Bon Bini! Curacao, a treasure trove of surprises. Tiny in size, yet bustling with vibrancy and allure, this captivating island offers a unique escape. We like to think of Curaçao as the Caribbean’s hidden gem. Unlock our secrets for the best in Caribbean Curaçao travel!

A Caribbean island like no other, Curaçao offers a captivating escape that is real and different. Choose your own adventure perfectly describes life on Curaçao. Its ruggedly beautiful landscape provides an endless bounty of fun diversions. Conquer the island's open spaces and enjoy exhilarating hiking, biking, and ATV tours. Immerse yourself in mysterious and colorful underwater worlds at more than 60 diving locations. Relax on beaches both intimate and secluded. Explore Curaçao's crown jewel ­ the capital city, Willemstad ­ a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lively port of high-end retailers, restaurants, cafés, museums and nightlife spots. Whatever your interests, Curaçao promises you a magnificent travel experience.

For more information on what makes Curaçao tourism unique in the Caribbean, visit the island¹s official website at www.curacao.com

Origin of the name Curaçao: The origin of the name Curaçao is still under debate. One explanation is that it is derived from the Portuguese word for heart (coração), referring to the island as a centre in trade, or it could mean healing (curação) for the plants that grow on the island. Spanish traders took the name over as Curaçao, which was followed by the Dutch. Another explanation is that Curaçao was the name the indigenous peoples of Curaçao had used to label themselves (Joubert and Van Buurt, 1994). This theory is supported by early Spanish accounts, which refer to the indigenous peoples as "Indios Curaçaos". The most popular theory is that the Spanish named the island "Corazon" (Spanish for "heart") for its heart shape, which later became "Curaçao", derived from the Portuguese word for heart, "Coração". Whatever the origin of the name, after the year 1525 the island appeared on Spanish maps as "Curaçote," "Curasaote," and "Curasaore." By the seventeenth century the island was generally known on all maps as "Curaçao" or "Curazao".On a map created by Hieronymus Cock in 1562 in Antwerp, the island was referred to as Quracao. The name "Curaçao" has become associated with a particular shade of blue, and is sometimes used as an adjective, because of the deep-blue liqueur named "Blue Curaçao

Like Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is a transcontinental island that is geographically part of South America but is also considered to be part of West Indies and one of the Leeward Antilles. Curaçao and the other ABC Islands are in terms of climate, geology, flora and fauna more akin to nearby Paraguaná Peninsula, Isla Margarita and the nearby Venezuelan areas of the Coro region and Falcón State. The flora of Curaçao differs from the typical tropical island vegetation. Xeric scrublands are common, with various forms of cacti, thorny shrubs, evergreens, and the island's symbolic divi-divis. Curaçao's highest point is the 375 metre (1,230 ft) Christoffelberg ("Mount Christoffel") in the northwestern part of the island. This lies in the reserved wildlife park, Curaçao Christoffelpark, and can be explored by car, bike, horse or on foot. Several trails have been laid out. Curaçao has many places where one can hike. There are Saliñas, salt marshes where flamingos fly out to rest and feed. 24km (15 miles) off the coast of Curaçao, to the southeast, lies the small, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao ("Little Curaçao").

Curaçao is renowned for its coral reefs which makes it an excellent spot for scuba diving. The beaches on the south side contain many popular diving spots. An unusual feature of Curaçao diving is that the sea floor drops off steeply within a few hundred feet of the shore, and the reef can easily be reached without a boat. This drop-off is locally known as the "blue edge." Strong currents and lack of beaches make the rocky northern coast dangerous for swimming and diving, but experienced divers sometimes dive there from boats when conditions permit. The southern coast is very different and offers remarkably calm waters. The coastline of Curaçao features many bays and inlets, many of them suitable for mooring.

Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. Geographic coordinates: 12° 9' N, 68° 27' W. The largest of the 5 islands of the Netherlands Antilles, it is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. It is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east of Aruba and only 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami, 9 hours from Amsterdam. Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination for good weather during Summertime.

Electricity is 110 - 130 volts/50 cycles, similar but not identical to the US standard. Most 60 cycle electrical appliances from the United States will function properly, although appliances that have internal time mechanisms will not keep the correct time and hairdryers and curling irons may overheat if used for too long. Dual voltage appliances from Europe and South America will need an adapter plug, readily available on the island. Most guestrooms at the Avila Hotel offer only 220 volt outlets. Laptops and cell phone charges usually operate on dual voltage/cycles, requiring only the adapter plug to convert from a flat to rounded prongs.

Distilled from the clear blue seas surrounding Curaçao, tap water is safe and delicious for drinking. Enjoy!

