and the stalactites hanging in the passages are as much a draw as the art. It sits on the northeast side of Aruba, inland from the rugged coast near Boca Prins, and the road there passes through dry cactus country. Go in the cooler morning, since the cave is shaded and the dry scrub outside is not. You walk in, tilt your head back, and get a close look at drawings you can actually read. Visits are quick, so pair it with the nearby coastline. History and geology fans will love it, and so will anyone who likes small, uncrowded sights. Beach-only travelers and those wanting a big adventure may find it too brief.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Aruba Travel Guide.
Best time to go: October - May
Daily cost: US$80 to 173
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 1.5 kilometers
Total ascent: 50 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 unique site in ArubaWhat makes it a must-see unique site

Fontein Cave is one of the few places on Aruba where you can stand under Arawak drawings without a glass barrier or a long queue, and that closeness is the main reason to come. The marks are simple, faces and geometric signs in dark pigment, but the context makes them land: the people who made them lived on this dry island long before anyone else wrote about it. The second reason is the setting. The cave sits near the Boca Prins coast and Aruba’s windswept northeast, so a stop here turns a day of driving the rough shoreline into something with a purpose. You can chain the cave with the dunes, the natural pools and the cliffs in a single loop without backtracking. The third is the cave itself, with stalactites and cool air that feel a world away from the sun outside. It takes under an hour, … read more 👉
Fontein Cave is one of the few places on Aruba where you can stand under Arawak drawings without a glass barrier or a long queue, and that closeness is the main reason to come. The marks are simple, faces and geometric signs in dark pigment, but the context makes them land: the people who made them lived on this dry island long before anyone else wrote about it. The second reason is the setting. The cave sits near the Boca Prins coast and Aruba’s windswept northeast, so a stop here turns a day of driving the rough shoreline into something with a purpose. You can chain the cave with the dunes, the natural pools and the cliffs in a single loop without backtracking. The third is the cave itself, with stalactites and cool air that feel a world away from the sun outside. It takes under an hour, so it never eats your day, and it gives a quick shot of local history that beach stops do not.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Fontein Cave

  1. Arawak Cave Drawings: The reason most people come. Faint dark-brown symbols and faces on the ceiling were left by the island’s Indigenous Arawak people, and a close look shows how deliberate the lines are.
  2. Stalactite Chambers: Mineral formations hang from the limestone ceiling in the main passages, dripping slowly and giving the cave its cool, damp feel.
  3. The Old Fontein Spring: The freshwater source that made this spot valuable on a dry island, and the reason the area was used for generations.
  4. Guided Cave Tour: A local guide points out the drawings you would likely walk past and explains what the symbols may represent. Entry is around US$5 to 6 and a visit takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. Fontein Cave Chapel Paintings: Besides the Arawak art, a Christian cross and symbols were painted inside later, showing
… read more 👉
  1. Arawak Cave Drawings: The reason most people come. Faint dark-brown symbols and faces on the ceiling were left by the island’s Indigenous Arawak people, and a close look shows how deliberate the lines are.
  2. Stalactite Chambers: Mineral formations hang from the limestone ceiling in the main passages, dripping slowly and giving the cave its cool, damp feel.
  3. The Old Fontein Spring: The freshwater source that made this spot valuable on a dry island, and the reason the area was used for generations.
  4. Guided Cave Tour: A local guide points out the drawings you would likely walk past and explains what the symbols may represent. Entry is around US$5 to 6 and a visit takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. Fontein Cave Chapel Paintings: Besides the Arawak art, a Christian cross and symbols were painted inside later, showing how the cave was reused over time.
  6. Resident Bats: Small colonies roost in the darker corners of the cave, and a guide can show where they hang without disturbing them.
  7. Surrounding Limestone Terrain: Outside the entrance, cactus, divi-divi trees and rough coral rock show the dry landscape the cave’s earliest users lived in. Walking it is free.
Fontein Cave’s cheapest experience is the surrounding limestone terrain, which costs nothing to walk, while the guided cave tour carries the small entry fee.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

