Rincon is the oldest village on Bonaire — and on the whole of the ABC islands. Founded in 1527 by the Spanish, hidden in an inland valley so pirates couldn't see it from the sea. Five hundred years later it is still the soul of the island: Papiamentu is spoken here, the oldest musical forms are heard here, and this is where you find the Bonaire that tourists in Kralendijk often miss. Allow half a day to a full day for Rincon — the sights aren't many, but the atmosphere and the pace are exactly the reason to go.
The history of Rincon
When the Spanish colonised Bonaire in the 16th century, they placed their settlements inland rather than on the coast. The reason: pirate raids. Rincon lies in a green valley ringed by hills — perfectly hidden. For centuries it was the island's administrative centre; only in the 19th century did Kralendijk take over that role.
Today about 1,700 people live here. Many families go back many generations. The Sunday market and the Dia di Rincon festival (late April) are the moments when the village truly comes to life.
What to do in Rincon
Cadushy Distillery
Bonaire's only distillery, housed in an old colonial building. They make liqueurs from local ingredients: cactus (cadushy), aloe vera, mango, papaya and the signature "Cadushy of Bonaire" cactus liqueur. A tour is around $7–10 including a tasting. Open daily except Sunday, roughly 9:00–17:00.
Mangazina di Rei
Bonaire's oldest stone building, built around 1824 as a royal storehouse. Today a cultural centre and open-air museum telling the history of Bonaire's enslaved past, agriculture and music. An authentic Antillean meal is often served on Sundays. Entry about $10. There's a Last Saturday of the Month cultural event with dance, food and music.
Mountain biking and hiking
From Rincon there are organised mountain-bike tours, hiking tours and Tipi-stay options for those who really want to get into nature. Book ahead, wear sturdy shoes.
Sunday market
Every Sunday morning (roughly 6:00–12:00) Rincon holds its local farmers' market. Fresh fish, homemade sauces, local fruit, traditional sweets (cocada, panseiku) and handicrafts. Go early — by 9:30 the best is gone. Bring cash (USD).
The church of Rincon
St. Ludovicus Bertrandus — one of the island's oldest Catholic churches. Saturday-evening and Sunday-morning mass are often in Papiamentu, with local choir singing. Visitors welcome if respectfully dressed.
Eating in Rincon
- Posada Para Mira: a hilltop restaurant with a spectacular view over the Rincon valley. Local dishes, ideal for lunch.
- Rose Inn: an authentic local eatery. Stoba (stew), kabritu (goat), funchi and richly spiced food.
- Mangazina di Rei (Sunday): a local lunch buffet on cultural-event Sundays.
Dia di Rincon
On 30 April (King's Day, so a double celebration) the village celebrates Dia di Rincon — a day-long festival with parades, live music (Bari, Simadan, Tumba), traditional food, dance and market stalls. One of the biggest events of the Bonaire year. Go early; parking is a challenge then.
How to get to Rincon
Rincon lies in the north-east of Bonaire, about a 25-minute drive from Kralendijk via the main road. The drive itself is beautiful — hilly, dry landscape, a chance of donkeys and goats on the road. On the way you pass the island's highest point (Brandaris in the distance). Combine Rincon well with Washington Slagbaai National Park (its entrance is near Rincon) or with a loop along the north coast (the Boka Onima rock paintings, the Seru Largu viewpoint).
Tip: Seru Largu viewpoint
Between Kralendijk and Rincon lies Seru Largu — a hill with a concrete cross and the best 360° view on the island. You see Kralendijk, Klein Bonaire, the salt pans and the north-east coast. Especially lovely at sunset. A short drive up, a small walk from the parking.