Mount Jamanota
Aruba's highest peak, offering stunning 360° island views after a rewarding climb up over 700 steps.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mount Jamanota
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Aruba's highest peak, offering stunning 360° island views after a rewarding climb up over 700 steps.
"Climbed over 700 steps to get this photo but it was well worth the view. Love from the very top of Aruba!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes for the 700+ steps and uneven park terrain.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen and a hat; the sun is intense at the summit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Island Views
Summit
Be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Aruba's diverse landscapes from the island's highest peak.
The 700+ Step Ascent
Main Trail
Challenge yourself on the iconic staircase leading to the summit, a rewarding climb for the determined explorer.

Arikok National Park Exploration
Surrounding Park
Discover the rugged beauty of Arikok National Park, home to Mount Jamanota, with its unique flora and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Mount Jamanota: Your Aruba Summit Guide
What to Pack for Your Jamanota Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes for the 700+ steps and uneven park terrain.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen and a hat; the sun is intense at the summit.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer parts of the day.
🚗 Consider Your Transport
Rough terrain means a 4x4 is best, or join a guided tour.
Hiking Arikok
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes for the 700+ steps and uneven park terrain.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen and a hat; the sun is intense at the summit.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer parts of the day.
🚗 Consider Your Transport
Rough terrain means a 4x4 is best, or join a guided tour.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of the entire island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Jamanota, calling the climb rewarding despite the many steps. The surrounding Arikok National Park offers a rugged, natural beauty that many enjoy exploring. Some find the terrain challenging and recommend specific vehicle types or tours for full park access.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Jamanota is located within Arikok National Park. Accessing the summit typically requires a vehicle. Many visitors opt for a guided tour, which often includes transportation. If you plan to drive yourself, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to the rough terrain within the park. Rental car companies may advise against taking their vehicles on these rough roads.
While you can walk within Arikok National Park, its vast size means you'll likely need a rental car or to join a tour group to effectively explore beyond the immediate entrance. Walking from the park entrance to Mount Jamanota might be feasible but time-consuming.
It's generally not advised to take a standard rental car to Mount Jamanota or deeper into Arikok National Park. The terrain is rough and can be challenging for non-4x4 vehicles, potentially leading to damage.
Public transport options directly to Mount Jamanota or deep within Arikok National Park are very limited. Most visitors rely on rental cars (preferably 4x4), guided tours, or taxis for the initial park entrance.
Many visitors find that joining a guided tour offers the most comprehensive experience, as guides are knowledgeable about the park's history, geology, and best viewpoints, and they provide suitable transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Jamanota is located within Arikok National Park, and there is an entrance fee for the park. You will need to pay the park entrance fee to access the trails leading to Mount Jamanota.
Arikok National Park is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for the most current hours before your visit.
The entrance fee for Arikok National Park can vary, but it's generally around $11 USD per person. It's advisable to confirm the current pricing on the official Arikok National Park website.
While some tours may offer online booking, park entrance tickets are often purchased upon arrival at the park's entrance stations. Check the official park website for any online ticketing options.
Discounts may be available for children or specific groups. It's best to inquire at the park entrance or check the official Arikok National Park website for any applicable discount information.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The climb to the summit of Mount Jamanota involves over 700 steps. The time it takes can vary depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to rest or take photos, but expect it to take at least 30-60 minutes for the ascent alone.
The path to Mount Jamanota is primarily a series of steps, which can be steep in places. The surrounding areas of Arikok National Park feature rugged, rocky terrain and desert-like landscapes.
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the climb. Some visitors also suggest bringing a light jacket or 'winter clothes' as it can be breezy at the summit.
There are typically no extensive facilities at the summit of Mount Jamanota itself. You'll find basic amenities like parking and information at the park entrance, but the summit is primarily about the natural views.
The climb involves many steps, so it might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, older children who are accustomed to hiking can usually manage the ascent with breaks.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit itself offers unparalleled panoramic views of Aruba, making it the prime photo spot. Capture the vastness of Arikok National Park, the coastline, and the island's interior. The staircase leading up also provides great photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hours, provides the most beautiful lighting for photography. These times also tend to be less crowded and cooler.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate for capturing the stunning views. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive panoramas.
Drone regulations can change and may be restricted within national parks. It's crucial to check the latest rules and regulations for Arikok National Park regarding drone usage before flying.
Expect sweeping landscape shots, including the rugged terrain of Arikok, the turquoise Caribbean Sea, and the diverse vegetation of Aruba. You can also capture impressive shots of the staircase and the climb itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. A 4x4 tour can be a great option for families, as it allows you to see more of Arikok National Park without the strenuous climb, and guides can keep kids engaged with stories about the island. Ensure everyone has sunscreen and hats to protect against the strong Aruban sun.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle to access more remote parts of the park, allowing you to discover hidden coves and geological wonders. Wear appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes and moisture-wicking clothing, and be prepared for varying temperatures and sun exposure.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the iconic staircase itself, which makes for compelling leading lines in your shots. Exploring Arikok National Park with a wide-angle lens will help you encompass the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Arikok National Park
Accessing the park requires an entrance fee, and while some areas are accessible by paved roads, many of the more remote spots, including some trailheads, are best reached with a 4x4 vehicle. This is why many visitors opt for guided tours, which often include transportation and knowledgeable guides who can point out the park's natural wonders and historical significance.
Beyond Mount Jamanota, Arikok boasts attractions like the Natural Pool (Conchi), caves (like Quadirikiri and Fontein), and dramatic cliffs along the north coast. Planning your visit to include these spots, along with the climb to Jamanota, can make for a full day of exploration. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the park can get very hot.
The Mount Jamanota Climb: What to Expect
While the steps are the main feature, the surrounding environment is also noteworthy. You'll pass through arid landscapes with unique cacti and divi-divi trees, characteristic of Aruba's dry climate. The air can be warm and humid, so starting early in the day is highly recommended to avoid the midday heat.
Upon reaching the summit, the effort is rewarded with an unparalleled 360-degree view of the entire island. You can see the contrast between the developed coastline and the wild interior of Arikok. It's a perfect spot for reflection and taking in the sheer beauty of Aruba from its highest vantage point.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit