HAITI, “PEARL OF THE CARIBBEAN”
BY Clay Larroy
Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to
a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time
you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do
and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to
making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon
bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your
smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on
vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags around the Caribbean. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Things
to see and do in Haiti
Cap-Haïtien
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.
Nestling at the foot of lush green mountains and surrounded by several fine
beaches, Cap-Haïtien 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. A half-hour
drive leads to the village of Milot, gateway to the Citadelle and site of the
Sans Souci Palace ruins.
Hike in
National Parks
The
national parks of La Visite and Parc Macaya offer excellent hiking
opportunities.
Jacmel
and the South coast
Jacmel
itself is an elegant town of Victorian stuccoed palaces adorned with filigree
balconies. It is an important centre 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 inpapier maché costumes
parade the streets and a host of street theatre performances take place. High
in the mountains, south of the capital, is the town of Kenscoff, much favoured
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. Just beyond Jacmel lie the Bassins Bleus, a series
of three pools joined by waterfalls.
Kyona and
Ibo beaches
Kyona and
Ibo beaches (Ibo is on Cacique Isle) are best for swimming, snorkeling,
spearfishing, sailing, boomba racing in dugout canoes and waterskiing. La
Gonâve is a popular location for fishing.
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 neo-romantic cathedral, 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 city's best dining, gallery-hopping and nightlife. For views over
Port-au-Prince and the Gulf of Gonâve, head for the suburb of Boutillier, high
in the mountains.
Travel to Haiti
Getting
There By Air
There
are good connections with the USA, the French West Indies and France. American Airlines (website: www.aa.com)
operates daily flights from London to Port-au-Prince via New York. Air Canada (website: www.aircanada.ca)
operates flights from London to Port-au-Prince via Montréal or Toronto at
weekends.
Departure
Tax
None. Most international
airlines include the departure tax in the air fare. However, some smaller
airlines charge in cash (for example on flights to Santo Domingo). Departure
tax by air is up to $55; by road it is $23 plus 100 gourdes. The departure tax
is included in the ticket on bus trips from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. Travelers
should carry sufficient cash (US Dollars and gourdes) just in case.
REFERENCE SITES
I wanted to contribute my time, myself, my knowledge, my love,
because Haiti is my everything.
Laurent Lamothe
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