Alto Vista Chapel

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

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Alto Vista Chapel

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
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
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!
Radisson Blu Aruba

Radisson Blu Aruba

4 out of 5
J.E.IRAUSQUIN BLVD, 97-A, Noord
Radisson Blu Aruba
SPECTACULAR 8BR VILLA! HUGE POOL! SUNSET VIEWS!

SPECTACULAR 8BR VILLA! HUGE POOL! SUNSET VIEWS!

Noord
SPECTACULAR 8BR VILLA! HUGE POOL! SUNSET VIEWS!
Nature Aruba

Nature Aruba

Sabana Liber 23-i, Noord
Nature Aruba
Aruba Boutique Apartments Adults Only

Aruba Boutique Apartments Adults Only

3.5 out of 5
Calbas 3-G, Noord
Aruba Boutique Apartments Adults Only
Aruba's Life Residences

Aruba's Life Residences

3 out of 5
Noord 44-Z, Noord
Aruba's Life Residences
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.