Haiti Up Close

Return to the Motherland

September 25, 2020 by admin

man sitting in the front of a small boat with ocean and mountains — Sunset in Baraderes
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Return to the Motherland

If going back to your ancestral roots is something you value as a black traveler, Haiti should definitely be on your itinerary.

Filmmaker Hans Augustave once shared a quote from his tour guide in Haiti on social media which read, “If every Muslim should go to Mecca once in their life, every Black person should go to Haiti!”. History is forever marked by the fact that Haiti is the first black nation to gain its independence from colonizers in the world, and by doing so, an example was set for other nations to follow. That emancipation set the tone for a wave of black consciousness among slaves around the world and continues to this day to inspire many who attempt to break free from the patterns of dependency and reconnect with their land and culture of origin, specifically people of color.

Many of those living in the Haitian diaspora can relate to feeling like Haiti is a land so close, but ever so far away. Even if you haven’t bought a ticket to visit yet, you know of all the tales of your family’s hometown through the oral history shared by mothers, aunts, and grandmothers surrounding you – but there are gaps that this history cannot bridge.

This is the importance of a homecoming.

Whether you are connected to Haiti through your parents or otherwise, it should be on your list of top 5 places to travel to next for one simple reason: as a descendent of Haitians first, but also as a Black person, your heritage courses through the island. Just like the Year of Return for Ghana and many other West African countries, Haiti can be considered a home away from home.

view over a lush green valley from a mountain top — View of Port Français, Plaine-du-Nord
Photo: Mozart Louis

Why come back?

If you have family still living in Haiti that you keep in touch with, coming to Haiti will quickly show you that phone calls sometimes fall through. There’s nothing like hugging a cousin who always says “Hello!” before passing the phone to his mom, or seeing the uncle all the family stories feature, or getting to know neighbors who saw family leave, but who still remember the days of the past, and miss them dearly. Facing origins means facing home, too.

As any frequent traveler to Haiti will tell you, the experience begins when you get off the plane at the Toussaint Louverture international airport (if you’re landing in Port-au-Prince). From the sudden, warm heat that envelops you when you get off the plane, to the troubadour band playing outside the customs office, everything primes you for the experience of finally making it to the land of your elders.

Reasons to come back will surface all along your trip. You will find them in the sweet, tender, ripe flesh of Batis mangoes, or in the crispy, savory bits of fried pork eaten on late nights out with friends and family, in front of a street food vendor’s kitchen. If you come home during the summer, you’ll have the luxury of experiencing the island’s finest fresh produce, lively events – many of which happen closer to your neighborhood than you think, and peak season for cultural events happening in the capital city. Should you be in Haiti during the winter, reasons to come back will paint themselves in the vivid colors of the sunsets, in the playfulness of children’s faces under Christmas lights in Pétion-Ville, and in the hope that new year’s celebrations offer to everyone on the island.

If you are looking for reasons to come visit Haiti, your best bet is coming to see them for yourself.

haitian women carrying produce in baskets on their heads — Street vendors in Pétion-Ville
Photo: Franck Fontain

What does Haiti offer?

Besides its beautiful beaches and breath-taking hikes, every inch of Haiti is an open window on the history that has affected black lives around the world. If going back to your ancestral roots is something you value as a black traveler, Haiti should definitely be on your itinerary.

The celebration of the black identity can be found in historic sites such as Citadelle Laferrière or any other fort, as well as in the food, the dances, the cultural celebrations, music, and even the language! Haiti holds one of the most unique blends of African heritage and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean tastes and cultures.

people surfing on a coast with palm trees and sun setting behind mountains — Surfers on the beach in Kabik, Cayes-Jacmel
Photo: Verdy Verna

When to travel?

If you want to experience Haiti as the true home away from home that it can be, February is a time of the year when rhythm and spices are flowing all over the island. Carnival is a very Carribean affair, but to experience it in Haiti is a double-whammy; every Sunday, for about a month, then very intensely for 3 days, Haiti becomes a bubbling hub of celebration of Haitian music, dances, and colors. If one looks and experiences more deeply though, it’s an important period for the Vodou religion and community rooted in Benin and other West African countries.

