Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
Explore the 19th-century gold mill ruins on Aruba's coast, offering historical insights and dramatic sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer UTV tours
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
Best Time
Fewer UTV tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 19th-century gold mill ruins on Aruba's coast, offering historical insights and dramatic sea views.
"Interesting ruins to visit with great views, a must-see for history buffs and adventurers!"
🚗 Regular Car is Fine
No need for a 4x4! A regular rental car can easily reach the ruins and nearby attractions. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is stony and uneven, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gold Mill Ruins
Northern coast of Aruba
Explore the remnants of a 19th-century gold processing mill, offering a unique glimpse into Aruba's industrial past.
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Panoramic Ocean Views
Adjacent to the ruins
Enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of the powerful Caribbean Sea crashing against the rugged coastline.
Adventurous Exploration
Within the ruins
Climb and explore the weathered stone structures, a favorite activity for kids and adults alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access, Big Views
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Regular Car is Fine
No need for a 4x4! A regular rental car can easily reach the ruins and nearby attractions. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is stony and uneven, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen
It's an exposed site with no facilities, so stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
📸 Capture the History
The ruins offer a unique backdrop for photos, especially with the dramatic sea in the background.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Regular Car is Fine
No need for a 4x4! A regular rental car can easily reach the ruins and nearby attractions. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is stony and uneven, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen
It's an exposed site with no facilities, so stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
📸 Capture the History
The ruins offer a unique backdrop for photos, especially with the dramatic sea in the background.
⏳ Quick Stop
Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes here, making it a perfect addition to a multi-stop itinerary. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins to be an interesting historical site with stunning ocean views, perfect for a quick exploration. While some note it can get crowded with UTV tours, the easy accessibility and free entry make it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a glimpse into Aruba's past.
"Kids had fun climbing and exploring the old stone ruins. Another spot good for 10 or 15 minutes max in this area. The area is frequently overrun by groups of 50 more UTVs containing 1 to 6 tourists each. Avoid these areas at those times if possible."
C Kroeber
"Very interesting ruins to visit. If you like to climb and see great views then this definitely a place to visit!"
Jason Brown
"It was great adventure, we did not took a tour, its easy to get there in a small car, and we did 3 experwiences in this small travel that took is only 2 hours Ruins, cave Pool and natural bridge. Take good shows its stoney."
Jorge Cifuentes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
No, a regular rental car is perfectly fine for reaching the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. The roads are generally accessible, and you don't need a specialized vehicle.
The ruins are located near other popular spots like the Natural Bridge and the Cave Pool, making it easy to combine visits.
Yes, there is informal parking available near the ruins. You can usually find a spot without much difficulty, especially if you visit outside peak hours.
While it's possible to walk from certain points, it's more practical to drive. The site is a bit remote, and driving is the most common way to access it.
Renting a car and creating your own itinerary is a popular and flexible way to see sites like the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Natural Bridge, and Cave Pool.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. It's a free historical site to explore.
The ruins are an open historical site, so you can visit them at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better exploration.
You do not need to book a tour. Many visitors explore the ruins independently in their rental cars, which offers more flexibility.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the ruins. It's a remote historical site, so come prepared.
While there are signs advising against entering, many visitors do explore the structures for photos. Exercise caution and be respectful of the historical site.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are from the exterior, capturing the stone structure against the dramatic ocean backdrop. Climbing on the ruins can also yield interesting perspectives.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while mornings can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local advisories before flying a drone in Aruba.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The dramatic scenery and historical ruins provide great subjects.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography, but always be mindful of other visitors and the historical integrity of the site.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 10-15 minutes at the ruins, as it's a quick stop to see the structures and enjoy the views.
Yes, children often enjoy climbing and exploring the ruins. Just ensure they wear appropriate footwear and are supervised.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven, stony ground. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate.
The ruins are old and weathered. While generally safe for exploration, be cautious when climbing and watch your step.
These ruins were part of a gold processing mill built in 1825 by the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company to extract gold from local ore. Gold mining was an important industry until around 1916.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Independent Explorers
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
History enthusiasts will appreciate the tangible connection to Aruba's gold mining past. Visiting during the golden hour can enhance the dramatic atmosphere and capture the rugged textures of the stone structures. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Aruba's Gold Rush
The ruins, though abandoned, offer a tangible connection to this industrial past, a stark contrast to the island's modern tourism focus. Visitors often note the imposing, fortress-like appearance of the stone mill, though it was never used for military purposes. Its remote location on the northern coast, with the powerful waves of the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, adds to its dramatic appeal.
Navigating to and Around the Ruins
Once you arrive, you'll find informal parking areas. The terrain around the ruins is stony and uneven, so wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is highly recommended for safe and comfortable exploration.
Social
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