Visit Haiti: 5 activities to do in Haiti

1. Tour the historic Citadelle Laferrière: Haiti's rich history includes a successful slave revolt which led to the establishment of the independent nation of Haiti in the beginning of the 19th century. The Citadelle was built by the Haitian slave rebels intended as a visible bastion against the French invasion . The sturdy construction survived largely intact and, along with the nearby Sans Souci Palace, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can tour the fortress and see almost 400 of cannons and cannonballs seemingly ready for action.

2. Discover Jacmen city and Bassin Bleu Waterfall: Port city of Jacmel is about 25 miles southwest from the capital Port-au Prince and will charm you with its impressi e mansion sand urban architecture. The city is famous by its galleries, workshops and large population of artists and craftsmen. If you feel like buying a multi-colored fruit bowl carved out of coconut wood, this is the place. Bassin Bleu Waterfall is right around the corner from Jacmel, named by the rich cobalt colors of its pools. The waterfall is accessible by a 30 min hike and you can swim in one of its three pools, or explore one of its little grottos. 

3. Taste the flavor of Haitian cuisine + rum at the Barbancourt Rum Distillery: Haitian cuisine is mainly the Creole kitchen. If you really want to try something local, you should ask for a spiced chicken or a lobster salad topped with cashew. National dish is griot, fried pork marinated in sweet and sour sauce. If you feel like trying seafood, order lambi, a grilled conch dish that is unique to the Caribbean. You shouldn’t omit tasting the famous local rum in Barbancourt Rum Distillery. Founded in 1862, the double-distilled Barbancourt Rum Distillery is one of the country’s oldest businesses. Visits in the distillery include informative walk-through tours that encompass the brewing rooms and barrel houses, together with tasting opportunities. 

4. Explore local history at the Musée du Panthéon National Haitien: National Museum of Haiti educates the public on the country history from the times of indigenous people up until the 1940s. Musée du Panthéon National Haitien is a tribute to Haiti’s national heroes. It also houses country’s most in-depth collections regarding its national history. There are exhibitions dedicated to the native Tainos tribes of the island, rooms unraveling stories of the Spanish and French invasions, and other sections revealing the plight of Haitian independence in the 1800s. 

5. Hike the Pic la Selle: Pic la Selle is the highest point in Haiti, raising to almost 9000 feet above sea level. It looms close to the border with the Dominican Republic and is accessible quite easily with many trekking trails. The most popular route to the top starts at Mare Rouge and offers marvelous panoramic views. 


Article by Dominika - Thank you very much for your contribution!