During Kanaval and more specifically the pre-carnival period, those who practice or follow the religion take their celebrations to the streets under the form of raras and often are mixed up with regular citizens simply celebrating Kanaval. Rara is a dance and ceremonial form of expression rooted in Haitian identity, its presence in Vodou has served many historical moments such as the Bois Caïman Vodou ceremony which was pivotal in the declaration of Haitian independence.

Rara can also be experienced in November (hint: get away from the cold!) which is a culturally and historically rich month for Haiti as well. On November 2nd, the day of the dead is celebrated in both the Catholic community and the Vodou community meaning that there is a larger presence and visibility for these groups in the streets and in cemeteries. November also houses the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières which was pivotal to the Haitian Revolution.

There is something to be said about finally knowing and understanding where one is from. Haiti prides itself on being one of the warmest islands of the Caribbean, both in temperature, and in temperament. There are always the open arms of family, friends, and hosts who want nothing more than to share their favorite parts of home with you. If you considered planning a trip to Ghana, Nigeria or any other African country, consider starting with one of the most afro-affirmative Carribean countries in your journey to self-discovery. Depending on where you’re coming from, getting to Haiti can be more accessible or affordable, but regardless, it will always be an essential experience in the black traveler’s journey.

Written by Kira Paulemon.

Published September 2020

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Wildlife in Haiti

June 12, 2020 by admin

dolphin jumping off coast with palm trees — Dolphin jumping of the coast of Hispaniola
Photo: Shutterstock

Wildlife in Haiti

Here’s our guide to the animals that call this enchanting island home

Haiti’s position in the Caribbean favors a rich diversity in plant and animal life, despite decades of intensive deforestation during the twentieth century that have dramatically changed the landscape.

The effects of this exploitation can be seen from space, but down on ground level degradation has been halted, conservation is on the upswing and every year, the ecosystems that have remained intact attract nature and wildlife lovers to this side of the island.

While you’re in Haiti, you’ll have the chance to see some unique wildlife, including many birds, mammals and reptiles endemic to Hispaniola. Here’s our guide to the fauna and flora of this enchanting island.

butterfly perched on flower — White Peacock Butterfly
Photo: Shutterstock

Butterflies

There are over one thousand species of butterflies and moths on the island of Hispaniola, so ditch the glasshouse at the zoo and get out there to see some of these beauties for yourself. If you are in Haiti during the first half of the year through to the middle of the summer, you will spot the bright yellow butterflies which Haitians call Papillons de la Saint-Jean (St. John’s Butterflies, in English). Monarch butterflies make an appearance during the last third of the year.

black bird with red spots eating fruit — A hungry Greater Antillean Bullfinch
Photo: René Durocher

Birdlife

Keen birders will get a lot out of a stay in Haiti. There are two species endemic to Haiti, and a further twenty-six endemic to Hispaniola – the island Haiti shares with Dominican Republic.

Hummingbirds, Todies, Orioles and Flamingoes are just a few of the magnificent birds you’ll have a chance to spot when you visit. To learn more, check out these 10 amazing birds of Haiti and read our guide about bird watching in Haiti.

group of stingrays swimming in shallow caribbean sea — Stingrays swimming in the Caribbean ocean
Photo: Shutterstock

Marine Life

From the beach or the bow of a water taxi or privately chartered boat, you can see porcupine fish, stingrays and the quizzically-named warteye stargazers and bridled burrfish! The central and south coasts of Haiti are famously shallow and gradual, and many species have evolved to hang out close to the shore where they’re easy to spot. This means that if you are staying at a beachside resort or visiting a public beach, there’s an excellent chance you’ll run into them.

Out in the waters of Petit-Goâve, as well as La Gonâve (specifically in the area of Anse-à-Galets), dolphins are known to make a special guest appearance!

hispaniolan solendon next to a large rock — The Hispaniolan Solenodon
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Snakes and strange creatures

Snakes are fairly common, but you’ll be glad to hear that Haiti is one of the few places in the world with no snakes that are dangerously venomous to humans (although some do have venom for subduing small prey). Snakes have a long human-entwined history in Haiti, where they wow audiences at tourist destinations and patron saint festivals around the country, and at carnival, where they are often the stars of the show.

