caves

Nine of the Most Beautiful Destinations in Haiti

July 7, 2023 by Angel Rosario

Sans Souci Palace near Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Nine of the Most Beautiful Destinations in Haiti

Sun-kissed and sandy-toed, we’ve toured Haiti to bring you our pick of the most beautiful places on the island. From Cap-Haïtien’s culture-rich streets to Port-a-Piment’s hidden caves, these are the Haitian destinations to escape to this season.

Haiti is brimming with destinations that are sure to captivate the hearts of travelers, vacationers, and nature lovers alike. This country, known for its mountains, is where raw beauty thrives and history comes alive. From the golden sandy beaches to the tropical rainforests, and not to forget the breathtaking waterfalls, here’s a roundup of the most beautiful spots in Haiti that you shouldn’t miss.

Buche Perico restaurant in Santo Domingo — Macaya National Park
Photo: Haiti National Trust

1. Macaya National Park

In the heart of an untouched rainforest lies Macaya National Park, a sanctuary where nature thrives away from human touch. The park is home to wildlife and plants that are unique to Haiti. Among these, you’ll find the Hispaniolan Solenodon and a variety of Hutia that calls the park home.

For birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts, this is a haven where you can spot the Narrow-Billed Tody (locally known as Chikorèt), the Hispaniolan Trogon (Haiti’s national bird), or one of the many other tropical birds that live here. The Macaya Peak, standing tall at 2,347 meters, is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that are perfect for those looking for an adventure through the cloud forest.

Cathedral in Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

2. Cap-Haïtien

Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city, is swiftly emerging as the country’s prime tourist hotspot. This city is a tapestry woven with history and culture. As you wander through the streets lined with colonial houses, you can feel the city’s pulse.

But there’s more to Cap-Haïtien than just history; it’s a place where the past meets the present. With an array of hotels, and restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to relax and enjoy the local cuisine, and the nearby beaches are perfect for those who want to bask in the Caribbean sun.

For the adventure seekers, the city offers exciting excursions and fun activities, such as a day trip to Bassin Waka or an exploration of the mystical caves of Dondon. Cap-Haïtien is also home to the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, with its iconic tiled dome.

3. The Péligre Lake

Sometimes, nature and human ingenuity come together to create something truly beautiful, and the Péligre Dam is a testament to that. This hydroelectric dam has given birth to an artificial lake that is nothing short of a marvel. Cradled in the embrace of the mountains, the lake is akin to a vast emerald, with its lush greenery reflecting on the placid waters.

The dam, built on the Artibonite River, one of the largest rivers in the country, is a place where you can lose yourself in the sheer beauty of your surroundings.

4. Forêt des Pins & La Selle National Park

Straddling the Haitian-Dominican border at over 2,000 meters above sea level, Forêt des Pins is a sanctuary of biodiversity and a dream for mountain hiking enthusiasts. Part of the La Selle National Park, this subtropical coniferous forest is home to the Pic La Selle, the highest mountain in Haiti.

What’s surprising is the climate; you might expect the Caribbean to be all about the heat, but up here in Forêt des Pins, the air is refreshingly cool. The forest is lush, with towering pine trees that seem to touch the sky. It’s a place where you can feel close to nature, with the scent of pine in the air and the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.

But Forêt des Pins is part of something even bigger. It’s a key piece in a chain of protected areas that spans across the Haitian-Dominican border, linking with other national parks on the Dominican side. This forms the La Selle Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve which is one of only 21 transnational biosphere reserves on the planet.

Ready to take an epic journey across the island of Hispaniola through a biosphere reserve? Read all about it here!

5. Sans Souci Palace

The Sans Souci Palace, built between 1810 and 1813, is a majestic embodiment of Haiti’s architectural heritage. This palace, with its baroque flair and inspiration drawn from Prussian architecture, is a reflection of the grandeur and ambition of the kingdom established by King Henri I in the wake of Haiti’s independence.

The palace is not just a building; it’s a symbol, an iconic representation of Haitian pride and history. As you walk through the ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era, when the island was abuzz with newfound freedom and the nation’s greatness was at its zenith.

The Sans Souci Palace, along with the nearby Milot Chapel and the famous Citadelle, form a triumvirate of historical and architectural significance. These landmarks stand as a reminder of a time when the Haitian nation was carving out its identity on the world stage.

