Non-main roads can turn out to be VERY bumpy and even a bit dangerous during certain conditions. Offroading can be very fun, but you need to have the right vehicle for it. Many of the nicer views and sites in Aruba are only accessible through these bumpy roads. Driving on them requires you to drive slowly and pay attention on what the right path is as there is no set marking to the road.
We were driving in Arikok National Park, which has lots of dirt roads that are bumpy to say the least. This was one of the steepest and hardest drives we had. With our SUV's shot shocks the constant bouncing up and down was too much to handle and we had to call that visit short. Before we turned around, we saw just down the road a crew of ATVs of which one of the ATVs ended up in the bush on the side of the road. Even those types of vehicles had their work cut out for them.
Once you become accustom to the different driving conditions, there are plenty of great sites to see on the island, so be sure to stay calm and enjoy the trip. Most of all stay alert and be safe.
Last updated: December 2005
