Alto Vista Chapel Tours

Alto Vista Chapel showing general coastal views and a church or cathedral
Alto Vista Chapel featuring interior views and a church or cathedral
Alto Vista Chapel featuring interior views and a church or cathedral
Alto Vista Chapel which includes interior views and a church or cathedral
Alto Vista Chapel which includes a church or cathedral


Light a candle at this small chapel, which has a remote hillside setting that affords lovely views of the surrounding area.

Alto Vista Chapel is the spiritual center of the island and an important place of worship for Aruban Catholics. Despite its remote location in the arid, scrubby northeast, visitors are still drawn to the rustic chapel for its serene ambiance and beautiful views. Bring along matches to light a candle and say a prayer inside the diminutive building, then admire the views of the coastline.

The first chapel built on this site was erected in 1750 and it was the first Roman Catholic Church to be built on the island. Nothing remains of this original structure though, and the chapel you see there today is a reconstruction dating from the 1950s.

En route to the chapel, watch for the white crosses lining the road. These represent the Stations of the Cross. Spend a few moment’s checking out the church’s façade. The bright yellow exterior, modest design and humble size contrasts both with the island’s glitzy resorts and with the more exuberant churches found in other Caribbean islands, such as St. John’s in Antigua.

Feel free to venture inside the tiny nave, which features a black-and-white checkered floor and wooden pews. Due to its compact size, the church can only accommodate a small number of people at a time, so you may have to wait to enter. Remember this is an active place of worship, so you should dress modestly and try not to disturb any worshippers inside. Visitors can also attend services, which take place on Tuesday evenings, though the mass will be performed in the local language of Papiamento, not English.

Look for windswept divi-divi trees nearby. Frequently touted as Aruba’s “natural compass,” these unusual twisted trees always point southwest due to the near-constant trade winds. They can be found throughout the island of Aruba.

The Alto Vista Chapel is located in the northeast of Aruba on a remote dusty roadway. Visit independently by car or arrange to see it as part of a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the site. Entrance is free.

Plan a trip to see Alto Vista Chapel

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Divi Village All Inclusive Villas
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Aruba - All Inclusive

Browse tours and tickets to explore Alto Vista Chapel

Tours & day trips

See all 177 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 37 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 30 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 20 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 8 activities

Reviews of Alto Vista Chapel

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
278
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
202
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
68
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Hard to find. Use waze

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Liked the walk through the “grave yard next to the chapel”, the view, , the lizards

5/5 - Excellent

Maylee

Cute little chapel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bumpy ride to get there but very worth it! The chapel is beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Quaint church and lovely to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Took ATV tour by here!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Alto Vista Chapel

Radisson Blu Aruba
Radisson Blu Aruba
4 out of 5
J.E.IRAUSQUIN BLVD, 97-A, Noord
Radisson Blu Aruba
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 77, Noord
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 230, Noord
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
4.5 out of 5
L G Smith Boulevard 101, Noord
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Alta Montaña Apartments
Alta Montaña Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Alto Vista 42-A, Noord
Alta Montaña Apartments
Modern Villa Private Pool 4min to Beaches!
Modern Villa Private Pool 4min to Beaches!
3.5 out of 5
Sabana Liber 211, Noord
Modern Villa Private Pool 4min to Beaches!
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
4.5 out of 5
Juan E Irausquin Blvd 85, Noord
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Barceló Aruba - All Inclusive
Barceló Aruba - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 83, Noord, Noord
Barceló Aruba - All Inclusive
Brand new home located only minutes away from the Palm Beaches.
Brand new home located only minutes away from the Palm Beaches.
Noord
Brand new home located only minutes away from the Palm Beaches.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.