Miralamar Gold Mine Ruins
Explore the rugged north coast and discover the 19th-century remnants of Aruba's gold mining past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Awesome sunrise views
Miralamar Gold Mine Ruins
Best Time
Awesome sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the rugged north coast and discover the 19th-century remnants of Aruba's gold mining past.
"Great historical site. Very unique."
🚗 Bring an ATV or Jeep
Essential for navigating the rocky, unpaved roads to reach the ruins.
📸 Capture the Sunrise
The north coast offers stunning sunrise views, perfect for photographers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mine Structures
Main building complex
Explore the remnants of the 19th-century gold-smelting facility, imagining its past glory.
Panoramic Island Views
Upper levels of the ruins
Capture breathtaking sunrise vistas and unique photo opportunities from the windows.
Rugged North Coast Landscape
Surrounding area
Experience the wild and rugged beauty of Aruba's less-traveled north coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Ruins
Exploring Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bring an ATV or Jeep
Essential for navigating the rocky, unpaved roads to reach the ruins.
📸 Capture the Sunrise
The north coast offers stunning sunrise views, perfect for photographers.
🚶♀️ Climb with Caution
Be mindful when climbing and descending; have someone assist with photos.
ℹ️ Seek More Info
Wish there was more signage on-site to learn about the history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bring an ATV or Jeep
Essential for navigating the rocky, unpaved roads to reach the ruins.
📸 Capture the Sunrise
The north coast offers stunning sunrise views, perfect for photographers.
🚶♀️ Climb with Caution
Be mindful when climbing and descending; have someone assist with photos.
ℹ️ Seek More Info
Wish there was more signage on-site to learn about the history.
🍽️ Food Carts Available
Food carts are sometimes present, but not always guaranteed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Miralamar Gold Mine Ruins a unique and historically interesting free attraction, offering beautiful views and a sense of adventure. The rugged terrain requires a suitable vehicle, and many wish for more historical information on-site.
"You should go. It is cool to climb up and a little tricky climbing back down, but you can also exit out the back on flat land. Beautiful views. Have someone stay on the ground first to take your picture up in the windows. Very unique."
Sonday Kelly
"Great historical site. I wish they provided more information about the site on some type of signage outside. Very thought provoking to imagine it when it was in use.
Definitely recommend an ATV or Jeep to get to this site. Terrain is rocky and some parts are unpaved."
Dre Mbrooks
"A free tourist attraction, you never know who you might meet. Ppl are touring from boat, and plane. I've personally met both and everyone was so welcoming and polite.. The views are impressive, they say you might can find some gold if you go looking."
Cakes Warren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are located on the north coast of Aruba. It's highly recommended to use an ATV or Jeep as the terrain is rocky and some parts are unpaved. Having a car is also a good option to explore the different landscape of the north coast.
The drive can be challenging due to rocky and unpaved sections. An ATV or Jeep is best suited for this terrain.
While taxis can get you close, they may not be able to navigate the final rocky stretches. It's best to have your own suitable vehicle.
Visiting in the early morning can be pleasant, and it also offers great sunrise views.
Some ATV or Jeep tours might include the gold mine ruins as part of a broader north coast exploration. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Miralamar Gold Mine Ruins are a free tourist attraction.
There are no official opening hours as it's an open-air site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee; it's a free site to explore.
Signs may indicate not to enter, but many visitors do. Exercise caution if you choose to enter.
The main restriction is to be mindful of safety, especially when climbing.
📸 📸 Photography
The windows of the structures offer unique framing for photos, and the surrounding rugged landscape provides dramatic backdrops.
Absolutely! The north coast location is ideal for capturing stunning sunrise views.
This location is great for landscape, architectural, and adventurous photography due to its unique ruins and wild surroundings.
A tripod can be helpful for capturing sunrise shots or stabilizing your camera in windy conditions.
No specific photo restrictions are mentioned, but be respectful of the site and other visitors.
🎫 ℹ️ Onsite Experience
You'll see the remains of a 19th-century gold-smelting facility, offering a glimpse into Aruba's industrial past. The views of the rugged north coast are also a major draw.
Unfortunately, many visitors note a lack of signage or information on-site, making it hard to learn about the history.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the ruins and enjoy the surrounding views.
No specific facilities are mentioned. It's advisable to bring your own water and be prepared for a rustic experience.
While the name suggests gold, finding actual gold is unlikely, but the experience of exploring the ruins is valuable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as facilities are limited.
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
Beyond the ruins, the surrounding wild landscape offers further exploration opportunities. It's a chance to experience a side of Aruba that's raw and untamed, far from the bustling resorts.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to frame shots through the ruin's windows, creating compelling compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company
The company's operations, while significant for their time, eventually ceased, leaving behind these evocative ruins. The site offers a tangible connection to a less-explored chapter of Aruba's history, distinct from its more famous tourism offerings.
Visitors often express a wish for more interpretive signage to fully appreciate the historical context of the site.
Navigating the Terrain and Access
While some visitors manage with regular cars, the rocky and unpaved sections can pose a challenge.
The journey is part of the experience, offering a stark contrast to the island's popular beaches. It's a chance to see a different, more untamed side of Aruba.
Photography Opportunities
Visitors recommend having someone stay on the ground to capture photos of those exploring the upper levels, adding a human element to the historical ruins.
Whether you're into architectural details, dramatic landscapes, or capturing the essence of adventure, this site offers diverse photographic potential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit