Travelers consistently praise the espadrille-making workshop as a fun and worthwhile experience. The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, patient, and informative, offering great conversation and teaching both the craft and the island's history. Participants appreciated the hands-on activity, the quality of the handmade shoes, and the welcoming atmosphere. Some mention enjoying an adult beverage during the session. The overall experience is highly recommended, with many noting it as a highlight of their trip.
Based on recent traveler reviews.
If you're looking to truly connect with the island, this is where your story begins. HANDMADE® invites you to step inside, slow down, and experience Curacao the way it was meant to be discovered.
What to expect?
Immerse yourself in the true soul of Curacao during this three-hour experience. From the colorful HANDMADE® store, right in the heart of the vibrant Punda district, you'll discover the island's most iconic traditions through tastings, storytelling, and hands-on moments.
A morning full of local culture, craft, and flavors comes alive at the HANDMADE® store in the famous Punda district. Guests begin the experience in the vibrant store, where each tradition is explored in a lively, interactive setting.
The experience starts with a chilled local beer and stories about the island’s rich culture, setting the stage for the flavors and crafts to come. Guests then enjoy a private tasting of the world-famous Blue Curacao liqueur, followed by an aloe vera cutting and tasting session, discovering the uses and traditions of this iconic local plant.
A rum tasting comes next, featuring a selection of the island’s finest varieties, complemented by a refreshing quenepa cocktail made with cane rum, passion fruit, and local spices. Guests also enjoy a light mojito before stepping out for a 30-minute walking tour around Punda, guided by a local art expert who highlights the area’s historical landmarks and vibrant streets.
The experience begins and ends at the HANDMADE® store in Punda, Willemstad - surrounded by pastel-colored colonial buildings, local art, and the rhythm of island life. Along the way, a local expert will guide you through the colorful streets of Punda, where architecture, culture, and captivating stories come together around every corner.
Back at the store, the fun continues with music, laughter, and creativity. Guests select their own handcrafted pair of espadrilles to take home, included in the experience, while enjoying traditional snacks and a glass of cava - a joyful celebration of Curacao’s flavors, craft, and culture.
You’ll round off the morning with music, creativity, and a true island celebration, including traditional snacks and a glass of cava. And as a lasting memory to take home, you'll personally select your own pair of espadrilles.
Book your spot for Six Curacao Traditions in One Morning and make your time in Willemstad truly unforgettable.
What's included
Included
Taste of Blue Curacao liqueur and Rum
Aloe vera traditions
Guided walk through the colorful streets of Punda
Caribbean cocktails
Enjoying traditional snacks
And a glass of cava
Itinerary
A three-hour immersion into Curacao's traditions, tastings, culture and a handmade pair of espadrilles.
1
check meeting instructions
Meet at HANDMADE store
Arrive at the HANDMADE store in Punda for a chilled local beer and stories.
2
approx. 30 min
Blue Curacao and rum tasting
Taste world-famous Blue Curacao liqueur and a selection of the island's rums.
3
approx. 20 min
Aloe vera tradition
Try an aloe vera cutting and tasting, and learn its local uses.
4
approx. 20 min
Cocktails and mojito
Sip a quenepa cocktail made with cane rum, then a light mojito.
5
approx. 30 min
Walking tour of Punda
A local art expert leads a walk past Punda's colorful landmarks and streets.
6
approx. 25 min
Espadrilles and cava
Back at the store, choose your own espadrilles with snacks and a glass of cava.
Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. For cancellations made within 24 hours, no shows, or late arrivals, no refund will be issued.
Every person who appreciates true craftmanship and a shoe that reflects attention to detail should excitedly shop here.
The customer service was top tier on a slow Sunday evening. I am so glad I happened upon them. As we left with my new high stacked toe enclosed espadrilles one of the staff was handpainting a pair of shoes, Starry Night. Wow! Plus they ship internationally!
Andres Gamez
11 months ago
Google
Came for a shoe workshop which was a fun experience. The two employees helping us were incredibly nice, informative, and were great for conversation. Lovely hand made shoes here in the store along with crafts.
YI LIU
10 months ago
Google
We absolutely loved this store! On a weekend when all the other stores were closed, we managed to buy two pairs of beautiful shoes that we really wanted, making it a perfect ending to our trip. The staff were very patient, which made our trip a perfect success!
Shea Brogdon
11 months ago
Google
Signed up for the shoe making class with some friends, and it was totally worth it. The ladies working the shop were super friendly, and did a great job teaching us about the history or curacao while also being great teachers when it came to making our own Espadrilles. Definitely worth visiting and taking the shoe making class while you're on the island!
Sarah Bartles
a year ago
Google
Received an email from Mastercard Priceless experiences about making authentic espadrilles in Curacao. Since I already have the most amazing pair of Handmade Menorquinas that I bought online, I checked the event dates and was excited to see that our cruise ship would be docked in Curacao on the day of one of their events. Contacted Luis on WhatsApp who explained that the shop was being renovated but to let him know our sizes and he would be sure to have them ready. I also asked if I could buy another pair of the Menorquinas which he had shipped from Spain. The whole experience was a 10/10! Luis and the two other staff were lovely and so helpful in teaching us how to decorate beautiful shoes. We also got a great history lesson of the island and enjoyed an adult beverage. I hope to actually see one of the shops fully stocked some day!
Questions before you book?
Real people. Local support on Curacao.
Our local guide team knows the island, the operators and the details that matter before you book. No call centers, just practical support when you need it.