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🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

The best window for Fontein Cave is December to April, when trade winds keep the cave-dotted limestone area in Arikok National Park dry and the walk from the car comfortable.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Rain is rare, days run 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), and the cave’s Arawak drawings are easiest to reach on firm, dusty tracks. This is also when the island is busiest and prices are highest.
  • Shoulder Months (May to June): Daytime highs of 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F), thinner crowds, and lower lodging rates.
  • Wetter Season (October to November): Short, heavy showers can pool on the unpaved approach, and humidity climbs. Nights stay near 26°C (79°F). Rates drop sharply, and you may have the cave nearly to yourself.
  • Daylight: Days stay close to a steady length all year, so you always have time for a full
… read more 👉
The best window for Fontein Cave is December to April, when trade winds keep the cave-dotted limestone area in Arikok National Park dry and the walk from the car comfortable.
  • Dry Season (December to April): Rain is rare, days run 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), and the cave’s Arawak drawings are easiest to reach on firm, dusty tracks. This is also when the island is busiest and prices are highest.
  • Shoulder Months (May to June): Daytime highs of 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F), thinner crowds, and lower lodging rates.
  • Wetter Season (October to November): Short, heavy showers can pool on the unpaved approach, and humidity climbs. Nights stay near 26°C (79°F). Rates drop sharply, and you may have the cave nearly to yourself.
  • Daylight: Days stay close to a steady length all year, so you always have time for a full morning visit.
Guided cave tours run on set daytime hours, so book the first slot to beat both heat and tour buses.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Oranjestad is the smartest base for Fontein Cave, with the widest range of budget beds, the main bus terminal, and easy car rental pickup for the 20 to 30 minute drive east.
The downtown and Eagle Beach edge of town attracts most solo backpackers, thanks to cheap supermarkets, local snack bars and a steady flow of travelers swapping rides. Rooms and dorms in this area run roughly US$30 to 70 in high season. Noord and Palm Beach are livelier at night but pricier, and they sit farther from the cave, so expect a longer drive and higher costs.
San Nicolas, on the south coast, is the other option. It … read more 👉
Oranjestad is the smartest base for Fontein Cave, with the widest range of budget beds, the main bus terminal, and easy car rental pickup for the 20 to 30 minute drive east.
The downtown and Eagle Beach edge of town attracts most solo backpackers, thanks to cheap supermarkets, local snack bars and a steady flow of travelers swapping rides. Rooms and dorms in this area run roughly US$30 to 70 in high season. Noord and Palm Beach are livelier at night but pricier, and they sit farther from the cave, so expect a longer drive and higher costs.
San Nicolas, on the south coast, is the other option. It is the island’s second town, with murals, local bars and lower prices, plus a shorter trip to Arikok National Park’s southern entrance. It is quieter and has fewer hostel-style spots, so it suits travelers who like a lived-in neighborhood feel and have their own wheels.
The area around the cave itself has no real lodging, so stay in town and drive in. Wherever you choose, a rental car or shared jeep tour matters more than the exact neighborhood, because public buses stop well short of the cave.
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👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Expect to spend about US$80 to 173 a day around Fontein Cave, once you add the park entry, a rented car, food and a bed in Oranjestad.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
EntryUS$0 to 15Fontein Cave sits on the road toward Arikok National Park, where adults pay about US$15 for the park pass. Guided cave visits may carry a small extra fee.
Accommodation (high season)US$30 to 70Dorm beds or basic private rooms in Oranjestad. Low season prices fall by a quarter or more.
TransportUS$35 to 55A small rental car runs about US$35 to 55 a day. Buses are cheap, about US$2 to 3 a ride, but they do not reach the cave.
FoodUS$12 to 25Local snack bars serve pastechi and rice-and-stew plates for US$5 to 12. Supermarkets help you save on breakfast.
Water and ExtrasUS$3 to 8Carry plenty of water, since the area has
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$80 to 173 a day around Fontein Cave, once you add the park entry, a rented car, food and a bed in Oranjestad.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
EntryUS$0 to 15Fontein Cave sits on the road toward Arikok National Park, where adults pay about US$15 for the park pass. Guided cave visits may carry a small extra fee.
Accommodation (high season)US$30 to 70Dorm beds or basic private rooms in Oranjestad. Low season prices fall by a quarter or more.
TransportUS$35 to 55A small rental car runs about US$35 to 55 a day. Buses are cheap, about US$2 to 3 a ride, but they do not reach the cave.
FoodUS$12 to 25Local snack bars serve pastechi and rice-and-stew plates for US$5 to 12. Supermarkets help you save on breakfast.
Water and ExtrasUS$3 to 8Carry plenty of water, since the area has little shade. Locals accept US dollars and credit cards.
Total Daily BudgetUS$80 to 173Sharing a rental car among two or three people cuts the per-person total considerably.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The hike to Fontein Cave in Aruba is a straightforward adventure, but don’t let that fool you into complacency. The sun can be relentless, so pack plenty of water and wear a good hat. The trail is rocky and uneven in spots, demanding your attention. Keep your footing steady, especially on the steeper sections where loose stones can trip you up.

