Haiti is like nowhere else in the Caribbean, fashioned by revolutionary slaves, voodoo worship and artistic flair.

1. Haiti – Rising from the Rubble

2. Haiti is like nowhere else in the Caribbean, fashioned by revolutionary slaves, voodoo worship and artistic
flair. Recent times have been tough, but – five years on from the devastating earthquake – the nation is
rising from the rubble. Know more about Haiti by reading most of the article below.
Citadelle La Ferrière. Hike or ride a donkey up to this well-preserved 18th-century fort set amid verdant
hills.
Côte des Arcadins. Find white sand and fresh air on this stretch of coast, an escape from the city for locals
and travelers. Do head into the mountain villages behind at Kay Piat – the views are incredible.
Port-au-Prince. Haiti’s capital has to be experienced to be believed – a chaotic mix of brightly painted tap
taps, market vendors and gingerbread houses.
Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve. Check out the commendable work being done by the Wynne family, who
are trying to teach locals about farming, recycling and looking after the landscape.
Bassin Bleu. Find refreshment at these three cascade-splashed cobalt lagoons; climb as high as you dare
then plummet from the rocks–or just gasp at your guides.
Jacmel. A laid back sea city with an arty vibe. Do visit the FOSAJ art school to see the next generation of
local artists creating their masterpieces.
Getting there

3. There are no direct flights to Haiti from the UK. American Airlines flies to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien
daily from Miami (2hrs) and New York (4hrs). Flights from London to Miami take ten hours and start from
£650 return. You can fly to Haiti from the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo or Punta Cana) and
Panama with other airlines.
Getting around
You can rent a car, or a car and driver, but the price is high and conditions difficult. The roads are often
unpaved and potholed and other drivers are fast and erratic. Other options are taxis, these can be hired
privately (always agree the fee before departure) or shared (other passengers will be picked up on route).
Moto-taxis are readily available but you won’t be given a helmet and your driver will drive fast. Tap taps,
the brightly decorated buses and pick-ups, are cheap but hot, often crammed full and slow. For more
comfort, try companies such as Voyages Lumière and Agence Citadelle, which can organize private, air-
conditioned vehicles as well as offers excursions and tours throughout Haiti. Sunrise Airways flies daily
between Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince; from US$186 return. G Adventures, Exodus, Intrepid, Steppes
Travel, Undiscovered Destinations and Wild Frontiers all offer trips to Haiti including most of the
highlights mentioned here.
Food
Like most things in Haiti, the local food is a fusion of flavors and styles. Fried plantain is a staple – either
as part of a meal or as crisps for a snack. Main meals always include diri ak pwa (rice and beans), often
served with chicken, beef or fish. Vegetarians should ask for a meat-less version, though be aware it may
be cooked in meat stock. Try diri ak djon djon – rice cooked with small mushrooms.
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