erincohen Curacao is a stunning tropical paradise, perfect for a relaxing vacation filled with fun, in its white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. With any trip, a little structure is needed to ensure you visit all the cool places, have the time of your life, and spend some peaceful time all together.
Welcome to our ultimate 4-day Curacao itinerary that will help you prepare the perfect vacation, determine how much money to save up, as well as how many days to stay here.
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Curacao Itinerary Overview:
- Day 1: Explore Willemstad and relax at one of the many beaches.
- Day 2: Visit Sheet Boka and snorkel at Playa Grandi, and dinner at Mood Beach.
- Day 3: Hike Mount Christoffel.
- Day 4: Visit Santa Martha Bay View Lookout, visit the Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus, and then relax at Playa Porto Mari.
- Day 5: Day trip to Klein Curacao and dinner at Kooral Rooftop.
Curacao Itinerary 5 Days Map:
Use this map for all the things to do in Curacao that we recommend. Not only is it a Curacao beaches map, but it has other places to see in this tropical gem.
Trip To Curacao Itinerary: Things To Know Before You Visit
Before we jump into this Curacao itinerary, we want to share some things you need to know before your Curacao trip.
Language Spoken In Curacao
While Curacao is a polyglot society with multiple languages, Dutch and Papiamentu are the dominant languages. Papiamentu is a unique Creole language that blends Dutch, Spanish, English, and Portuguese elements. English and Spanish are also widely spoken and understood, making communication easy for tourists.
Currency Used in Curacao
The official currency of Curacao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also locally known as the Florin. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted across the island. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, having some local currency for smaller establishments or remote locations is always a good idea.
Voltage Used In Curacao
Curacao’s standard voltage is 127 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F, similar to the ones used in Europe and Russia. You will likely need a power plug adapter if you’re traveling from the US, Canada, the UK, and many other countries.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Curacao?
Curacao enjoys a warm and sunny climate year-round, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Typically, the optimal period for a Curacao visit is between December and mid-April. The weather is usually hot and sunny, with a lower chance of rain. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip and don’t mind the occasional shower, May to November can also be great months to visit.
How Many Days Are Enough In Curacao?
Curacao may seem like a small island, but it has so much to offer that more than five days may be needed to explore everything. If you have the chance to stay in Curacao for at least a week, it’d be great, but if you only have a few days, this itinerary will come in handy.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Curacao?
Although Curacao is a tropical island with a great climate year-round, certain times are absolutely perfect for your trip.
Best Month – April
April is considered the best time of the year to visit Curacao thanks to its excellent weather and fewer tourists, plus some fun local events taking place.
In April, the temperatures range from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C), and the island is not in its rainy season, excellent for outdoor activities. Occasional showers can occur in summer, but not as much as other periods like October to February.
Other Excellent Months To Visit Curacao
If you can’t come to Curacao in April, you might want to consider visiting from February to May, which has a good balance of nice weather and moderate crowds, and September to November, with similar qualities.
Months To Avoid (If Possible)
We recommend you avoid coming to Curacao, if possible, during hurricane season in the Caribbean, which happens from June to November. Curacao is usually spared from direct hits but is still something you should consider when booking your trip.
Apart from this, from December to mid-April you’ll stumble across huge crowds of people since its peak tourist season. This also means that you’ll find higher prices and overbooked hotels.
Is It Expensive To Go To Curacao?
Curacao might be considered expensive, but it all depends on where you stay, which flight you book, the type of activities you want to do, and similar. Here’s a brief guide to help you establish a budget for your trip:
Accommodation
Accommodations in Curacao can range from $40 to $80 per night if you’re looking for budget-friendly options, and they include hostels and affordable hotels.
For those looking for mid-range or luxury options, you can expect prices starting at $120, and as high as $300 or more, per night. Beachfront properties and all-inclusive resorts have the highest prices.
Food and Dining
There are many local restaurants and supermarkets with great prices in Curacao, and whether you’re planning on eating out or preparing your own meals, you can expect to spend around $10 to $30 per meal.
Mid-range and high-end restaurants have different prices, as you might expect, and most of them vary between $40 to $100 per person.
Transportation
When it comes to transportation in Curacao, you have plenty of options, including:
- Rental cars, with prices ranging from $30 to $70 per day, depending on the type of car.
- Public transportation, including buses and taxis, with affordable prices and many different routes that tour the island.
Activities
As we’ve said before, Curacao has a wide range of activities to choose from, such as lounging at the beach, hiking, and exploring Willemstad. These are perfect for budget-friendly travelers.
Other activities can cost a little, such as guided tours, and diving expeditions. They can range from $50 to $200.
Daily Budget
With all of these in consideration, you can expect to spend $100 to $150 per day if you’re opting for affordable accommodation, transportation, and activities.
On the other hand, if you prefer to stay at a mid-range or luxury hotel, dine out, and enjoy exclusive activities, your budget should start no lower than $200, up to $500 or more.
Where To Stay In Curacao
The island boasts various types of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. However, many travelers point to the Sandals Royal Curacao as one of the top choices for a luxurious stay.
Why Choose Sandals Royal Curacao?
Unmatched Location
Located amidst the serene and enchanting landscapes of the Leeward Antilles, the resort seamlessly blends the mystical allure of the desert terrains and the rhythmic lullabies of the azure ocean waves. This is not just a stay; it’s an immersive experience where every sunrise seems to paint a new masterpiece, and every sunset invites reflections of the day’s enchanting adventures.
All-Inclusive Luxury
Sandals Royal Curacao is the definition of luxury. It features gourmet dining with premium spirits, as well as incredible water adventures, all covered in your all-inclusive package.