For anyone with a penchant for contemporary history and especially black history, a visit to the ruins of Sans Souci is an absolute must. It’s a journey through time, a glimpse into the soul of a nation that has fought for its place in history.

Ile A Rat (Amiga Island)
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

6. Île à Rat

Haiti boasts some of the Caribbeans most beautiful islands, and Île à Rat is no exception. This tiny, uninhabited island, with its golden sands, is a favorite among couples seeking a romantic getaway or anyone looking to unwind on a little slice of heaven. With a small, wild forest at its center, surrounded by a beach with the finest powdery sand, and a coral reef in crystal-clear waters, this island is pure bliss.

Just a short 15-minute boat ride from the coast, Île à Rat feels like a world away. The island invites you to indulge in activities like snorkeling and diving, exploring the vibrant underwater world. But if you’re looking for something more laid-back, how about just chilling in the shade of a palm tree with an ice-cold Prestige beer in hand?

One of the unique charms of Île à Rat is the occasional visit by local fishermen in canoes that often stop by to offer their freshly caught fish and seafood. And here’s the best part – they will gladly prepare it for you right on the beach. Imagine savoring the taste of freshly grilled seafood, with the sound of waves as your background music.

Aerial view of the waterfall at Saut Mathurine, Haiti — Saut Mathurine, Haiti
Photo: Ricardo Lartigue

7. Saut Mathurine

Located between the cities of Les Cayes and Jérémie in Haiti’s South Department, Saut Mathurine is a captivating spectacle of nature. During the rainy season from April to October, the waterfall is at its peak, as the Cavaillon River’s powerful waters cascade into a 30-meter wide basin, enveloped by jungle-clad mountains. The waterfall’s roar and the mist that rises are a sight to behold. However, from November to March, during Haiti’s dry season, the waterfall takes on a calmer demeanor, transforming into a gentle stream.

Saut Mathurine is not just for sightseeing; it’s an invitation to dive into nature. Bring your swimming gear and take a dip in the natural basin. The water may be refreshingly cool at first, but as you adjust, the thrill of swimming near the waterfall is invigorating. For the adventurous, a swim across the basin followed by a climb up the waterfall for a daring leap into the water is an unforgettable experience. Be cautious, though, as the water gets deeper towards the middle of the basin.

Check out the greatest waterfalls of haiti!

Grotte Marie Jeanne
Photo: CavesOfHaiti.org

8. Grotte Marie Jeanne

Contrary to what you might expect, some of Haiti’s most beautiful destinations are hidden underground, and Grotte Marie Jeanne is a prime example. Located in the quaint city of Port-a-Piment, just a few miles up the coast from Port Salut (which is renowned for some of Haiti’s best beaches) this cave is an Eldorado of natural splendors. With over four kilometers of galleries and more than fifty chambers, Grotte Marie Jeanne holds the distinction of being the Caribbean’s most extensive natural excavation.

The daylight filtering through openings, coupled with stalactites hanging from the ceiling, creates an ethereal light that transports you to a magical realm.

And what adds to the allure of Grotte Marie Jeanne is its historical significance, as the cave is named after Marie-Jeanne Lamartiniére, a fearless woman who fought in the Haitian Revolution. She was one of the few women who took up arms and fought bravely for the revolutionary army.

Beach Cote Des Arcadins
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

9. Cotes des Arcadins

Last up on our list of the most beautiful places in Haiti is Cotes des Arcadins, a tropical paradise boasting 19 kilometers of white sand along the northern bay of Port-au-Prince. Framed by coconut trees, a deep blue sea, and mountains, this destination is the go-to place for water enthusiasts. Whether jet skiing or diving to admire the stunning coral reef, Cotes des Arcadins offers an idyllic escape. The coast is also dotted with renowned resorts such as Club Indigo Decameron, Moulin Sur Mer, and Wahoo Bay.

Just a stone’s throw away is the buzzing city of Montrouis, which complements the serene beauty of Cotes des Arcadins with its lively atmosphere. Montrouis is a treasure trove of activities, from exploring local markets to indulging in Haitian cuisine. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Amany Beach is one of Haiti’s lesser-known beaches, a perfect spot for a tranquil retreat and short 20 minutes drive from Cotes des Arcadins.