Speaking of venom, Hispaniola happens to be home to the world’s only known venomous mammal, the utterly bizarre solenodon, which has evolved snake-like venom-injecting teeth. Don’t worry though, like the snakes in Haiti, they aren’t dangerous to humans. These enigmatic creatures are critically endangered, but with pockets of them recently confirmed in Haiti as well as the Dominican Republic, internationally-supported conservation efforts are underway to keep these little monsters safe.

Want to discover Haiti’s wildlife?

This list of critters is far from exhaustive. To learn more, talk to your local friends, host, guide, or specialty birdwatching and wildlife tour operators.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published June 2020.

Explore Haiti’s wildlife and nature

Krik-krak! – The Haitian Tradition of Storytelling

May 29, 2020 by admin

group of haitians sitting on chairs and porch in courtyard — Krik-krak storytelling in Cayes Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

Krik-krak! (and tim-tim!)

An oral tradition as old as the birth of Haiti, folk storytelling — or tire kont — is one of the pillars at the center of the country’s culture, and must be practiced to survive from generation to generation

“In my family, we are four, but when one of my brothers and sisters is not there, we can’t do anything…” Do you know the answer?

What you’ve just read is an example of a captivating Haitian cultural tradition known as kont, or “tales”. The scene in which you’ll hear these usually begins at nightfall, when children leave the warmth of their family homes to reunite outside and do what Haitians call tire kont – “telling tales”. These tales aren’t really stories, but rather short charades, each more amusing than the one before, based on the details and small objects of everyday life, and told in very colorful language. The practice of tire kont is often referred to as krik-krak! or tim-tim! because of the call-and-response formula of the charades.

haitian boys sitting in port-au-prince — Boys gathered for Krik-krak storytelling in Bois Moquette
Photo: Franck Fontain

How krik-krak works

The taleteller, the one who usually knows the answer to the charade, signals the start of a charade by calling “Krik!” To this, everyone replies: “Krak!”

When the taleteller says krik, they’re saying, “Prepare yourself, I have something for you to guess.” After people respond with “Krak!”, the taleteller continues: “Tim tim?” and the assembly replies, “Bwa chèch.”

“I may be small, but I have honored the greatest men.”

At this point, it’s up to the fastest person to answer. Suggestions shoot up from every corner: candle? Pen? Notebook? And if no one knows the answer, everyone admits defeat by saying, “Mwen bwè pwa.” Then, and only then, the taleteller reveals the answer to the riddle. Krik-krak is a communal practice that says a lot about Haitian people’s way of life. The tale, just like music and literature, contributes to keeping the Creole language alive and dynamic.

The practice of krik-krak / tim-tim is inherited from Haitians’ ancestors in Africa. In So Spoke the Uncle, Jean Price-Mars explains that similar practices appear in other countries where most of the population is descended from Africa, like Guadeloupe, and that the same krik-krak formula is still in use in some places in Africa.

Alongside riddles, there are also stories told to children and adults that follow the same formula, and which participate in the transmission of Haitian’s collective communal values and morality. Some tales, such as “Tezin” and “Ti Soufri”, are widespread across Haiti. Just like the fables and fairytales, these stories carry moral lessons and reflect social mores.

Haitian storytelling: growing or vanishing?

Orality occupies an extremely important place in Haiti, to the point where even Vodou, the most popular religion, is preserved overwhelmingly through oral traditions, including a strictly oral form of literature called odyans. The Haitian tale puts in perspective ways of life of the lower class and of people living in the countryside, where themes such as ownership, death, inheritance and family resurface often – familiar themes in European fairytales, which likewise often centre on the rural working-class. Although the social rite of telling stories around campfires is older than history itself, and the Haitian call-and-response guessing game is anchored in ancient African modes of storytelling, krik-krak! stands out as a unique treasure of Haitian culture, and one that both reflects and co-creates Haitian society.

However, since kont are handed down generation through generation orally, some rarely-told tales are at risk of disappearing…

haitian boys sitting together laughing — Boys gathered for krik-krak storytelling in Bois Moquette – Photo: Franck Fontain

There’s a Krik-krak! festival in March, and you’re invited!