Wildlife is part of the experience; you might spot iguanas sunbathing or hear the distant call of a parakeet. Respect their space—don’t feed them.

Timing matters. Early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid the heat and enjoy the soft light filtering through the trees. Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate ecosystem.

As you approach the cave, the anticipation builds. The cool air inside is a welcome relief, and the ancient rock formations … read more 👉
The hike to Fontein Cave in Aruba is a straightforward adventure, but don’t let that fool you into complacency. The sun can be relentless, so pack plenty of water and wear a good hat. The trail is rocky and uneven in spots, demanding your attention. Keep your footing steady, especially on the steeper sections where loose stones can trip you up.

Wildlife is part of the experience; you might spot iguanas sunbathing or hear the distant call of a parakeet. Respect their space—don’t feed them.

Timing matters. Early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid the heat and enjoy the soft light filtering through the trees. Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate ecosystem.

As you approach the cave, the anticipation builds. The cool air inside is a welcome relief, and the ancient rock formations are a reward for your effort. Afterward, treat yourself to a cold drink; you’ve earned it.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Fontein Cave

Fontein Cave is a limestone cave on Aruba’s east coast, inside Arikok National Park, known for Arawak drawings and stalactites. A guide leads visitors through the chamber, where the park’s protected rock art is kept. Entry is covered by the park pass of about US$15, though guided visits may cost extra. A short visit also takes in the nearby Fontein Garden and its old well.
Plan about 45 minutes to an hour at Fontein Cave for the guided cave walk. Adding the nearby Blue Lagoon and Boca Prins coast stretches this to a half day. Combined with other Arikok sites, such as Cunucu houses and Quadirikiri Cave, you can fill a full day of 5 to 6 hours.
Drive east from Oranjestad on the road toward Arikok National Park, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes by rented car or taxi. Taxis from Oranjestad cost roughly US$40 to 60 each way. Local buses do not reach the cave, so a rental car, at about US$35 to 55 a day, or a jeep tour is the practical choice. The last stretch includes some unpaved road.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Aruban landmarks near Fontein Cave

Explore more nearby:

  • Natural Pool—Conchi basin, Baby Bridge, black stone beach, park entry| 4 km away
  • Ayo Rock Formations—Diorite boulders, hematite drawings, lizard-filled scrub, shaded overhangs| 8 km away
  • Seroe Colorado—Colorado Point, Lago bungalows, blowholes, refinery ridge| 8 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Fontein Cave suits curious travelers who like small, quiet sights and don’t mind a short visit. History lovers will get the most from it, and anyone driving the northeast coast will find it a cool break from the heat. I would bring water for the walk outside, go with the guide so you spot the faint drawings, and skip it if beaches are all you want.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Aruba. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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