The Arrival of the Spaniards in Curaçao

In 1499, a Spanish expedition led by Alonso de Ojeda reached the Curaçao region during an exploration voyage along the northern coast of South America.

The expedition also included Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci and cartographer Juan de la Cosa.

At that time, Curaçao was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Caquetío, who maintained close connections with the mainland of present-day Venezuela.

The arrival of the Spaniards began a new chapter in the island’s history.

During the colonial period, new animals and plants were introduced, and many Indigenous people suffered deportation and forced labour. Curaçao’s history began long before the arrival of Europeans. Its Indigenous peoples are an essential part of our heritage.