Best things to do in Port au Prince
Find out more about those top places in Port au Prince
Haiti: The Caribbean's Comeback Kid (Where Waterfalls Wow and History Echoes!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Resilient Pearl!
Bonjour and welcome to Haiti, the vibrant Caribbean nation sharing the island of Hispaniola with its Dominican Republic neighbor! Once dubbed the "pearl of the Antilles" (and for good reason!), Haiti is the third-largest country in the Caribbean and home to over 10 million resilient souls.
Now, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: Haiti has been on a tough journey, slowly but surely rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010. But amidst this ongoing recovery, the country's natural beauty and rich history shine through like a beacon. Endowed with stunning waterfalls that cascade through lush landscapes and fascinating ancient ruins that whisper tales of the past, Haiti is a destination brimming with potential and offers all the tropical goodness you'd expect from its Caribbean cousins.
And here's a bonus for the budget-conscious traveler: Haiti is incredibly budget-friendly! You can experience the beauty, the culture, and the warmth of the Caribbean without breaking the bank. Think delicious local cuisine that won't empty your wallet, stunning natural places to visit that don't come with hefty entrance fees, and a genuine cultural immersion that's priceless.
From the vibrant colors of its art to the rhythmic beats of its music, Haiti offers a unique and authentic Caribbean experience. You'll encounter a people with incredible strength and spirit, eager to share their culture and their island's beauty with open hearts.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating country. Get ready for some truly rewarding sightseeing, from exploring historical citadels that command breathtaking views to swimming in crystal-clear waterfalls and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Haiti a resilient and unforgettable destination.
Top Attractions: Citadels in the Clouds, Waterfalls of Wonder, and Historical Echoes!
Haiti offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Here are some of the top places to visit you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Citadelle Laferrière: A Mountain Fortress with Epic Views
Prepare to be awestruck by the Citadelle Laferrière, a massive mountaintop fortress that stands as a testament to Haiti's revolutionary past. Climbing to the top (it's a bit of a trek, but totally worth it!) rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a must-see for your Haiti sightseeing and a truly impressive attraction.
Bassin Bleu: A Natural Oasis of Turquoise Pools
Discover the stunning Bassin Bleu, a series of natural turquoise pools nestled in the mountains. Swim in the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the beauty of this hidden oasis. It's a refreshing and picturesque place to visit for nature lovers and offers fantastic things to do.
National History Park – Citadel, Sans-Souci, Ramiers: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the aforementioned Citadelle Laferrière and the impressive ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace, once the royal residence of King Henri Christophe. These historical sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Haiti's rich and complex history. It's a crucial place to visit for history buffs.
Saut-Mathurin: A Majestic Waterfall and Natural Pool
Witness the beauty of Saut-Mathurin, one of Haiti's most impressive waterfalls, cascading into a refreshing natural pool. It's a perfect spot for a swim and to immerse yourself in Haiti's natural beauty. Definitely a highlight for nature sightseeing.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Art, Culture, and Island Flavors!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Haiti vibe:
- Explore the Art Scene in Port-au-Prince: Discover Haiti's vibrant art scene by visiting galleries and workshops in the capital city. Haitian art is known for its bold colors and expressive style.
- Immerse Yourself in Haitian Music: Experience the rhythmic beats of Haitian music, from Kompa to Rara. Seek out live performances and let the music move you.
- Indulge in Haitian Cuisine: Sample the delicious flavors of Haitian food, a unique blend of African, French, and Caribbean influences. Don't miss trying Griot (fried pork) and Soup Joumou (a flavorful pumpkin soup).
- Visit Jacmel: Explore the charming coastal town of Jacmel, known for its colorful architecture and vibrant arts scene.
- Learn a Few Creole Phrases: Engaging with locals in their native language, Haitian Creole, can enhance your experience and open doors to deeper cultural understanding.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in the Caribbean that offer a unique blend of historical significance, stunning natural beauty, and a resilient spirit, Haiti is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with rewarding sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to be moved by its history, enchanted by its landscapes, and inspired by its people. Bienvenue en Haïti! (Welcome to Haiti!)
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Fort Dimanche
Known to be one of the most gruesome places in the old Haiti, the Fort Dimanche located near La Saline is a former Prison. With extreme conditions the Prison was often described as a “death sentence” for anyone sent there with most of its prisoners dying of malnutrition, torture and dehydration leading to the death of over 3,000 inmates buried in a mass grave outside the prison. In 1987 the Fort Dimanche was converted into a national monument but is gore past still remains fresh in memories.
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Sans Souci Palace
The Sans Souci Palace built in 1813 was the official Residence of King Christophe I of Haiti. Situated in the site of a formal French plantation in Milot, Nord 5 kilometers off the Citadelle Laferrière, the palace was a thing of beauty and the most important of places post-colonization. Built to boast the nation’s former colonial masters that “the black race” was capable of great architectural feats, its designs are inspired by major palaces across Europe. Currently, in ruins the Palace has suffered from several natural disasters most especially the earthquake in 1842 which destroy major parts of it.
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Saut-d’Eau Waterfalls
More than just a natural occurrence of nature, the Saut-d’Eau Waterfalls is one of the most sacred places in Haiti. Named Le Saut which is French for waterfall, it is located 60 miles (96.56 km) north of Port Au Prince – the falls became reverent when claims of the appearance of the Virgin Mary at a palm tree nearby gained audience among the locals. On July 14 -16 the waterfalls become the site for the Festival of Our Lady, as well as various voodoo rituals featuring baptism and devotional activities.
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Citadelle Laferrière
With wars usually come great works, the Citadelle Laferrière is one of those works. Also known as the Citadelle Henri Christophe - the man who built it and key personnel in Haiti’s fight for independence from France early in the 19th century. The massive stone structure has become an icon for Haiti and was built as fortifications to protect the newly independent nation of Haiti from attacks by outside forces.
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Barbancourt Distillery
Recognized as the best distillery in Haiti, the Barbancourt distillery dates back to the 1862. With its products sold all over the world, it is best to see where the famous drinks are produced – a typical visit of the distillery allows visitors walk through its various rooms with brief educational talks. Throughout the visit there are several tasting sessions as well.