U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, as are Travelers Checks and most major Credit Cards. Debit Cards are accepted at large shops and supermarkets. Prices are quoted in the national currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), abbreviated NAFl. or ANG. It is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of US$ 1 = NAFl. 1.77 for cash, 1.78 for traveler's checks. Exchange rates may vary slightly at stores and hotels. European Euros are also accepted in many downtown establishments. Bills of US$50 and US$100 can be hard to cash due to counterfeit concerns. There is no black market and there are no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country. Avila Hotel guests can exchange nominal amounts of US Dollars and Euros to the local Antillean Guilder currency at the Front Desk.

Banks are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The airport bank is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Selected banks branches have ATMs that disburse US dollars. (MCB bank maintains an ATM at the Avila Hotel¹s new Octagon Wing). US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler's checks less so. Bills of US$ 50 and 100 can be hard to cash. International credit cards are accepted at most major commercial establishments. Debit Cards are accepted at large shops and supermarkets. The larger denominations of guilder bills (100 and 250) are hard to cash for small purchases. There are currently two versions of guilder coins in circulation.

The population of approximately 150,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. Willemstad is the island's capital and only city.

Dutch is the official language, but multi-racial Curaçaoans also speak English, Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamento.

Current political relations between the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba stem from 1954 and are based on the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a voluntary arrangement between the Netherlands, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. At the time, the Charter represented an end to colonial relations and the acceptance of a new legal system in which each nation would look after their own interests independently, look after their common interests on the basis of equality and provide each other with mutual assistance. In 1975, Suriname left the Kingdom's political alliance. Since 1986, Aruba has had separate status within the Kingdom and is no longer part of the Netherlands Antilles. The Netherlands Antilles enjoys semi-autonomy on most internal matters and defers to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in matters of defense, foreign policy, final judicial review, human rights, and good governance.

The Antilles is governed by a popularly elected unicameral "Staten" (parliament) of 22 members. It chooses a prime minister (called minister president) and a Council of Ministers, consisting of six to eight other ministers. A governor, who serves a 6-year term, represents the monarch of the Netherlands. Local government is assigned authority independently on each island. Under the direction of a kingdom-appointed island governor, these local governments have a "Bestuurscollege" (administrative body) made up of commissioners who head the separate governmental departments.

Voters in the Netherlands Antilles have opted to dismantle the Netherlands Antilles and create new structures between the various islands and the Kingdom. Curacao has opted for an autonomous country status within the Kingdom similar to Aruba's status. The dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles is scheduled to take place on October 10, 2010.

A valid passport and an onward or return ticket is all that is required.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR US CITIZENS: As of December 31, 2005, the State Department requires that you have a valid US Passport to re-enter the USA. Birth certificates as a travel dicument will then no longer be acceptable. For information on obtaining a US passport, you can visit the State Department's travel Web site at http://www.travel.state.gov or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Allow six to eight weeks for processing the passport application. If the need to travel is urgent, requiring a passport sooner, you can opt for a two-week expedited processing available for an extra $60 fee.

An airport tax of U.S.$ 32.00 per person for international (including Aruba) flights and flights to Curacao, or U.S. $14.00 per personal for inter-island flights is payable when leaving the island. (All taxes listed are for informational purposes only and subject to change).

Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX on their registration plates. The prices are based for 1-4 people from 6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25% more. After 11pm there is 25% surcharge. While taxi drivers are generally very honest, it is always recommended that passengers agree on a price for the journey with the driver first. Tips are appreciated for good service. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels and Sha Caprileskade in Punda. Taxi Company: Main Office: tel: 869-0747 Complaints: 869-0747

Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims all have their own houses of worship and practice their religions freely. Over 80% of the population is Catholic, largely people of African descent. Curaçao has a well earned reputation for religious and ethnic harmony. Adventists, Anglican/Episcopal, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Methodists are all represented and practice their religions freely.

Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time: one hour later than US Eastern Standard Time (the same time as Eastern Daylight Savings Time) and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time.

Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the sun. Most indoor establishments are air conditioned; you may need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and billowing skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos may require jackets for men. Overly revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs from the cacti.

It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you like. Most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. All this beside the 5% Government sales tax.

Although Curaçao is less humid than many Caribbean islands, mosquitoes can occasionally be a problem in the rainy season and at night. Repellent can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Curaçao has no malaria or similar tropical diseases, and no vaccinations are needed to visit. Due to the high level of overall hygiene and cleanliness, gastro-intestinal complaints ("travelers' tummy") are very uncommon. Eat and drink freely. For minor ailments, standard US and European over-the-counter medicines are available at the local pharmacies, called "Botica's". There are a number of medical centers on the island. The St. Elisabeth Hospital is the most modern and well equipped in the region and located in the Otrobanda section of Willemstad. In can be reached within 20 minutes from almost anywhere on the island. St. Elisabeth Hospital, Breedestraat 193(O), Willemstad, Curaçao. Phone: (599-9) 462-5100, Fax: (599-9) 462-4739. Website: www.stelisabethhospital.com