Planning a trip to Curacao doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a warm and relaxing destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Curacao?
You should plan to spend around $332 (ANG597) per day on your vacation in Curacao. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $63 (ANG114) on meals
- $24 (ANG44) on local transportation
- $460 (ANG827) on hotels
A one week trip to Curacao for two people costs, on average, $4,651 (ANG8,358). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,326
ANG4,179
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,651
ANG8,358
-
One Month
Per person
$9,967
ANG17,910
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,651
ANG8,358
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,302
ANG16,716
-
One Month
For a couple
$19,933
ANG35,820
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Curacao cost?
A one week trip to Curacao usually costs around $2,326 (ANG4,179) for one person and $4,651 (ANG8,358) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Curacao on average costs around $4,651 (ANG8,358) for one person and $9,302 (ANG16,716) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Curacao will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Curacao on average costs around $9,967 (ANG17,910) for one person and $19,933 (ANG35,820) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Curacao expensive to visit?
Curacao is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Curacao is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Curacao is more expensive than most.
In Curacao, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. You'll find budget hotels if you're looking to save, but there are also luxurious options for those who want to spend more, plus mid-range hotels for families and couples.
Curacao doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $143 (ANG258) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $331 (ANG597) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $657 (ANG1,184) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Curacao.
For more details, see Is Curacao Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Curacao?
The average Curacao trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Curacao travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Curacao cost?
Curacao on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$100
(ANG180)
|
$230
(ANG414)
|
$446
(ANG801)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$11
(ANG19)
|
$24
(ANG44)
|
$47
(ANG84)
|
Food 2
|
$26
(ANG48)
|
$63
(ANG114)
|
$139
(ANG250)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$40
(ANG72)
|
$91
(ANG164)
|
$174
(ANG312)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-15
(ANG9-27)
|
$12-37
(ANG22-66)
|
$28-83
(ANG49-148)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Curacao for just $143 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. Most travelers will want to visit the major sights, and landmarks. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $331 per person.
Curacao has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Willemstad, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Willemstad, check out Villa Tokara, or consider Dolphin Suites in Willemstad. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for Curacao here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $657. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Curacao
Curacao offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Curacao for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $460 (ANG827). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $230 (ANG414) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Curacao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Curacao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $24 (ANG44) per person, per day, on local transportation in Curacao. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Curacao is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$24
ANG44
If you're in Curacao, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Curacao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Curacao can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Curacao is $63 (ANG114) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$63
ANG114
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Curacao is about $63 (ANG114) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $26 to $139 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Curacao are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $32
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Food in Curacao is a combination of European, West-Indian and East Asian cuisines. In particular, Indonesian food has heavily influenced the area and explains the high prevalence of sate and peanut sauce throughout the country. There are also many local Chinese options available throughout.
Stoba: This is a popular stew like dish that is made with various ingredients such as papaya, beef or goat. It's a popular option with the locals, and is available in many restaurants as well.
Guiambo: This okra and seafood soup can have a somewhat slimy consistency. It's flavor can vary based on who makes it and what seasons are used. Some soups are sweet and tangy while others are salty and spicy
Kadushi: This is a unique form of cactus soup that is available in a variety of small restaurants. Many people consider it an acquired flavor.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.
If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Curacao, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Curacao Food Tour at the Top 3 Restaurants for $125 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Curacao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Curacao typically cost an average of $91 (ANG164) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$91
ANG164
A nice way to explore destinations in Curacao is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Exclusive 3-Hour Private Tour: Explore Willemstad & surroundings for $215 details
- Curaçao History, Kunuku and Beach Tour for $75 details
- The Blue Experience: Snorkeling with Turtles & Beach Hopping tour for $115 details
- The Curacao Private Beach Hopping / Snorkeling Tour for $142 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Curacao. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Curacao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $25 (ANG44) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Curacao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$25
ANG44
Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Traveling in Curacao
Curacao
Curacao, a popular Caribbean Island, is one of the "ABC Islands" that is located near Venezuela. These also include Aruba and Bonaire. Curacao has an interesting, personalized culture. The architectural style of the buildings offer a unique atmosphere filled with pastel colors. The culture found on the island is uniquely its own. Even the island's native language of Papiamentu is one of a kind. It is a richly unique mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, English, Dutch, African and other languages. Most people from the island speak this language in addition to Dutch, English, and Spanish. Despite the diversity of languages, almost everyone speaks English so communication is generally straightforward.
The island's beaches are concentrated on the southern and western sides. Many of them spread betwen Rif St. Marie and Westpunt. Hato International Airport is the main airport on the island. It can be found in Plaza Marqareth Abraham, which is on the northern side of the island just outside of the capital city of Willemstad.
Curacao also lies conveniently outside of the "Hurricane Zone" so you can visit throughout the year without a serious threat from a major storm. Although rare, it is occasionally hit by a hurricane however. It has a tropical savannah climate that has a dry season between January and September and a wet season between October and December. Air temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year with a slight drop during the month of January.
It is generally easy to get around the island with a variety of travel options available to visitors. Public buses are the most affordable option, but taxis are readily available and convenient for those looking to get off the beaten path. Rental cars are also reasonably prices and quite convenient.
At A Glance
- There are a variety of hotel and resort options available throughout Curacao. You will find everything from all inclusive resorts to furnished apartments, or simple hotels. Regardless of the style preference, you are likely to find something appropriate for you.
- If you're interested in shopping, there are no shortage of options available to you. Throughout Willemstad there are a variety of shops that sell everything from clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and more. There is also an interesting waterfront market that is located to the north of the main shopping area. It's a great place to visit in the morning and sells fresh fruit and flowers. Do take note that many places are closed on Sundays.
- Curacao offers two different types of bus travel. BUS. provides small passenger vans that are similar to taxis in appearance. It can be identified by the cardboard cutout in the front windshield that shows the number of stops. Konvoi provides large, metro-style buses that are less frequent and travel between major points in the city.
- There are two bus stations located in Willemstad. The Otrobanda Station is just across the street from the Rif Fort and Punda Station is across from the Circle Market. Punda Station provides buses along the Eastern side of the ring and to the East including Salina, Zelandia, and Mambo. The Otrobanda Station services the west including the airport, Piscadera, and Westpunt.
- Rental cars are available for about US$45 a day. There are places to pick up cars at the Hato Airport as well as elsewhere on the island. Many of the drivers in cities can be aggressive and the traffic laws are poorly enforced. Driving is done on the right side of the road. Road service can be reached by dialing 199.
- Many people visit Curacao as part of a cruise. Cruise ships dock at either the Curacao Mega Pier or the Curacao Cruise Terminal. The Mega Pier is designed for the larger ships and the Cruise Terminal caters to the smaller ships. It's a short trip from these areas to many of the country's most popular tourist attractions. As with many ports of call in the Caribbean, there are also many different duty-free shops for visitors.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Christoffel National Park: This national park is operated by the Carmabi Foundation. In the park you will find Boca Grandi, Indian caves where you can see paintings created by the Arawak Indians. Mount Christoffel is also located within the park. This is the highest point in the country at 1292 feet high.
Jewish Cultural Historical Museum: Visit both the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue and the museum adjacent to it. The museum does a nice job of preserving the religious and cultural artifacts of the island. The pieces have been collected over the 350 years of Jewish life in Curacao.
Museum Kura Hulanda: This anthropological museum is one of the best museums in the Caribbean. It chronicles the African slave trade along with the cultures of the country.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.