The highest point on the island!
Welcome to the 4th installment of #KeepExploring.
In these posts I'll take you to a couple of spots that you definitely need to see on the island. It's also THE series that gives me the freedom to just explore, just get out the (with a camera) and explore.
I genuinely get more energy from seeing new places so I'm hoping that translates to interesting posts.
(I promised 
Christoffelberg, Curacao
Christoffelberg (berg = 'mountain' in Dutch) is the highest point the island at 371m high. It may not seem like much but it does offer a breathtaking view!
But before we get to that we have to get up early in the morning. Why? Well because it's hot in Curaçao and your climb will be a lot less pleasant when the temperature hits 31c! There is actually a rule that your not allowed to climb after 10 am for safety reasons (basically so you don't end up on the mountain on the hottest part of the day!)
The ticket office to the nature park opens at 6 am. There is a small fee to get access to the mountain. After you get your token you can drive up these narrow mountain roads through the park.
I would say some driving skills are needed but it's more about having a powerful enough car to make the climbs... And of course to know HOW to shift gears!
Haha quick sideline, I've experienced not making a certain hill with the car. I was in the back seat and we started slipping because the tires couldn't get anymore grip to climb. Scary stuff but luckily we remained calm and just rolled back down. I took over at the wheel and took a bit of charge to get us there 😎😎😎.
The park itself is reason enough to go as you can stop at the viewpoints (and a mine) and just enjoy nature.
After about 5-10 min on the roads you get to the parking area. After that it's about a 40m to 1h30 min climb.
I find that it totally depends on your fitness level and your mood. To me there is no sense in hurrying up to mountain just the see the view while there is so much to see on the journey to the top.
So I rest when the group (or I) need it and just take it all in.
Pro tip! Bring lots of water... And a little breakfast for when you're at the top.
The climb itself is not that advanced, it's more of a hike for the most part. I've been up there with people that are 55 or 60 yrs old just to give you an idea.
In the end you get to the summit where it's suddenly cool and windy. You can see the ocean all around you as you look to the western point of Curaçao.
I hope you enjoyed the trip!
Lastly, here's a video I made before drones were banned:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuTORT0D8ns/?igshid=3nt2cfi66vrk
Cheers,
Gyanno