Parke Nacional Arikok is located at the eastern side of the island. This national park covers seventeen percent of Aruba and is the home of a great number of plants and animals. The typical arid landscapes, impressive rock formations and traces from the past turn this area into a special part of the island.

The first idea to create the park date back to the end of the seventies. Advancing house construction, increased tourism and uncontrolled use of the area were serious threats to this part of the island and to the existing plants and animals.

In 1977 the ideas were crystallized and the creation of the area into a national park began. The park was created to protect the extraordinary landscape and nature against negative influences and to preserve the area for future generations. The protection and preservation of nature, the preservation of the cultural history and education are important objectives of the park. Besides the visitors' complex at the entrance, there are facilities for visitors at a number of the sights. An educational program for the schools will help to make the future generations aware of the importance of this special area. A route going around the park intended for motorized traffic and an extensive net of hiking trails make a large part of the area accesible.

The park regualations, that are effective in the area, were established to limit the upsetting of nature and to guarantee the visitor a pleasant stay. By protecting this paticular piece of Aruba, the island now possesses a national park; Parke Nacional Arikok.