Caribbean Adventures: Curacao

Originally inhibited by the Caiquetio tribe when the Europeans discovered it in 1499, Curacao was a haven from the menacing Carib Indians. It wasn't until 1527 that the Spanish returned to settle the island, a century before Holland insisted ownership. Eventually the Spanish governor, Spanish settlers and Indians were banished to Venezuela so the Dutch could establish a trading base with the Caribbean and South America in the capital city of Willemstad.

Curacao's economy hit a high in 1914 when oil was discovered in Venezuela, making Willemstad a worldwide trading port. Now a part of the kingdom of the Netherlands as is Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, Curacao is the central administration city for the Netherlands Antilles.

Culture

Taber Tours, Dokweg--599/9-376637

Daltino Tours--599/9-614888
Casper Tours--599/9-653010
Old City Tours--599/9-613554
(walking tours)