Written by Costaguinov Baptiste.

Published July 2023.

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15 Fun Facts About Haiti

October 23, 2022 by Anton Lau

Sail boat in Labadee
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

Fun Facts About Haiti

All countries have their share of surprising or downright amusing facts. Haiti is no exception to this rule!

You’ve probably already heard of Haiti, whether in the news, in history class, or elsewhere. But what exactly do you know about this magnificent country?

We’ve gathered some of the most surprising and interesting facts about our country and the amazing people living here. From cultural celebrations and old flags to weird food traditions and traveler-friendly facts. So, keep reading and get to know Haiti a bit better with these 15 fun facts!

1. Haiti is (part of) an island

If you plan to visit the Republic of Haiti, keep in mind that it’s, in fact, the western part of an island that it shares with another republic, the Dominican Republic. The name of this island is Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic lies to the east, and its capital is Santo Domingo. Haiti lies to the west, and its capital is Port-au-Prince. The two nations share, in addition to the island, an eventful history, with each possessing a unique cultural identity despite a few similarities they have in common.

Mountain forest in Seguin, La Visite National Park
Photo: Alamy

2. Haiti is mountainous

No matter where you may find yourself in Haiti, you’ll either be on a mountain range or have one in view. The country is made up of a series of breathtaking mountain landscapes. Actually, the very name Haiti means “mountainous land” in the Taíno language spoken by the island’s indigenous inhabitants.

So if you like hiking in the mountains, Haiti is the perfect tourist destination for you. Two main mountain ranges dominate the country’s topography, covering it from north to south. So, grab your hiking shoes and your camera, and come enjoy our mountain landscapes and the fresh air of the countryside!

sun rising over beach with palm trees and lifeguard chair — Sunrise over Ti Mouillage beach, Jacmel
Photo: Anton Lau

3. It’s summer all year round

In Haiti, there’s sunshine and even more sunshine! In our country, the weather is nice all year round. The tropical climate typically means just one hot season and another season that’s a little milder. So, no matter the time of year, Haiti’s white sandy beaches are waiting to welcome you. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit to take a dip in the ocean, because the summer is truly never over here – and that’s just a fact!

4. We have breathtaking coastlines

The Caribbean is well-known for its lovely beaches, and our beaches are among the most beautiful in the region. You can visit Lover Island in Ile à Vache, Labadee in Cap-Haïtien, the Arcadins coast, the Anse Blanche beach close to Pestel, or Boukanye in Petit-Goâve. No matter where you go in Haiti, there’s a lovely white sand beach to discover!

5. Haiti has the deepest cave in the Caribbean

Are you a fan of caving and exploring deep underground grottos? If so, dive into one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular cave adventures. With a massive cave system of more than four kilometers (two-and-a-half miles), the Grotte Marie Jeanne is the deepest cave in the Caribbean! Located in the south of Haiti by the city of Port-à-Piment, this impressive cave and its five levels of natural galleries and stalactites will, without a doubt, leave you speechless.

A bowl of soup joumou on a serving tray — Soup Joumou
Photo: Anton Lau

6. World-renowned food

When you discover Haitian cuisine, we are sure you’ll want to tell the whole world! In fact, we have a dish that UNESCO recognizes as part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” The dish that earned this high honor is a soup like no other, Soup Joumou. This soup is a real treat for the tastebuds, prepared with giraumont (turban squash), other vegetables, tubers, and meat. While traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day among families, as Americans do with Thanksgiving turkey, feel free to delight in this famous soup any time of the year! It’ll be our pleasure.

7. Haitians enjoy spicy food

While we’re on the topic of Haitian cuisine, it might be a good time to let you know that Haitians eat particularly spicy food, as is the case for many of our Caribbean neighbors. Our cuisine is spiced with goat pepper, vinegar, and all the spices grown locally on the island. Before tasting a Haitian dish, you may want to prepare yourself, as the exceptionally spicy taste of our cuisine might take you by surprise!

Explore the flavors of Haitian cuisine through this culinary map!

Haitian spaghetti breakfast
Photo: Jean Oscar Augustin

8. Haitians eat spaghetti for breakfast

Let’s continue with the theme of Haitian cuisine. Don’t be too thrown off by our eating habits, which may differ from yours. For example, Haitians truly subscribe to the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, often eating rather heavy food as soon as they wake up. So, don’t be surprised if a Haitian offers you a big plate of spaghetti for breakfast!

