Plan an amazing trip to Haiti
Located south east of Cuba, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Haïti may appear to be an inauspicious destination for tourists owing to its economic situation and the numerous natural disasters which have punctuated its history. However, if you enjoy unfrequented places with rich traditions and preserved from mass tourism, Haïti is well worth a visit. The country is composed of imposing mountains, forests, caves, lakes and little known beaches. The population is French speaking and you will be charmed by the simple way of life there.
The capital, Port au Prince is still marked by the earthquake of 2010. Here, the art museum and the Museum of the National Pantheon bring together a vast collection of naive art which traces Haïti’s history and celebrates heroes such as Toussaint Louverture. You can also walk through the singular and brightly coloured Iron Market, built in the 19th century.
To discover Haïtien crafts, explore the village of Kenscoff. You will also enjoy Cap-Haïtien’s colonial architecture.
Connoisseurs of history will enjoy strolling through the impregnable Citadelle Laferrière, the largest fortress in the Antilles with its views across the mountains. There are also the magnificent architectural ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace in its beautiful verdant setting. These monuments can be found in the National History Park, now recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The wonderful local cuisine is founded on spices, chilli and rum. Creole dishes such as acras (cod fritters), pork colombo, smoked chicken can be enjoyed even as the mysterious voodoo permeates the atmosphere!
Best time to go to Haiti
To be sure to travel at the right time, check out our tips and weather histories with temperatures, sunshine and rainfall for each month.