Jan Kok

If you’re taking a drive to explore Curacao, plan a stop in Jan Kok, an area along the west coast, about midway between Willemstad and Westpunt. Here you can birdwatch along old salt pans, large shallow ponds used to evaporate salt from seawater, that have become a popular gathering point for pink flamingos as the travel between nearby Bonaire and South America. The birds wade in the warm shallow water grazing on small creatures that live in the water. Also nearby is Landhuis Jan Kok, a former salt plantation from the late 18th century that is now used as a gallery by a local artist.

Practical Info

Jan Kok is a worthwhile stop if you’re driving from Willemstad to the northern beaches around Westupunt. The gallery at Landhuis Jan Kok is about 25 minutes by car from Willemstad, and it’s free to visit.