Hato Caves

Hato Caves – underground world full of legends

Hato Caves are among the most interesting natural places on the island of Curaçao. Once completely submerged under the sea, they gradually formed from coral limestone. When the water receded, it revealed a fascinating underground world full of stalactites, stalagmites and bizarre rock formations that seem to tell stories of ancient times.

Organized tours of Hato Caves

You can find the cave right next to the airport and watch planes landing and departing from it. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the departure hall. So we took the tour just before takeoff. We dropped off our luggage at the ticket office, where we bought a ticket for €10. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones visiting the cave on the day of departure, as they had a special room for luggage and also information that they offered this option. Thanks to that, we didn’t have to chase the shower before our departure 😊.

The duration of the tour is about 45 minutes, during which the local guide provided a detailed explanation of the cave and the legends associated with it. It may not be an activity you’d prioritise on holiday, but if you don’t want to be salty before you go, or if you enjoy caves as much as we do, you should definitely consider a visit.

Hato Caves and its secrets

There are only about 50 steps leading up to the cave, so you won’t have to do any strenuous hiking. As the entrance is uphill, you’ll have a spectacular view of the airport and the sea.

When you walk down the stone stairs into the cave, you will immediately feel the drop in temperature and the increased humidity. The illuminated spaces reveal fascinating rock shapes that nature has sculpted over thousands of years. Every corner hides something interesting – whether natural formations resembling familiar shapes, or ancient drawings on the walls that reference the island’s ancient history.

Don’t worry, the guide will let you know when he sees anything peculiar. The cave keeps its secrets well hidden, because taking photos is forbidden in most areas. If you want to see petroglyphs and interesting formations that resemble gods, you have to go there in person.

A cave with a rich history

Hato Caves are rich in history and cultural significance. They were inhabited by the original inhabitants of the island, the Arawaks, who left behind murals and other artefacts. On the walls of the cave you will find petroglyphs dating back more than 1,500 years. Their meaning is not fully known, but it is believed that they depict mythological creatures and scenes from the lives of the natives.

During the colonial period, the cave became a refuge for slaves who escaped from the plantations. They found safety in its dark recesses and, according to legend, some survived here for months, hidden from their pursuers. It is said that their presence can still be felt in some parts of the cave. Perhaps in the mysterious blue-light room where only scientists have access?

Local legends and mysteries

Hato Caves are shrouded in legends. One of them speaks of the ghosts of the Arawaks, who still guard the cave and show themselves to those who do not show respect to this place. Locals claim that if you look closely, you can see mysterious shadows in some corners of the cave.

Another legend tells of a lost treasure that was hidden in a cave during colonial times. Although there is no proof, some adventurers believe that some of the sealed chambers may hide long-forgotten riches. Perhaps rocks resembling gods are its guardians?

What you will see in the cave?

If you are expecting a cave full of karst formations, you might be disappointed. There are not as many of them as in other caves. However, it offers a unique atmosphere and a special charm. Hato Caves, however, are famous for their fascinating rock formations, some of which have been named after what they resemble. Among the most famous are:

• Cathedral Room – the largest chamber of the cave, where light penetrates through small openings and creates a dramatic play of shadows on the walls.
• Madonna with Child – a rock formation that, when properly lit, looks like a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a child.
• Buddha – a formation resembling a seated Buddha in meditation pose.
• Elephant heads – several rock outcrops that actually resemble elephant heads.

The guide will enlighten you about all these strange formations and tell you a few sentences about them. Our imagination worked to the fullest – we saw a monkey, a skeleton, the outline of a face and various other shapes. This is why we love rocks, because we like to test the limits of our imagination and encourage each other to find more strange formations. We started playing this game with children in Cappadocia and have been playing it in every destination since – whether or not there are children with us.

How to get here?

Hato Caves are located just a few minutes’ drive from Hato International Airport and approximately 15 minutes from the centre of Willemstad. Access to the caves is well signposted and there is free parking at the entrance.

Near the caves, there is also a small botanical garden where you can see local plants and animals. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across iguanas basking in the sun.