Haiti is a fascinating country, its people friendly and energetic, but a combination of crime, civil disturbance and a mysterious voodoo religion have left most of it high and dry on the world tourism map. It was one of France's richest colonies, but today Haiti languishes as one of the world's poorest nations, its politics descended into chaos, its natural resources plundered, and corruption and crime rife. Anyone brave enough to do without modern infrastructure, and brave the risk of robbery or kidnapping, will find though that Haiti offers a fresh horizon for adventurers with its exotic scenery and vibrant culture. Haiti is trying to recover from its past, and is intent on re-creating its attractive face for world tourism, using lures like its beautiful beaches, untamed forests, passionate and humorous population, jazz-like local music, delicious African, Creole and Latin American cuisine, and pretty towns like Jacmel with its gingerbread houses.

The fact that dozens of sleek cruise liners still visit a corner of Haiti is proof that there is light in the darkness. The glittering white liners head out from Miami, USA, to disgorge passengers on day visits to the cordoned off port of Labadee, adjacent to Haiti's colorful city of Cap-Haitien, on a bay on the northern coast. Here visitors are assured of their safety as they shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine and generally enjoy themselves.

Haiti is intent on recovery in all areas, and tourism is the best way to achieve this. Independent travelers, who are courageous enough to eschew the warnings, will no doubt discover the delights that Haiti has to offer.

When Christopher Columbus first stumbled across the island of Hispaniola in 1492 he little realized that it would become divided into two distinct Republics, half of its lush landscape headed for criminal and political strife. The Republic of Haiti, once known as 'the pearl of the Caribbean', shares this island with the Dominican Republic, but it seems the two countries are worlds apart. One is a tourism magnet, the other largely a pariah where only the brave set foot.

Geography

Haiti is situated in the Caribbean and comprises the forested mountainous western end of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its area includes the Île de la Gonâve, in the Gulf of the same name; among other islands is La Tortue off the north peninsula. Haiti’s coastline is dotted with magnificent beaches, between which stretches lush subtropical vegetation, even covering the slopes which lead down to the shore. Port-au-Prince is a magnificent natural harbor at the end of a deep horseshoe bay.

Visa formalities for Haiti:

Passports
Passport valid for six months from date of entry required by all.

Visas
Not required by all nationals of countries referred to U.K, Australian, Canadian, U.S.A and Other EU for stays of up to three months.

Note: Nationals not referred in visa requirement line are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Warning
Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to Haiti, because of the threat to personal security. There are incidences of violence and kidnappings for ransom, with kidnappings taking place mainly in Port-au-Prince. The hurricane season in Haiti normally runs from June to November. The threat from terrorism is low.

Attractions in Haiti:

Port-au-Prince

The capital is a bustling city with a population of almost 1 million. Places to visit include the busy Iron Market, the two cathedrals, the Museum of Haitian Art, the Statue of the Unknown Slave, the Gingerbread Houses and the Defly Mansion. The hillside suburb of Pétionville offers a calmer respite and some of the cities best dining, gallery-hopping and nightlife. For views over Port-au-Prince and the Gulf of Gonâve, visitors should head for the suburb of Boutillier, high in the mountains.

Cap-Haitien and the North coast

On Christmas Eve 1492, Columbus ran aground on the north coast of Hispaniola near the present-day site of Cap-Haïtien. The wreck of the Santa Maria lies nearby. Today, communications in the region are more convenient, and Cap-Haïtien is only 40 minutes by plane from the capital. Nestling at the foot of lush green mountains and surrounded by several fine beaches, the town has a more laid-back air than the capital and features many fine Spanish-style buildings. Haiti’s beautiful Citadelle, built by Henri Christophe after the French were overthrown, is not to be missed – a remarkable fortress in the mountains, 40km (25 miles) south of Cap-Haïtien, and the nearby ruins of Sans Souci Palace. A half-hour drive leads to the village of Milot, gateway to the Citadelle and site of the palace ruins. Versailles was the model for Sans Souci, and the ruins still suggest a link.

Jacmel and the South coast

Since the completion of the well-marked road over the mountains, the drive to Jacmel is a pleasant two hours or less through spectacular scenery. Jacmel itself is an elegant town of Victorian stuccoed palaces adorned with filigree balconies. It is an important center for voodoo and there are several interesting temples to visit. Artists come from all over Europe, America and the Caribbean to work in Jacmel, providing a lively Arts scene that is further enhanced at Carnival time, when dancers in papier maché costumes parade the streets and a host of street theater performances take place. There are several beaches in this region. High in the mountains, south of the capital, is the town of Kenscoff, much favored by Haitians as a summer resort. Parc Macaya is perhaps Haiti’s most famous national park, offering the visitor trails through spectacular mountain scenery covered in lush rainforest. 12 km outside Jacmel lie the Bassins Bleus, a series of three pools joined by waterfalls; the best way to reach the pools is on horseback from Jacmel.

Water Sports

Kyona and Ibo beaches (Ibo is on Cacique Isle) are best for swimming, snorkeling, spearfishing, and sailing, boomba racing in dugout canoes and water-skiing. La Gonâve is a popular location for fishing.

Spectator Sports

Football is the favorite national sport, followed by basketball.

Other

There is a 9-hole golf course at the Pétionville Club. Tennis courts can be found at the Club Med in Montraus, El Rancho, Habitation Le Clerc, Ibo Beach, Ibo Lake, Kaloa Beach, Pétionville Club and Royal Haitian hotels. The national parks of La Visite and Parc Macaya offer excellent hiking opportunities.

Climate of Haiti:

The best time to go is November-March, when day temperatures are in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C and nights are in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. The rainy season is May-July, but even when it rains, it usually lasts for only an hour or two in the evening. Hurricane season is July-October. The hill country is always about 10 degrees F/5 C cooler. Take a sweater no matter when you go: Evenings can be cool even colder in the mountain areas.