Since 2009, an annual storytelling festival called Kont Anba Tonèl – the Intercultural Festival of Tales – has been hosted in Port-au-Prince as well as Jérémie and other provincial cities. Held every March, starting on World Story Day (March 20), the festival is largely an effort to showcase Haitian modes of storytelling, keeping the practice of krik-krak! alive. And it seems to be working – more and more comedians are turning to a career of professional taleteller, and some radio stations recover audio files of tales, archiving them to hold them in safekeeping for the future generations we hope will continue the practice.

If you visit Haiti during the last two weeks of the month of March, you’ll be able to attend the Kont Anba Tonèl festival and immerse yourself in an ancestral practice. Expect to hear a wealth of tales, attend talks by professional tale-collectors, and participate in workshops teaching many modes of storytelling, including krik-krak!. On that note…

“Krik? Gets dressed to the nines to stay at home?”
“Krak! The bed, of course…”

Written by Melissa Beralus and translated by Kelly Paulemon.

Published May 2020

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

How to Volunteer in Haiti: A Guide to Making Sustainable Change

April 29, 2020 by admin

two haitian school girls in uniforms smiling — Two schoolgirls laughing in Corail
Photo: Franck Fontain

How to Volunteer in Haiti

Want to have a hand in making change happen? Read this first.

If you are tuned in to any kind of international news outlet, you probably already have a clear image of Haiti in mind. You are most likely familiar with the picture of hunger and misery, and you have more often than not had your heartstrings tugged at by calls to action like this:

“Don’t wait another second: donate now!”

“The people of Haiti need our support.”

“With just one dollar, you can change someone’s life today.”

That might not be enough for you, though.

Countries like Haiti, where large swaths of the population struggle to make a living for themselves on a daily basis, are seeing more and more people flying in to get their hands dirty. It is no longer enough to mail a check, pack up old t-shirts, or round up a total at a supermarket to donate to a cause.

People want to have a hand in making change happen.

If that sounds like you, you will want to keep reading for our best tips and suggestions for actively volunteering in Haiti.

There are two things you must absolutely do before you leave your home country and come to Haiti: read up and listen.

mountain pass in haiti with small houses — A mountain pass in Seguin
Photo: Tyler Welsh

Set and re-set your intentions

One the one hand, it is important for you as a visitor to prepare yourself before you come to Haiti looking to lend a helping hand. It’s very easy to assume that those in need will find use for just about anything. A very common occurrence in times of crisis in Haiti is that well-meaning folks in more fortunate countries pack up whatever it is they have on hand and no longer need and send it all over. This should go without saying, but a need can only be addressed if it is heard, which is why it is important to listen.

Do as much research as you can. Are there people on the grounds that you can establish direct contact with? Have you been to Haiti before, and know of places you can trust because you have worked with them? What are the trustworthy organizations that people can reach out to if they would like to lend a helping hand, and what is their track record?

It is essential to come to Haiti prepared with this knowledge, because it will help you navigate the terrain much more easily once you’re here.

If you are coming from a foreign, “first world” country, it’s easy to assume that any work, donation, or support that you bring during your stay in Haiti will better the lives of the Haitians around you; this is the first thing you need to un-learn before you even board a plane.

haitian students in public school with street traffic — Students at the Lycée National de Pétion-Ville
Photo: Franck Fontain

Volunteering cannot come from a place of “saving”

If you have been following news about Haiti and relief efforts from various non-governmental organizations over the years, you must be well aware of the scandal involving the Red Cross after the 2010 earthquake. If you are not, then here is a quick summary: in the time following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Red Cross raised over $500 million dollars for relief efforts — but the work that was claimed to be done could never be accounted for. Claims of houses built, communities supported, and lives set back afoot, could not successfully be verified.

Volunteering in a foreign country cannot come from a place of “saving;” it needs to come from a place of listening, understanding, and helping. Focusing on how you can best support the people you are planning to help to improve their quality of life instead of just how you can “do good and feel good” is a good place to keep your head at during your stay in Haiti.

Once you are in Haiti, locals are the best source of information when it comes to where and how your efforts will be most useful.

It all begins with a conversation with a local.

