Aruba is a rather small island, measuring just 20 miles long by 6 miles wide at its widest point. The southwestern side of the island has calm, clear water; beautiful sandy beaches and is home to many resorts. The northeastern side of the island is very different, often referred to as the uninhabited “wild side.” We had a blast exploring this rugged desert terrain with our rented Jeeps, as much of this side of the island is only able to be reached with an ATV or 4WD vehicle.

Aruba Map — Illustration 104144860 © Peter Hermes Furian | Dreamstime.com

Our day began at the California Lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. This 100-foot-tall structure, built in 1914–16, is named after a shipwreck of a British steamship, the SS California, that sank nearby in 1891 and is now a great dive site.

Jeep ride © Tracey Cullen

Alli Mad Max in desert © Tracey Cullen

From there we ventured away from the named roads and began our off-road adventure. My then 18-year-old daughter took the wheel and did her best Mad Max impression, skidding around the desert trails. I held on for dear life and squealed as the dust trail from the Jeep in front of us, driven by our friend’s 19-year-old son, obscured our vision. We stopped at a few beaches along the way to the Alto Vista Chapel. These beaches are not like the beaches on the southern side; the water is dark blue and rough. The waves crash high on rocks as viewed from limestone cliffs, and you won’t see anyone swimming here. The only evidence of people around are the many rock towers that they have built and left behind.

Jeeps in desert © Tracey Cullen

The Alto Vista Chapel is a canary-yellow structure set in the middle of the desert down a cactus-lined trail. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of all the different beautiful cacti! If you keep your eyes open, you might catch a glimpse of wild goats among the cacti in the brush. The chapel rests on the site of Aruba’s first Roman Catholic Church, built by Spanish settlers and Caqueito people in 1750. The building that exists now was built in 1952 and holds a weekly Mass and each year on Good Friday.

Gold Mine ruins © Alli Cullen

We visited the the Bushiribana gold mill ruins and the site of the old Natural Bridge, which collapsed in 2005 after a hurricane. From there, the trails got a bit rougher, and we really tested our Jeep’s ability to go almost vertical! We were determined to make our way to Blackstone Beach and the Twin Bridges. We wanted to visit the Arikok National Park that day, but we ran out of time, so we found our way back to paved roads and finished up our day at the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. We learned that Aruba Aloe is not only one of the oldest companies on the island, it is also one of the first companies dealing with aloe vera in the world. We purchased some great aloe products in the gift shop and called it a day. Another great day in Aruba!

Natural Bridge ruins © Tracey Cullen

— Tracey Cullen, art director

Wild Goats — © Alli Cullen

Rough side of Aruba — © Alli Cullen

Peace Labyrinth at Alto Vista Chapel — © Cindy Sworen

Twin Bridges © Tracey Cullen

Cacti © Tracey Cullen

California Lighthouse © Alli Cullen

Desert roads © Cindy Sworen

Gold Mine ruins © Tracey Cullen

Inside Alto Vista Chapel © Cindy Sworen

More Cacti © Tracey Cullen

Rock tower and rough water © Cindy Sworen