Discover the Haitian street food you have to try!

Street vendors surrounded by baskets of colorful fresh produce at a market in Fermathe, Haiti — Street vendors, Fermathe
Photo: Franck Fontain

9. Degi

We have a word for what you get for free when you shop at our local markets. So, don’t forget to claim your degi the next time you visit a Haitian market. The vendor will willingly add this to your groceries if you have made a nice purchase or to encourage you to return!

Two schoolgirls laughing in Corail, Haiti — Schoolgirls in Corail
Photo: Franck Fontain

10. Greetings

You may be surprised by how many different greetings you hear when in Haiti. Thanks to the richness of Haitian Creole, you will hear much more than simply bonjou. Keep an ear out for greetings like sak pase (how are you?) or onè respè (cheers!).

haitian man dressed in purple shirt with human bones celebrating fet gede — Fèt Gede in Port-au-Prince
Photo: Franck Fontain

11. Haitians don’t celebrate Halloween

If you’re a big lover of Halloween costumes and children trick or treating, you can forget about it in Haiti. Many Haitians have not even heard of this holiday, let alone celebrate it.

Instead, Haitians celebrate Fèt Gede, a cultural tradition much like All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead practiced in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Ceremonies are held throughout the month of November to appease the dearly departed, cemeteries are cleaned, and graves are painted to welcome the loa (spirits) of those who return to the earthly realm during this period.

Group of fisherman in Dame Marie, Haiti — Fishermen in Dame Marie
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

12. Haitian Creole is the most spoken creole language in the world

When we talk about a “creole” language, we’re referring to a language that developed out of the meeting of Latin, African, and Amerindian languages during colonization and its aftermath. These languages are now spoken in many communities all over the world.

Haitian Creole, however, has the largest number of speakers in the world, and it’s also the most widely used language in Haiti. There’s even a Haitian proverb that testifies to the simplicity of the language and the fact that Haitian Creole is understood as easily as it is spoken: kreyol pale, kreyol konprann.

A jar of Haitian manba (spicy peanut butter)
Photo: Anton Lau

13. In our country, peanut butter is a little bit… extra

We’re guessing you’ve probably already tasted peanut butter. Here in Haiti, this creamy treat is known as manba, and it’s often used as a spread on bread or cassave, which is a flatbread made from cassava root. But what might surprise you — although maybe less so after reading this article — is that our peanut butter is particularly spicy since it’s mixed with hot peppers, ginger, and other local spices. This gives it a potent flavor that is unique to Haiti!

14. The famous novelist Alexandre Dumas is of Haitian origin

Haiti is known for its many poets and novelists who have won international awards, including authors such as Jacques Roumain, Frankétienne, Jean-Stephen Alexis, Marie Chauvet, Dany Laferrière, Edwidge Danticat, and Yanick Lahens. But among the most famous novelists in the world are Alexandre Dumas Jr. and Sr., who are of Haitian origin. The author of the classic novel The Three Musketeers (Dumas Sr.) is, in fact, the son of a mulatto general born in Jérémie when Haiti was still a colony of France.

15. How’s this for a fun fact? Venezuela’s flag was created in Haiti

You might know the flag of Venezuela with its stripes of yellow, blue, and red. But did you know the flag was first flown not in Venezuela but in the Haitian coastal city of Jacmel? More precisely, on March 12th, 1806. The flag was designed in Jacmel by General Francisco de Miranda, a Venezuelan who began the struggle for the liberation of Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. This struggle was taken up by Simon Bolivar with the help of then-Haitian president Alexandre Pétion.

Written by Costaguinov Baptiste.

Published October 2022.

Explore Haiti’s Art and Culture

Dondon grottoes

April 21, 2020 by admin

view from inside a cave with vines in entrance — View of Dondon from inside a grotto
Photo: Franck Fontain

Dondon grottoes

Located in the mountains of northern Haiti, Dondon has been settled since pre-colonial times when Haiti’s indigenous Taíno peoples lived there. This little corner of Haiti attracts a lot of tourists, and the main drawcard for visitors is the opportunity to explore the stunning system of grottoes nearby.

vodou symbol painted on a cave floor — Vodou vèvè inside a grotto in Dondon
Photo: Franck Fontain

The grottoes

Dondon’s spectacular cave system has ten separate grottoes. Some are easy to access and have a given name: Ladies’ Vault, Marc-Antoine grotto, Smoke Vault, Cadelia Vault, Saint Martin Vault, Minguet Vault and Michel grotto, all named because of their individual history.