Strategic Location
The resort is strategically located and offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean with its stunning beaches and clear waters. From the resort, you can admire the iconic Tafelberg Mountain, which we highly encourage you to hike!
How To Get Around Curacao?
Curacao is a relatively small island, making it easy to navigate and explore, and there are various ways to get around the island.
Rental Cars
Renting a car is a great option if you’re looking to explore the island at your own pace. Most rental car companies have offices at the airport, and many hotels also offer rental car services. Driving is done on the right side of the road, and traffic laws are similar to those in North America.
Public Transportation
Another way to get around Curacao is to use public transportation, which has relatively cheap fares and covers a huge portion of the territory.
Scooters and Bikes
You can also rent scooters or bikes, which is a great option for shorter distances and still allows you to explore at your own pace.
Curacao Itinerary: Top Things To Do In Curacao In 5 Days
Curacao Itinerary Day 1: Explore Willemstad and Relax At One Of The Many Beaches
Start your adventure in Curacao by exploring the vibrant island capital, Willemstad, with its stunning Dutch architecture featuring colorful buildings and bustling marketplaces. We recommend you walk across the Queen Emma Bridge and take pictures of Punda’s iconic waterfront row of pastel-colored houses.
Of course, the first day of this Curacao itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of Curacao’s beaches. If you’re looking for some beach recommendations for a relaxing day under the sun, check out our ultimate selection:
- Playa Lagun: It is situated between two cliffs and offers a peaceful setting, perfect for snorkeling.
- Kokomo Beach: Another excellent spot with crystal-clear water and a vibrant beach bar.
- Grote Knip: A postcard-worthy location perfect for taking pictures and relaxing.
- Mambo Beach: Lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, ideal for basking under the sun and doing some shopping.
Trip To Curacao Day 2: Visit Shete Boka, Snorkel at Playa Grandi, and Dine at Mood Beach
Visit Shete Boka
Shete Boka is a national park filled with limestone cliffs, sea caves, and more. It is a great activity to kick-start your second day in Curacao. The entrance fee to the park is $ 15 USD. It is open from Monday to Sunday between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Snorkel At Playa Grandi
After exploring Shete Boka National Park make your way over to Playa Grandi. Playa Grande is a well-known beach that features vibrant marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling. Keep an eye out for stunning tropical fish and sea turtles!
Dinner At Mood Beach
Mood Beach offers an exquisite menu you can enjoy under the Caribbean sky while dipping your toes in the sand. The restaurant features a fusion of local and international cuisines, each dish promising a gastronomic delight. It’s the perfect way to end the day on this Curacao itinerary.
Curacao Trip Day 3: Hike Mount Christoffel and Explore the Local Culture
Begin your day on this Curacao itinerary and hike up Mount Christoffel, the highest peak in Curacao. This mount offers slightly challenging climbs but rewarding panoramic views of the island at the end.
The park opens at 6 AM, and it is the perfect time to start your hike to avoid the afternoon heat. Make sure to bring your water bottle to stay hydrated! The last entry is at 1: 30 PM so be sure to arrive before then.
After your morning hike, dive into the culture of the Curaçaoans. Consider taking a cultural and historical walking tour or even visiting the Jewish Heritage of Curacao. You can also cool off from your hike on a tour of the Punda Shops and Kokomo Beach.
Places To Visit In Curacao Day 4: Santa Martha Bay View Lookout, Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus, and Playa Porto Mari
Let’s kick off day four on the Curacao itinerary with a visit to the Santa Martha Bay View Lookout. The Santa Martha Bay View Lookout offers breathtaking views of Curacao, and it is a peaceful spot to spend some time and take great pictures.
Next, head over to the Flamingo Sanctuary in Sint Willibrordus, which is home to flamboyant pink flamingos that flock to the region’s salt pans. Flamingos are shy animals, so it is best to admire them from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Finally, you can’t leave Curacao without relaxing at Playa Porto Mari. It is a stunning white sandy beach with crystal-clear water and rich marine life. Here you can explore the ocean with your snorkel, or simply enjoy the Caribbean vibe.
If you’re a diving enthusiast, the beach also features a well-known diving site where you can spot schools of tropical fish and even sea turtles.
Curacao Itinerary Day 5: Day Trip To Klein Curacao And Dinner At Kooral Rooftop
Day 5 of this Curacao itinerary is an exciting day trip to Klein Curacao. This uninhabited island is only 15 miles from Curacao. There are many tour companies to book this excursion. However, I highly recommend booking with Miss Ann Boat Trips. Before heading off on your adventure be sure to pack your beach bag with a sun hat, sunscreen, towel, and change of clothes. Don’t forget bug repellant like we did, you don’t want to be sorry.
Don’t expect to get a signal, but there is so much to experience on this day trip you will want to take a break from social media. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the lighthouse, and the shipwreck on the island.
End your trip to Curacao with dinner at Kooral Rooftop for a sunset view over the ocean. Expect to have an explosion of flavor in your tastebuds. Be sure to order any seafood dish with cocktails. If you don’t fancy seafood they also have meat and vegetarian dishes as well. Kooral Rooftop is an incredible restaurant to end your trip to Curacao and was one of our favorites.
Conclusion: Curacao Itinerary
Unfortunately, this Curacao itinerary has come to an end. Curacao is the perfect place to relax, have some fun, and connect with other people in a different setting. From touring the town, hiking the highest mountains, and diving with sea turtles, this place offers a wide range of activities for an affordable price.
With all of this said, we highly recommend you consider taking a trip to Curacao when you have the chance, you won’t regret it!
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