When exploring Aruba it is easy to be dazzled by high rise hotels and modern villas, but hidden in the countryside are reminders of a much older way of life. Cunucu houses are small traditional homes built by island families long before tourism arrived. For visitors who want to understand the culture of Aruba beyond the beaches, learning about these homes is a fascinating experience.
What is a Cunucu House
The word cunucu means countryside in Papiamento, Aruba’s local language. Cunucu houses were usually simple rectangular structures made of adobe or stone with roofs of thatched palm or later clay tiles. They were designed to stay cool in the desert heat with thick walls and small windows that let in breezes while keeping out the sun. Bright colors such as ochre, green, or blue were often used to paint the exteriors, a tradition that continues today.
Why They Matter
These homes reflect the resourcefulness of Arubans who built sturdy shelters with the limited materials available on the island. They also show the influence of Spanish and Dutch colonial styles blended with local needs. Many cunucu houses belonged to farming families who grew aloe, raised goats, or tended small plots of land despite Aruba’s arid climate.
Where Visitors Can See Them
Some restored cunucu houses are preserved in rural areas near Santa Cruz and Paradera. The National Archaeological Museum in Oranjestad also highlights examples of early island architecture and furnishings. Driving through the countryside you may spot colorful cunucu houses still standing among cacti and divi divi trees.
Tips for Travelers
Exploring cunucu houses gives visitors an authentic sense of Aruba’s past. Join a guided cultural tour or take a drive through less developed neighborhoods to see them firsthand. Respect private property since many are still family homes, but do not hesitate to photograph the beautiful exteriors that tell a story of resilience and tradition.
Why This Adds Value to Your Trip
By seeking out cunucu houses, tourists experience something that most casual visitors miss. These homes connect the island’s history of survival in a dry climate with the vibrant culture of today. They are a living link between Aruba’s past and its present.
