Venture back in time on our beautiful island when there was no industry, just farmers and fishermen. During the early 1800’s a young boy saw a glimmering, shiny rock in a dry creek bed while herding his sheep. And so Aruba’s gold rush industry began. Book now our fantastic 4:30 hour tour including history, flora, fauna, hiking, and food.

Private Follow The Gold Tour

Our hiking tour will begin at the ruins of Bushiribana on the north coast. We will climb up to the remains of a large dig on the hill of Matividiri next to a dry creek bed. From there we will head down to Kadushi where you will discover multiple dig sites along a relatively large vein that heads towards Sero Cristal / Kristal and Sero Gerard. These locations were the main areas where the gold was found. Tons of ore were packed on the backs of donkeys and hauled down these trails to the Bushiribana Gold Mill. A fascinating part of Aruba’s history you will not forget!

“Follow the Gold” Bushiribana Hiking Tour”

Our hiking tour will begin near the ruins of Bushiribana c.1872 on our beautiful north coast. You will get a well-researched glimpse of how primitive the gold mining industry was during the late “1800s. At the time, this gold mining operation was Aruba’s first industry other than agriculture and fishing. It also has the distinction of being the first permanently established mechanized gold processing plant in the Caribbean. We will share all of our extensive research with you as we explore the whole complex.

Heading east past Boca Mahos, we will make our way to Matividiri where there are the remains of a large dig on the hill next to a dry creek bed. From there we will head down to Kadushi where you will discover multiple dig sites along a relatively large vein that heads in the direction of Sero Crystal and Sero Gerard. These last two locations were the main areas where the ore was extracted.

You will be surprised to pass through a tranquil savanna. This amazing lush green grassland of Boedoei reveals just how many diverse natural areas our island possesses. This savanna was one of the routes the donkeys traveled through to get from the gold mines to the gold mill hauling tons of ore packed on their backs.

Once back at Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins you can realize much better what it took to get the ore to this spot and then process the rocks for the gold.

After this captivating journey back in time, you will be treated to a delicious lunch at one of our local Restaurants. Ricardo’s Restaurant located at Aruba Beach Club Resort

Excursion Size
Private Tour

Excursion Type
Cultural, Informative,Nature, Scenic, Physical

Excursion Duration
2 hours

Time
8:00am

Activity Level
Moderate Walking

Excursion Departure Point
Wherever you are staying

Food/Beverage Provided
Lunch Included at Ricardo’s Restaurant

Non-alcoholic beverages
are included as well as coffee and tea plus water refills during the tour. Alcohol is available for purchase. PLEASE NOTE: Restaurant may be subject to change.

Recommended Dress
Sneakers, comfortable shorts or pants for walking, tee shirt, camera, hat is optional. Please bring your own water bottle. Sunscreen – reef safe.