Some of these caves were Taíno cult locations during the pre-colombian period, where the Taínos would come to pray to their gods. One of the gods prayed to in times of drought is still visible on the walls of the grotto, and in post-colonial times is venerated by vodouwizan as an important figure within vodou. The other grottoes remain unnamed, their histories steeped in mystery.

Guided tours

Many Dondon area locals – young and old – are happy to jump into the role of guide for the grottoes. Some have learned by heart formulas in French and English, which can make for charming – if confusing – conversation.

Experienced and impromptu guides will be more than happy to help you discover the best spots, hidden petroglyphs and the history infusing these grottoes – some of this history only survives as stories handed down from generation to generation, so you won’t find it anywhere else.

haitian man sitting on donkey drinking in river — A man on a donkey by Riviere Bouyaja in Dondon
Photo: Anton Lau

Festivals in Dondon

Every town in Haiti has its own patron saint festival. In Dondon, pilgrims come from far and wide to celebrate Saint Martin of Tours. Some come here to party, others come as tourists to observe, but most are here to honor the Vodou divinities, the lwa believed to live here. The patron saint festival of Saint Martin of Tours happens in Dondon on November 9 – 11, but party preparations start on November 7. For five days, crowds filter into Dondon to savor kleren, eat delicious griot, and dance to troubadour music from morning ‘til night.

There is also the Dondon Festival, held from July 18 to 23. This festival is about Dondon itself rather than lwa, and draws vacationers who come to take advantage of the great swimming spots in nearby rivers, go on excursions and participate in the conferences that take place for the occasion.

What else is nearby?

Dondon is close to the UNESCO World Heritage Sans-Souci Palace and Citadelle Laferrière, which locals call the eighth wonder of the world. A visit to both sites is considered essential for any visit to Haiti, and the journey there is well-worth the effort.

Fort Moïse, on top of the Saint Martin Vault, is also close by. Other attractions include the Kota waterfall and the historical Vincent Ogé residence. The on-site coffee co-op at the residence is a great place to taste the very particular flavor of Haitian coffee.

cave entrance with vines and trees — Overgrown entrance to a grotto in Dondon
Photo: Franck Fontain

Getting to the Dondon grottoes

Dondon is located in the north of Haiti, about a two hour drive south of Cap-Haïtien. The journey to Dondon will take you over roads that are winding and can be pretty rough in places. On paper (or GPS), the route through the town of Saint-Michel might look good, but that road serves up more adventure than most travellers are looking for, and we don’t recommended it. The best way to get to Dondon we’ve found is this one:

From Port-au-Prince, drive out of the capital towards Cap-Haïtien via Route Nationale #1. The road to Cap-Haïtien makes up the longest chunk of the drive, but its recent completion makes it a comfortable trip, not to mention a scenic one, with many towns to stop in along the way, each with their own character. Once in Cap-Haïtien, continue towards the town of Milot. Make a left after you pass Rivière du Nord, and in another hour or so you’ll arrive at Dondon.

There’s no formal fee to see the caves but you’ll need to hire a (formal or informal) guide. Remember to bring food and drinks with you for the trip as there’s no guarantee you’ll find anything on site, although Lakou Lakay is a great place to stop for lunch if you’re travelling via Milot.

Written by Jean Fils and translated by Kelly Paulemon.

Published April 2020

Find the Dondon grottoes

External Links

Learn more about Dondon

Wikipedia

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Explore Pestel

January 14, 2020 by admin

sunrise over the mountains surrounding a small haitian fishing village — Sunrise over Pestel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Explore Pestel

About 40 miles east of the town of Jérémie in Haiti’s Grand’Anse department, Pestel is a small harbour town full of culture, offering cinematic sunrises, sunsets and laidback charm.

From its rustic seaside markets to unique, unexpected places to explore like nearby caves and islands, Pestel is a place not to be missed if you’re touring Haiti’s southeast.