Three boys sitting on the bridge at Gelée Beach, Haiti — Boys hanging out at Gelée Beach
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Haitians need sustainable change

What is it that you have a skill in and that you want to share, or that you are passionate about? Is it the education and development of young Haitian children? Are you more involved in environmental causes and would like to see greener places in Haiti? Does your interest lie in healthcare and how accessible it is to people?

From there, your host (if you choose to stay with one) can point you in a few directions; while there is no shortage of NGOs, someone who is living in Haiti and who has either heard of or had some contact with opportunities to directly support disenfranchised Haitians will be a better indication of how you can help than any infomercial you may see from the comfort of your home abroad.

In general, though, make sure you keep the following in mind: Haitians need sustainable change, at any level where change is possible. What are some skills you can teach that will improve their daily lives? What is it that they’re already trying to do, but are lacking in hands or knowledge? What are the realities Haitians are dealing with on a day-to-day basis that will inform the ways in which you can help? There is no better way to start helping than to listen.

At the end of the day, voluntourism is more than just the work you do while you are in Haiti; it’s the relationships that you will build with the people you connect with, too—and even more so if you are working with children. Be mindful of the amount of time you intend to spend in Haiti, and take care of those relationships. This goes for the organization(s) you will work with as well; those based in and working with communities tend to be the most impactful; a good place to start when choosing who to work with is finding out where they put the most funding. Initiative-first organizations are choice partners—this can guide your decisions about returning in the future!

Above all else, though, you’ll want to be honest with yourself about your reasons for coming to volunteer in Haiti. Consider whether or not you have something of value to offer, that cannot already be done by a local worker who could earn a living for themselves doing it. After all, the best volunteer experiences are the ones that are entirely selfless.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published April 2020

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Vodou Pilgrimage to Saut d’Eau

February 11, 2020 by admin

crowd of haitians standing under a huge waterfall — Pilgrims gathering beneath the Saut d’Eau waterfalls
Photo: Franck Fontain

On the trail of the Vodou pilgrimage to Saut d’Eau

Every year, this one-of-a-kind Vodou pilgrimage brings together crowds of the devoted and the curious

Haitian culture – we mention it a lot here at Visit Haiti, but what is it, exactly?

Haitian culture is a cluster of concepts, practices and identities, including the Kreyol (Haitian Creole) language, a set of morals, everyday customs, the history of the modern nation of Haiti (as well as the interrelated history of the Dominican Republic and the island of Hispaniola as a whole), and the Haitian religion – Vodou.

Spelled Vodou to distinguish it from the voodoo traditions of Louisiana and elsewhere in the African diaspora, Haitian Vodou is born out of the unique mix of many African religious practices with christianity, all of which were transported here to Haiti during the colonial period.

According to sales archives preserved from the colonial era (and still accessible in private collections or at the National Library of France), we learn that plantations often held slaves of up to ten different ethnicities. This included members of the island’s indigenous Taíno people, few of whom had survived the brutal regime of colonisation and enslavement up to that point. Colonial plantation owners were recommended to hold slaves from different ethnicities together on the same plantation, so that they’d have nothing in common but the color of their skin. People thrown together on Haitian plantations included Fon (Dahomey) people from Benin, Congo and elsewhere. In The Mysteries of Vodou, Laennec Hurbon explains that the word Vodou comes from the language spoken in Benin and means “invisible and formidable power”.

This multiculturalism allowed Haitian Vodou to acquire over the course of the years characteristics that are its own, and awards it all the richness it has today. One of the roots of this richness is the religious syncretism that allowed African practices to graft themselves to Christianity as well as to the indigenous practices that already existed on the island. From there, the Christian saints became vodou lwas and Christian celebrations transformed into Vodou ceremonies and celebrations.

One of these celebrations is the annual pilgrimage to honor the Miraculous Virgin of Saut d’Eau at the magical Saut d’Eau waterfall (spelled Sodo in Kreyol).

haitian girl sitting behind table with merchandise for sale — Vendor selling offer gifts at Saut d’Eau
Photo: Franck Fontain

The Miraculous Virgin of Saut d’Eau

Popular in Vodou spaces around Haiti, the Miraculous Virgin of Saut d’Eau is renowned for bringing luck in love and in economic transactions. You’ll also find her venerated under the names Saint Anne (Mother of the Virgin Mary in the Christian tradition) or Little Saint Anne (Kreyol: Ti Sent Án) or Miraculous Virgin.

