I have climbed the Christoffelberg on Curacao quite a few times. And I still like it. It is a sporty activity that you should definitely try. And a little fear of heights is not bad, just try it out. Halfway up the mountain you also have a nice view! In this blog I will tell you my tips so that you are at least well prepared.
How to start
Tip 1: The preparation
Read this blog with tips in advance, because you better start well prepared.
Tip 2: provide comfortable clothes and shoes
The Christoffelberg on Curacao is not a hill that you can easily walk. No, it is a real mountain, where you really have to climb the last part. This certainly falls under the sports category, so sportswear and sports shoes are definitely recommended! Visit one of the locations of Dive Division to get your Quicksilver sportswear!
Tip 3: start early
We live here on a tropical island and it also quickly gets warm in the morning. So make sure you start climbing the mountain on time, because the later you start, the warmer it is. I set the alarm at 5 AM because it is a 45-minute drive from my colorful house. The Christoffelpark opens at 6:00 AM, so then you can start climbing. I would definitely recommend starting no later than 7:00 am. This is because otherwise you will meet people on the way, who are already on their way back. Because it is often very narrow, this is not very pleasant, and you have to constantly wait for each other.
Tip 4: eat and drink
After putting on comfortable clothes and walking / sports shoes, a good breakfast is a must-do. Make sure you eat enough, especially carbohydrates as you will burn them while climbing. Consider, for example, a plate of oatmeal, 3 sandwiches or yogurt with muesli and fruit. Something that will give you energy! In addition, take food and drinks with you on the go. I usually take 1.5 to 2 liters of water with me and some snacks such as a banana, gingerbread or a sandwich. Taking sugars such as Dextro with you is also a good idea.
The Start
5: the start
Before you start on the Christoffelberg on Curacao, there is first an adventurous route by car. This will take about 10 minutes before you get to the parking lot where the walk will start. The road is hilly and sometimes very steep.
Tip 6: start slowly
In the beginning there is a path that you can walk on quite normally. You are exited and would prefer to get started super-fast. However, this is not very useful. The stones are getting bigger and you soon start to sweat in these tropical temperatures. The route is marked with a yellow color, so getting lost is almost impossible. Also take the time to have a drink in between, even in the beginning. This is especially to prevent cramps and dehydration.
You're halfway there!
Tip 7: short break
Halfway up the mountain you will see a very large stone with “HALF” written on it in yellow. This is the point where you are halfway, and maybe a little tired already. No problem. You are actually halfway, so you deserve a short break. Take a rest, sit down, have a drink and some food. When your energy level has been replenished, you can continue walking slowly. From this point it will get a little heavier. You have to use your hands when climbing, you have to make sure you keep your balance and don’t slip with your shoe so that you end up with your shin on a strength point. Stay focused.
Tip 8: hold on, hold on
You must be as tired as I am at this point. You are almost there, you still have to do that last bit where you have to do everything you can to get to the top. If you look down you are already super high and you have a beautiful view. If you really don’t want to go any further, don’t . Stay here and wait for your fellow climbers who want to go up. If you become insecure, the chances of making mistakes are bigger, which is dangerous while climbing a mountain. Halfway up the mountain you also have a nice view, and who knows, you might end up a little higher next time. Do you dare to continue? Then stay focused. Make no mistake and enjoy the view. You smell the top and do everything you can to get to the top.
On top of the Christoffelberg on Curacao!
Tip 9: take a photo and enjoy
You reached the top! After a tough climb you have earned this view. Take a break, enjoy the surroundings, your view and your travel group. If you have absorbed everything properly, I recommend that you definitely take a picture. This is the perfect picture for your photo book or to share on social media. What an adventure! And don’t forget, always keep smiling J
Tip 10: go down
Now that you have made it to the top, you have to go down again. Especially take the first part that one is easy and make sure you are focused again. It is quite exciting and you should definitely use your hands next to your feet to support yourself. Walk down slowly, is everyone with you? Walk the last bit and you will come back to the parking lot. Drink the last sips from your water bottle here and eat something extra right away.
This is how you recover the fastest from your sporting activity. Combine the Christoffelberg with one of Curacao’s beautiful beaches in the area! Then you have the perfect day with a combination of exercise and relaxation.
Congratulations! You are now well prepared to climb Christoffel Mountain. Especially enjoy this challenge and make some good memories. Interested in any of my other blogs? Read them here.
Yours truly,
Captain Curaçao