The far south of Haiti (west of Jacmel and Les Cayes) isn’t as visited by travellers as the rest of Haiti, but is just as worthy as a destination. Here are the top things to see in Pestel.

Sun rising over the seaside village of Pestel, Haiti — Sun rising over Pestel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Wake up with sea breezes

Life in Pestel follows the rhythm of market days – Wednesdays and Saturdays. Early in the morning, you can watch sailboats coast into the city’s port, loaded up with goods from Miragoâne. As the port workers help boats dock and unload, the sea breeze wakes up the town, calling down farmers from the mountains, who supply the town with fresh fruits and vegetables carried by donkeys in saddle-like baskets woven from hay. The entire town of Pestel -house maids, matriarchs, small children sent to run errands – slowly drips into the port, ebbing and flowing between fishmongers and farmers, preparing for the weekend or the new week ahead.

If you’re visiting on market day, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough change on hand, and a reusable bag to take with you so that you can carry your market bounty home.

If you want to stay in Pestel overnight so you can wake up early and watch this gorgeous harbour town come to life, we’ve got you covered. Well and truly off the beaten tourist path, Pestel isn’t exactly crowded with accommodation options, but Madame Jacques’ guesthouse offers a comfortable place to sleep with loads of rustic charm.

Madame Jacques runs a small, simple guesthouse, not a lofty hotel, but her hospitality, loving-kindness (and cooking!) is famous around here. A Haitian mother down to the bone, Madame Jacques prides herself on taking good care of her guests, making sure that you leave her abode with an even better experience of Pestel than you expected.

Fête de la Mer – the Festival of the Sea

Pestel is also the home of Haiti’s one and only Fête de la Mer—the Festival of the Sea. For one long weekend each April, usually from Thursday to Sunday, the city of Pestel hosts various festivities, including a food fair featuring the bounty of the sea, tours to nearby grottoes and sailboat races, the whole thing interspersed with performances by popular Haitian artists.

Fête de la Mer is a great way to explore Haiti and Haitian culture, and to get outside of your city-hopping comfort zone. The Fête de la Mer usually coincides with Easter, and festival organizers will announce the confirmed dates well ahead of time.

interior of cave with massive dripstones — Interior of the Bellony grotto caves
Photo: Franck Fontain

Caves and islands

Have the caves mentioned earlier caught your attention? If they have, you already know that they are a feature of the Fête de la Mer, but if you’re planning to visit Pestel outside the month of April, the caves are still open to visitors. Wander through the cool, secluded, mystical caverns as guides lead you through the history of the caves. Feeling a bit apprehensive about going into the grottoes on your own? Tour agency Haïti Roots runs excursions to the caves, including the most well-known – the Bellony grotto.

Pestel is also a great launchpad for a tour of nearby Cayemites, a cluster of small islands offering their own unique experience. About six miles from Pestel, the Cayemites islands offer an intimate, secluded adventure. Think fine, sandy beaches melting seamlessly into crystal-clear water, with that Caribbean sunshine you’re craving as well as shade offered by the fringe of forest that leans toward the water’s edge.

secluded haitian island with forest and beach — The secluded Anse Blanche beach on Petite Cayemite island
Photo: Anton Lau

Flag of the freedom fighters

Over the last decade or so, Pestel has been the home of a slow-burning political awakening, starting around the time when former death squad leader and political man Guy Philippe was arrested in the city. The arrest brought with it winds of change, independence, and lack of tolerance for wayward governance. In that same spirit, the black and red flag of Haiti’s liberation in 1804 floats freely on a flag pole in the harbor, calmly signaling to one and to all that there is no freedom without unity in the fight for what’s right for all.

Need to Know

Pestel is a harbour town with a vibrant market, incredible sunrises, sunsets and laidback charm.

Madame Jacques’ guesthouse is the place to stay overnight to wake up with the market (Wednesday and Saturday mornings).

Cave and island tours – Haïti Roots runs tours to mystical caves including the Bellony grotto. Charter a boat trip to the Cayemites for an unparalleled exclusive beach experience.