Every year from July 14 to 16, devotees from across Haiti make a pilgrimage to the Saut d’Eau waterfall, located 60 miles north of Port-au-Prince. The event also attracts curious travellers from around the world, who want to witness this one-of-a-kind Vodou pilgrimage.

haitian pilgrims during a spiritual ritual by waterfall — Pilgrims bathing at Saut d’Eau
Photo: Franck Fontain

How to invoke the favor of the Miraculous Virgin

To obtain the Miraculous Virgin’s favor, Vodou practitioners travel to the sacred Saut d’Eau waterfall to conduct a purification ritual. Most practitioners make the pilgrimage in summer, but the ritual is possible at any time of the year.

The ritual is called a “luck bath”. The devotee journeys to the cult site with a calabash (a water flask made from a gourd) as well as gifts to offer to the goddess, before disrobing and diving under the magnificent Saut d’Eau waterfall. Devotees carry a small collection of leaves, plants, and herbs linked to the goddess and believed to have therapeutic virtues. If they want to, the supplicants can also bring orgeat syrup, perfume or flowers, or prepare a meal to offer as a pledge of their good faith and their loyalty to the lwa.

Once the preparations are complete, the supplicant bathes under the waterfall (either alone or with the help of an ougan (Vodou priest)), washing while invoking the protection and virtues of the goddess. It is critical, at the end of this ceremony, to break the calabash that served to carry water from the waterfall to wash oneself and to leave in the water the clothes which the supplicant had worn to the site – these represent their past bad luck. Instead, devotees leave dressed in new clothes, and hopefully imbued with the goddess’ protection and luck for the future.

crowd of haitians preparing for a spiritual bath by waterfall — Saut d’Eau
Photo: Franck Fontain

Make a pilgrimage of your own

Intrigued? Although it’s one of the most sacred sites in Haiti, Saut d’Eau is not cut off from the curious. Travellers are welcome to visit the waterfall any time of year. Whether you want to try your luck at invoking the lwa‘s favor, or just enjoy the experience of bathing under an incredible freshwater waterfall, framed by gorgeous forest filled with birdsong, you’re welcome to make a pilgrimage of your own to this very special place.

Saut d’Eau waterfall (spelled Sodo in Kreyol) is located 60 miles north of Port-au-Prince, near Mirebalais. The pilgrimage happens from July 14 to 16, but the site is open to visitors year-round (road conditions allowing).

The magnificent Saut d’Eau waterfall is just one of many mystical sites used for the Vodou luck bath ritual, including Bassin Saint Jacques and the gorgeous Bassin Bleu.

haitian woman in blue dress with small child in straw hat — Saut d’Eau
Photo: Franck Fontain

Written by Melissa Beralus and translated by Kelly Paulemon.

Published February 2020

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Meet the Locals: Travel Guide Ann-sophie Hamilton

January 10, 2020 by admin

portrait photo of young stylish haitian girl with long dreadlocks and red head scarf

Sustainable travel guide Ann-Sophie

“If you’re into nature and adventure, the hike to Seguin is a once in a lifetime experience”

Ann-Sophie Hamilton is one of the brightest Haitian voices on Instagram. Using visual storytelling, she takes her followers on adventures around Haiti, inviting us to fall in love with every facet of the island.

Based in Port-au-Prince, Ann-Sophie has established herself as a blogger, travel planner, business owner, and life coach. In 2015, she moved back to Haiti from Canada and launched her own sustainable tourism company, Mennen’m La Tours.

We asked Ann-Sophie to tell us all about her favourite places to visit in Haiti.

What’s the first thing we should try, do or see once we arrive in Haiti?

The first thing to do, of course, is to try the food. Good, authentic, Haitian food is a must!

The second thing, if you want to see a beautiful Haitian beach – which you most likely will, is to head to Bananier, without a doubt.

What is your favorite upscale place to eat? How about your favorite ordinary place to eat?

