Aruba: Local Factories, Art Studios & Private Rum Tasting Tour

Summary

Meet Aruba’s makers from aloe fields to secret rum kitchens

You’ll meet Aruba’s local makers face-to-face: walk through aloe fields, watch glass beads take shape in an artist’s hands, share lunch inside a historic home, and finish by tasting secret family rums at Jerome & Marcia’s kitchen table. Expect laughter, stories, and flavors you won’t find anywhere else — plus you’ll leave carrying a handmade bead (and maybe some new favorites).

What’s the experience like?

Jerome opened his front gate before we even knocked — I guess he’d seen us coming up the drive, all blinking in the midday sun. He waved us in with a grin and this little cloud of sweet, boozy scent drifted out from somewhere inside. “You ready to taste?” he asked. I probably nodded too fast. We’d already been to the Aloe Factory that morning (the smell there is sharp and green, almost like cut grass after rain), but this was different — more like being invited into someone’s living room than any official tour stop.

Earlier at Terrafuse Glass & Ceramic Workshop, Marian handed me a still-warm bead right off the wire. She showed us how she shapes them — her hands moved so quick I lost track of which color went where. The studio felt cool compared to outside; you could hear birds in the garden out back if you listened between bursts of laughter from Ciro, who told stories about old Aruba and how glass art sort of snuck into their lives. I tried making a bead myself but let’s just say it didn’t look like hers. Still got it in my pocket now.

Lunch was at this old kunukoo house — thick walls, a bit of breeze sneaking through wooden shutters. Giuliani did a glass-blowing demo that made everyone pause mid-bite (I nearly dropped my fork watching him spin molten glass). And then at Aruhiba Cigar, Mr. Petrocchi let us smell the tobacco leaves before rolling one up by hand — it was earthy and rich, nothing like those dry cigars you see at airports. He laughed when I coughed trying to take a puff (not my thing), but he said it’s all about patience anyway.

I didn’t expect to end up sipping vodka flavored with soursop and tamarind in someone’s kitchen while Marcia told us which flavors were best for headaches or heartbreaks. There must’ve been thirty bottles on that table, each with its own story or joke behind it. Sometimes travel is just about seeing how people really live — not just what they make or sell but how they laugh together over lunch or argue about which rum is strongest. I still think about Jerome’s smile when we left; maybe next time I’ll ask for his pineapple recipe… or maybe not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Local artisan factory and tasting tour

• Tour Aloe Vera Factory
• Visit Terrafuse Glass and Ceramic Workshop
• Tour Aruhiba handmade cigar factory
• Enjoy Murano glass blowing and lunch
• Taste flavored Aruba rum and vodka at Jerome's home

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Aruba local factories tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

Do I get to taste different rums during the Aruba day trip?

Yes, you can sample over 30 unique flavored rums and vodkas made by Jerome and Marcia at their home.

Is lunch provided on this private Aruba art & rum tasting tour?

Yes, lunch is included at an old kunukoo house with vegetarian options available on request.

Can children join the Made in Aruba sightseeing tour?

The minimum age for participants is 6 years old; infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

What do we see at the Aloe Vera Factory & Museum?

You’ll get a guided tour showing how Aruba’s famous aloe skin care products are made from plant to bottle.

Will I get something to take home from this Aruba art studio visit?

Yes, each guest receives a handmade glass bead from Terrafuse that can be turned into jewelry.

How long does this Aruba local makers tour last?

The full experience covers several stops throughout the day including tastings and lunch; plan for most of the day.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, guided tours at each stop (from aloe fields to glass studios), entry fees, a traditional Aruban lunch served inside an old kunukoo house with vegetarian options if needed, tastings of over 30 homemade rums and vodkas at Jerome & Marcia’s home kitchen, plus you’ll leave with your own handmade glass bead as a keepsake before heading back in comfort.