Fête de la Mer – the Festival of the Sea is celebrated in Pestel every April.

haitian fisherman with small wooden cannoe filled with fish — Fisherman in Pestel
Photo: Franck Fontain

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2020

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Explore the Waterfall and Grottoes of Bassin Zim

July 26, 2018 by Editor

People swimming beneath a waterfall in Bassin Zim, Haiti — People swimming in Bassin Zim
Photo: Anton Lau

Explore the Waterfall and Glittering Grottoes of Bassin Zim

A few miles north of Hinche, Bassin Zim is a spectacular natural landmark with a waterfall, a chain of turquoise-hued pools and a network of glittering underground grottoes. There’s rumours of buried treasure, but the real treasure is out in the open.

Four people and a motorbike at the shore of Bassin Zim, Haiti — Bassin Zim
Photo: Anton Lau

The magnificent waterfall that is the centrepiece of Bassin Zim isn’t the type that crashes vertically down into the water below – instead, it cascades down the side of the mountain and fans out into a wide basin, creating one of the prettiest sights on the island.

A path winds from the basins all the way up to the top of the waterfall. You can reach the top if you can find your way, and if you’re lucky you might get to watch some experienced Haitians freediving into the pool below. We recommend against travellers trying it though – it’s more dangerous than it looks, and with so many other adventures to be had, why take the risk?

Many believe that after death, “good” or “pure” souls head to Bassin Zim to receive their blessings. There are also those who claim that the Taíno Amerindians who lived on the island before colonization have hidden a bountiful treasure somewhere in the basins or the caves below.

Bassin Zim, Haiti
Photo: Anton Lau

Buried Treasure

Underneath Bassin Zim, there are high-ceilinged grottos that are arguably even lovelier than the basins or the waterfall. With ankle-deep water studded with smooth rocks and stalagmites, the fifty-foot high walls are painted vivid green with moss, and the rivulets of water running down them reflect the outside light, glittering in the cool dark. Stalactites hang from the ceilings, and strange stone shapes mushroom from twists in the folds of rock. For keen photographers, these caverns will provide some striking shots.

The grottos beneath Bassin Zim are just the start – this landscape is full of them, and exploring the network with the help of a friendly guide is a great way to give back as part of trip to Haiti. A hike through nature is low-impact travel for you and a rewarding way for locals to make ends meet. Guides will help you to avoid the menace lurking in some of these caves: though they’re as unlikely to harbour pirates as they are to hide treasure, they have been known to harbour wasps.

Getting to Bassin Zim

From Port-au-Prince:
To get to Bassin Zim from Port-au-Prince, drive towards Hinche and head east out of town on the 308, crossing over the Samana river. About a mile after the river crossing, take the road on your left and follow it north as it climbs through a dry, pastoral landscape, passing several churches on the way.

The lands of what we can call “Midwestern Haiti” are often parched in the dry seasons and swamped under the deluges of the wet – it’s a changeable landscape where the power of nature is felt strongly.

As you near Bassin Zim, the dry road gets rougher, and the grass greener. There’s no turn off to watch for – the road makes a few sharp turns to meet up with the Samana again and ends at Bassin Zim itself.

Entrance fees
Admission is 250 HTG (less than 3 USD) for tourists and 50 HTG for locals.

A note on guides:
Getting to parts of Bassin Zim can be tough, and we recommend hiring a local guide – especially if you plan on jumping in, as it’s notoriously difficult to get down again without a guide.

When it comes to finding a guide, don’t worry – they’ll find you! In fact, if you don’t pick a guide and insist that the other hopeful candidates leave you alone, you can end up in the awkward situation of having several guides accompany you, all expecting to be paid at the end. Choose one (or more) guide, and insist that the rest leave you to it.

Make sure you negotiate a price with your guide before you start – 250 to 500 HTG is a reasonable price. Bring the right bills with you.

Remember, never underestimate the power of the water or the risks associated. If you are not joining a tour, inform your hotel or accommodation owner where you are going and be sure to check the conditions before you trek in. Happy travels!

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published July 2018

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Nine of the Most Beautiful Destinations in Haiti

Sun-kissed and sandy-toed, we’ve toured Haiti to bring you our pick of the most beautiful places on the island. From Cap-Haïtien’s culture-rich streets to Port-a-Piment’s hidden caves, these are the Haitian destinations to escape to this season.

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All countries have their share of surprising or downright amusing facts. Haiti is no exception to this rule!

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a touch of
haitian wisdom

a touch of
haitian wisdom

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

start your day
the Haitian way