I have a few. I really like to eat at Le Florville. The food there is really good, and the view of the mountains is really nice. I like Portofino; it’s not really casual but not extremely fancy — somewhere in between. Quartier Latin is also a great place to grab a bite; I really love the décor. I really like eating at Haiku, as well.

Bacchus opens only late at night. It has the best goat and pork, and their fried plantains and spicy sauce are really nice. It’s a little place that you only know about if someone tells you about it. It’s clean and quite spacious.

Which city outside of Port-au-Prince is a must-see, and why?

Jacmel would be my must-see, because there’s so much to do. Each city is known for something. Petit-Goave is known for beaches. Nippes is the destination for waterfalls. Jacmel is a combination of many things: good food, good art, and they also have Bassin Bleu – which is a must visit.

Their beaches are really good for surfing, if you’re into that. In the outskirts of Jacmel, there are also a lot of plantations — awesome places to see.

What’s one place nature-lovers should absolutely see?

If you’re into nature and adventure, the hike to Seguin is a once in a lifetime experience – because some people only have the strength do it only once, but it’s so worth it! It’s a seven-hour hike from Furcy to Seguin, but when you get there, there’s a waterfall and a guest house with good food.

It’s a very challenging experience, but with a good group and healthy snacks, it’s definitely possible and an awesome attraction! Mennen’m La Tours can organize tours for people who already have a group and who would like to make it to Seguin!

Where should we go to get the best souvenirs and artworks?

In Port-au-Prince, I recommend Place St. Pierre in Pétion-Ville for paintings and other artworks, and Village de Noailles for iron artwork.

In Jacmel, there are plenty of little shops all over the city where you can get a variety of different artworks and souvenirs.

Interview by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2020

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Haiti Up Close

Return to the Motherland

If going back to your ancestral roots is something you value as a black traveler, Haiti should definitely be on your itinerary.

From Our Land to Your Home

Why come back?

What does Haiti offer?

When to travel?

a touch of haitian wisdom

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

Wildlife in Haiti

Here’s our guide to the animals that call this enchanting island home

The Birds of Haiti on Your Wall

Butterflies

Birdlife

Marine Life

Snakes and strange creatures

Want to discover Haiti’s wildlife?

A Visual Guide to Vodou Symbols

Explore Haiti’s wildlife and nature

Paradise for your inbox

Krik-krak! (and tim-tim!)

An oral tradition as old as the birth of Haiti, folk storytelling — or tire kont — is one of the pillars at the center of the country’s culture, and must be practiced to survive from generation to generation

How krik-krak works

a touch of haitian wisdom

Haitian storytelling: growing or vanishing?

There’s a Krik-krak! festival in March, and you’re invited!

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

How to Volunteer in Haiti

Want to have a hand in making change happen? Read this first.

Discover Sacred Vodou Symbols!

Set and re-set your intentions

Volunteering cannot come from a place of “saving”

start your day the Haitian way

Haitians need sustainable change

start your day the Haitian way

Haitian Cultural Traditions You Didn’t Know About

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

On the trail of the Vodou pilgrimage to Saut d’Eau

Every year, this one-of-a-kind Vodou pilgrimage brings together crowds of the devoted and the curious

From Our Land to Your Home

The Miraculous Virgin of Saut d’Eau

How to invoke the favor of the Miraculous Virgin

Discover Sacred Vodou Symbols!

Make a pilgrimage of your own

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Haiti

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

Sustainable travel guide Ann-Sophie

“If you’re into nature and adventure, the hike to Seguin is a once in a lifetime experience”

a touch of haitian wisdom

What’s the first thing we should try, do or see once we arrive in Haiti?

What is your favorite upscale place to eat? How about your favorite ordinary place to eat?

Which city outside of Port-au-Prince is a must-see, and why?

start your day the Haitian way

What’s one place nature-lovers should absolutely see?

Where should we go to get the best souvenirs and artworks?

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

Paradise for your inbox

Plan Your Trip

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Plan Your Trip

Destinations

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a touch of
haitian wisdom

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

A Visual Guide to
Vodou Symbols

a touch of
haitian wisdom

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

start your day
the Haitian way

start your day
the Haitian way

a touch of
haitian wisdom

start your day
the Haitian way

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses