Hike through Parke Sorsaka (Den Dunki) to the lagoon of Jan Thiel.
Highlights of this hike:
- Monumental bridge
- Large well
- Several waterworks
- Forest with large trees
- Salt pans
- Flamingos (most of the time)
Parking
The cars can be parked just past the entrance of the parking lot of the pharmacy Sorsaka on either side of the road; the pharmacy is located at a side road from the Caracasbaaiweg (Road to the Caracasbay); parking in the parking lot is not allowed because you are not a customer of the pharmacy at this moment.
Description of the trail
For a map of the trail check the download link below under the heading "Trail map". Also the track is available for download there.
Before the actual start of the hike it is best to walk back to the entrance gate of the plantation house Sorsaka to have a good look at this plantation house. The plantation house was build in 1725 and restored or rebuild in 1876 byt the family Gorsira; at the same time the Swan Park was created as an area to entertain guests. This park is now known as Den Dunki of Parke Sorsaka.
Next the hike continues further on the same road to the entrance of Parke Sorsaka. This park is maintained by Uniek Curaçao and the area is also available for festivities. Next to the large palapa the phone number can be found to make a reservation in case you want to use this area for a private party.
Take a good look at the large publication board; it contains some historical information about this area and it shows a number of trails In this park, the first part of the trail leads you to a large historical bridge; in the past there was water under this bridge. To realize that a large wall (dam) was build to catch the water that was running from the hills in the direction of the sea. The water was lead along the dam to the half-circle well. From there it continued along the wall towards the sea. Currently the situation has changed and no water is flowing from the hills anymore in this area so only after heavy and long rainfall there can be some water found under this bridge. The bridge dates from the same time as the rebuild or restoration of the plantation house (1876). Currently a rope bridge is constructed nearby by Uniek Curaçao, that can be used as an alternative to cross the "water". Especially kids like to go over the rope bridge although adults seem to like it also,
Next the trail leads to a large well that has 8 corners and had also some benches and small water tanks along the side. This is the oldest brick construction in this area and dates from before the bridge (probably 18th century).
The hike continues through a nice forest with large manzaliña trees. Instead of continuing straight through an option is to take the path to the right to another well and water tank; closeby a nice car wreck can be found; there are several routes through this part of the park marked with yellow stones, but our trail continues back to the main path and then to the next forest. This forest has mostly trees of a different kind and leads us to the large plain around the lagoon of Jan Thiel.
The continuation of the trail in the area around the lagoon is mainly dependent on the condition of the ground. Especially in the rain season this area can be very muddy. By staying close to the edges most of the time a reasonably dry path can be found. Feel free to choose your own route as long as you stay on the left side of the lagoon for this trail.
In the lagoon most of the time flamingos can be found, other water birds can also be seen in this area.
The hike continues along the lagoon and leads to several salt pans in this area. During the dry period crystallized salt can be found in these pans. This gives a snow-like effect which is very special in our tropical climate. Walk over the small dams of the salt pans in the direction of the small house on the side of the hill; this was the place where the salt workers in the second half of last century could hide against the sun, could rest for a while and eventually take a primitive shower. From the top of the stair you have a nice view over the salt pans.
After the visit to the salt workers house the hike continues along the salt pans and back to Parke Sorsaka. In Parke Sorsaka the same route is taken.
Track of this hike on Wikiloc
Link to the track of this hike on Wikiloc (opens in a new window).
The track can be downloaded but a better option is to install the Wikiloc app on your smartphone; when you click on the download link with the app installed on your phone the link opens in Wikiloc (can take some time) and you are able to follow the track.
It appears that this only works for the paid Premium version of this app.
As an alternative the free version of the Locus Map can be used. To use this app you need to download the track in GPX-format either from Wikiloc or directly from this page (see below under "Trail map").
Location
Pictures
Monumental bridge in Parke Sorsaka
Small flower
This colorful carwreck became part of the nature 
Large trees in the forest
Karawara flowers
Flamingos in the lagoon
It looks like snow but it is salt
Saltpan
Nice patterns in the salt
Almost like a frozen lake
Trail map (download)
Map with route; right click and Save As
GPS track Visit Website