Summit of Hooiberg Hiking Trail in Aruba

Hooiberg Hiking Trail in Aruba: A Detailed Guide

by Nichole | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 | Aruba, Best Hiking Caribbean

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity in Aruba, my husband and I can personally vouch for the Hooiberg Hiking Trail. We tackled it ourselves. Yes, it’s 587 steps straight up Aruba’s second-highest peak, but it’s totally manageable and well worth the effort. The panoramic views at the top? Incredible. On a clear day, you can even spot Venezuela off in the distance. Here’s an inside look at what the hike was really like.

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Table of Contents

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Quick Overview of Hike

Hiking distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip straight up a staircase
Hiking time: 1 hour (with lots of photo stops)
Difficulty: easy (if you are fit) and moderate (if you are not)
Cost: Free

Parking + Map of Hooiberg Hike

Map of Hooiberg Hiking Trail

Don’t worry about parking. There are plenty of spots!

Type in “Hooiberg Hiking Trail” in Google Maps, and it will lead you right there.

Our safari ranger and tracker at Lion Sands River Lodge

Parking at the Hooiberg trailhead

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to start the Hooiberg Hiking Trail is early morning.

You will be drenched and sunburned if you start this hike later in the day. There’s not a whole lot of shade on the trail.

My husband and I started the trail around 7:15 am, which was perfect. Friendly locals were also out enjoying the hike, so we were not alone.

Snapshot of the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

Starting point of Pic Paradis hike at Loterie Farm

Start of Hooiberg Hiking Trail in Aruba

The first part of the trail looks like like a long green painted driveway, but then it quickly moves to a giant staircase straight up the mountain.

There are no handrails on the first part of what I call the “Giant Stairmaster,” but there’s plenty of room to maneuver for people ascending and descending.

Hiking up the staircase on the Hooiberg Trail

This part of the trail is exposed to the sun. You are flanked by both sides with large towering cacti.

As you ascend the stairs, do not forget to look back to take in those views. Gorgeous!

Hiking up to Chewbaca Viewpoint in St. Martin

Gorgeous views from the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

There are concrete bump outs every 30 steps or so if you need to pull to the side to catch your breath and allow others to pass. You can see those resting platforms in the photo below.

Roped sections on the Pic Paradis hiking trail

Resting platforms on the staircase on the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

In addition, there’s also a gazebo about a third of the way up if you want to take a break.

Beginning of rock scramble section up to Chewbaca Viewpoint

Gazebo on the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

As you near the top, there is a guardrail in the middle to grab onto for extra stability.

The concrete steps are in great shape. No sketchy disrepair.

Rock scramble section to Chewbaca Viewpoint

Guard rail present at the top of the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

We had a family of goats as our welcoming committee as we hiked almost to the top.

Right before you reach the summit, you’ll walk through a shaded section before you pop out and see Viewpoint #1 on your left.

Path to viewpoint #1 on the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

Viewpoint #1 on the Hooiberg Trail

Then walk up to the pink building with the radio antennas. At this point, you can go left or right around the building.

Go both ways to enjoy the different viewpoints.

Viewpoints on the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

If you go to the right, here’s Viewpoint #2:

Viewpoint #2 on the Hooiberg Trail

You’ll reach Viewpoint #3 (which offers the best views) if you go left of the pink building.

There’s a rocky outcrop that offers a great photo, but do so with caution because you do not want to lose your footing and fall into a cactus.

Viewpoint #3 on the Hooiberg Hiking Trail

Balancing on the rocky outcrop at Hooiberg Hiking Trail in Aruba

Balancing on the rocky outcrop at Viewpoint #3

Hiking Time

We started at 7:15 am and ended at 8:10 am, but that was with a lot of stopping, taking photos, and talking to the locals. Arubans are the sweetest!

Allow 1 hour if you want to take your time.

Post Hike Pastry

If you ever read any of my hiking posts, you’ll know my husband and I LOVE to pair a great hike with a foodie stop. For example, we stopped by the Real Dutch Bakery when we visited Washington Slagbaai National Park in nearby Bonaire.

Do not miss Huchada after your Hooiberg hike! This is definitely a local bakery, and it’s delicious.

It was hopping when we went.

What to order? Everything.

Well, almost everything.

Pastries at Huchada in Aruba

Some fantastic choices are the cheese balls, cheese pastechi (the meat one was a little too sweet for me but I loved the cheese one), spinach roll (super yummy flaky dough), and the cinnamon rolls.

Heating up delicious pastries from Huchada in Aruba

A pastechi is a deep-fried, crescent-shaped dough that is stuffed with meat or cheese. It’s a traditional Aruban breakfast item.

Think of it like an empanada or a stuffed fry jack (#6 on my best things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize!).

We got a variety of pastries because we were driving back home to share with the family.

I strongly recommend heating everything up. Makes such a difference!

Hot cheesy balls! Yum.

Huchada also has delicious cakes and sweets. We tried the amazing cannolis.

The line moves quick so have an idea of what you want before you go. The staff is very friendly though and can help you make some good foodie choices.

What to Bring

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Water Bottle

You will definitely need water for the trail. I easily polished off a bottle. Stay hydrated. My Embrava goes everywhere with me.

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Trail Runner Shoes

No flip-flops. Wear sturdy shoes. It’s not technically challenging, but you will still need tennis shoes. I love my Saucony Peregrine Trail Runners.

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Hat, Sun Shirt, and Sunscreen

I always wear my ponytail hat! And my Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen keeps me protected from the Caribbean sun. I also wear a sun shirt (seen in my photos) since I burn easily. Big fan of Coolibar shirts.

Final Thoughts

We love Aruba.

Great hikes like the Hooiberg Hiking Trail.

Great snorkeling spots. Our favorites are Tres Trapi (so many turtles) and Mangel Halto!

Beautiful flamingoes.

Delicious local food and fine dining.

And the friendliest locals.

It has a lot to offer, and we packed it all in during our week-long stay.

Do not miss this hike, and enjoy a delicious cheese ball after. You deserve it.

I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.

Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!