Haiti (Part 2)

Explore Haiti’s Provinces

Whether you are looking for a complete escape, or simply exploring Haiti, a road trip to the countryside’s, north or south is a must when visiting the country. From startling scenery, joyful communities, everyday immersion in nature, beautiful beaches, rich history to delicious meals the provinces are purely splendorous, idyllic, far from crowds, and stress of Port-au-Prince. One must physically experience and admire such an unusual glimpse and immaculate phenomenon. Only then can you understand why the island is referred to as the “Pearl of all Islands”.

Provinces South of Port-au Prince: Hotspots

Port Salut, if you haven’t already heard has everything your heart desires. From beautiful beaches with pure white sand synchronized with lush vegetation. For those craving extreme adventures the “Touyac Waterfal”, offers opportunity to dive roughly ten meters into the water. A 45 minutes’ drive from Port Salut leads to “Marie-Jeanne Cave”, a hike up a mountain for about 10 to 20 minutes followed by an underground maze with three levels. Be prepared to climb, slide, crawl, sit, and jump. An anticipated activity by the local is the “bullfighting”, which is as simple as opposing one angry bull against another in an open field while gambling on the outcome. The game is over when one bull runs off. 33 minutes ride leads to “Lady of Miraculous Medal”, located on the peak of the Mountain Goave in the village of Côteaux. Although a popular pilgrimage site, tourists gather on these steps for exploration and the breathtaking view of the neighborhood.

Bullfight
Touyac Waterfall
Marie-Jeanne Cave
500 Steps to the Miraculous Medal
Suggested Hotel: Dan’s Creek Hotel – Le Boukanier

Les Cayes: While in the South make a stop at Cayes. 35 minutes’ drive from Port Salut from Port-au-Prince. It is your ideal destination if you dreamed of a perfectly white sandy beach. Just an hour boat ride from the mainland, lies Ile-a-Vache a flawless and stunning island known as one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean; a postcard perfect backdrop. Due to its isolation, it is meagerly established. While on the island horseback along the shore, kayak, go fishing, beach hop, visit the local village and flamboyant market place. Saut-Mathurin the largest waterfall in Haiti is 2 hours away from Les Cayes. The exquisite Laguna with refreshing blue-green fresh water is worth a visit even when the waterfall is off. The waterfall drops to a depth of about 90 feet. Visitors enjoy the climb to the top of the falls for a plunge into the stunning pool of water.

Ile- a-Vache (Ile- a- Vache)
Saut Mathurin (Camp-Perrin)
Suggested Hotels: Port Morgan – Hotel La Cretonne – La Cayenne Hotel – Ile-a-Vache Port Morgan – Abaka Bay Resort – L’Anse a L’eau Beach House

Jacmel offers a myriad of activities. Historical design, lively street markets, tranquility, colorfully painted buildings, rich cultural events and a wealth of artists set in a scenic landscape, making Jacmel a popular travel destination for those who live in and visit Haiti. Everything can easily be seeing on foot. Visitors can uncover all kinds of charming mementos, from art, cultural activities, and restaurants. Boulevard du Bord de Mer is Jacmel’s latest tourist attraction. Jacmel’s artisans creatively decorated the windy beach path with murals filled with colour. Bassin Blue is a national treasure of Haiti; a reservation in the hills of Jacmel. Guests take advantage of private grotto, jump from the waterfalls, and swim in the waterstream. Ti Mouillage is only a few minutes’ drive from the center of Jacmel, a white sand beach stretches far down the coastline.

Boulevard du Bord de Mer
Bassin Bleu (Waterfall)
Ti Moulliage Beach Restaurant
Suggested Hotels: Hotel Cyvadier – La Jacmelienne

Petit- Goave and Grand Goave are neighborhood cities. The spectacular natural attractions thrive. Be it the magnificent landscapes, white-sand beaches, or the spectacular sunsets. Revel in crystal clear water, deep blue skies, mountain tops, remarkable views overlooking the ocean. It is an unspoiled, untouched, tranquil yet vibrant community to enjoy a relaxing gateway and friendly locals that take pride in sharing their cultures. Ask a local fisher man to ride you around the cove on the North side of beach Kokoye; there is an amazing sea cave. To get inside one must go under water. Snorkeling at the beach is also ideal. There are shallow reefs, patches of coral where you can see sea urchins, small colorful fish and when there is no moon, bright bioluminescence especially where the mangroves are.

Taina Beach (Petit Goave)
Kokoye Beach (Petit Goave)
The Children Village (Grand Goave)
Suggested Hotels: Hotel Fort Royal (Petit-Goave) – Le Village Taino (Grand Goave)

Provinces North of Port-au Prince: Hotspots

Gonaives is significant in history, as it is where the monarch of Haiti’s Revolution Jean Jacques Dessalines proclaimed the country’s independence. Today it remains a site of popular opposition. Marie-Claire Heureuse Felicite, wife of the Emperor above died there. Unfortunately the exact location is still unknown. Be sure to explore the cities colonial homes, most of them were homes of prominent leaders who contributed to the country’s history. The Department of L’Artibonite in which Gonaives is located, is rich in farmland do visit a working farm for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm’s operation.

La Cathedrale du Souvenir des Gonaives
Burial Site of Empress Marie-Claire Heureuse
Clarke Family Farm and Agricultural Training Center
Le Village D’Ennery (30 minutes from Gonaives)
Suggested Hotel: Au Paradis Village (Hotel and Suites)

Cap-Haitian: A trip to Haiti would not be complete without a trip to what was once the country’s capital, Cap-Haitian. It is a significant town with the most popular historical sites. In Milot just 30 minutes from the city offers various activities; I recommend to horseback or motor bike while exploring as the hiking and heat can be quite exorbitant.  Citadel, the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere is located on the mountaintop and dated back to the beginning of the 19th century. Labadie is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Its white sandy beach stretches along the entire bay and offers, jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, paragliding, zip lining, etc… At night stop at Lakay a vibrant restaurant to relax and dance.

Citadel Laferiere
Sans-Souci Palace
Cathedral Notre Dame of Cap Haitien
Cathedral of Milot- driving distance from Cap-Haitian
Labadie Beach
Lakay
Suggested Hotels: Auberge Villa Cana – Cormier Beach Resort – Mont Joli Hotel – Auberge du Picolet