Remains of Aruba's gold rush
In the 19th century Aruba had its own gold rush. Gold was found on the island in 1824, and in the decades that followed smelting works were built to process the ore. Two ruins still tell the story.
Bushiribana
The Bushiribana ruins stand on the rugged north coast and date from 1872. The stone walls look almost like a small fortress and offer great views of the coastline. It is a regular stop on jeep and island tours, often combined with the Natural Bridge.
Balashi
The Balashi gold mill was built in 1899 on the south side of the island, near Spanish Lagoon. It was in use for only about 16 years. Today you can walk around the remains of the mill and enjoy the view over the lagoon and mangroves.
Tips
- Both sites are open-air ruins without staff or facilities; bring water and sun protection.
- Wear sturdy shoes and be careful when climbing on the walls.
- Learn more about this period in our history section.
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Good to know
- Bushiribana: north coast, built in 1872
- Balashi: near Spanish Lagoon, built in 1899
- Admission: free
Access can change, so check local information before you go.
See also: more things to do in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.