Top 15 Attractions in Haiti

Haiti is the land where Columbus first set foot on his way to India. It was from here that the acquaintance of mankind with a new, unknown world began. Columbus was impressed by these lands and the people who lived there. Local residents saved the sailors, whose ship began to sink, and after that for centuries they defended their freedom, which was taken away by the “saved”.

Haiti has a rich history. Due to numerous attacks, the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere appeared on the island. She is a symbol of the independence of the Haitians, who zealously defended their freedom. Haiti is a very poor country, but people here have not yet learned to see tourists as sources of income. No one will beg for anything here. Although the people are poor, they are friendly, and in the colorful and colorful cities, poverty is lost and completely invisible.

Haiti has two magnificent national parks with high mountain peaks. And very close to them are sunny beaches with white sand. Cruise ships often sail here. Haiti is a country where you can touch the mysterious Voodoo culture, see those distant Caribbean with your own eyes, relax on the beach, look at majestic buildings and try traditional food at affordable prices.

What to see in Haiti?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

City of Cap-Haitien

The second largest city in Haiti. It was founded in 1670 by the French. Once it was the capital of the state. The city consists of a pretty cobweb of boulevards and streets, decorated with trees, under which residents hide from the heat. The main attractions of Cap-Haitien are the Sanssouci Palace, the Haitien Citadel, the Laferrier citadel, which is called the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

Citadel Laferriere

A symbol of the independence of Haiti, behind the construction of which were the titanic efforts of the subjects of the king. The citadel was erected 27 km from Cap-Haitien on a mountain 910 m high to protect against the French. 365 cannons are placed in the walls, near which you can see mountains of shells. It is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere. Its area is 10 thousand m², the height of the walls reaches 40 m, and its construction lasted 15 years.

Port-au-Prince

It is the capital of Haiti and the main port of the state. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Gonave. This is a natural bay, which has been a center of trade since ancient times. It was founded in 1749 by the French, and since then it has become the largest city in the country. Port-au-Prince is built in the form of an amphitheater: commercial areas are near the water, and residential areas are on the hillsides. The architecture in the center of the city is very beautiful.

Labadi Island

Paradise place for tourists visiting Haiti. The island is adjacent to the mountains, it offers magnificent panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean. The port of Labadi is owned by the Royal Caribbean company, which brings vacationers there on the liner. The beaches are clean, well-groomed, there are many souvenir shops, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Lake Ethan Sumatra

Due to its salinity, the water in the lake is not suitable for use, but this only attracts tourists. Fans of extreme sports and ecotourism come here. Flamingos, American crocodiles, more than 100 species of birds live on the lake with an area of ​​170 km². Here you can go diving and skysurfing, but you need to be careful, because predators live at the bottom.

Sanssouci Palace

Not far from Cap-Haitien are the ruins of the Sanssouci Palace. It was the luxurious residence of King Henri Christophe, which was built by slaves in 1810-1813. The name of the palace is translated as "carefree". It was located near the citadel of Laferriere, where the ruler could hide in case of danger. But the king's carefree life ended in his suicide. Therefore, local residents bypass the palace side.

petionville

The fourth largest city in Haiti. It was founded in 1831, when Jean-Pierre Boye ruled the country. And they named it in honor of the fighter for independence - Alexander Petion. The city attracts tourists with its culture and history. Here you can eat delicious traditional food in restaurants or cafes, go to a pub or have fun in a club. Petionville is an attractive and safe city.

Artibonite River

The main body of water in the country is the Artibonite River. It originates in the Dominican Republic, in the mountains of the Cordillera Central, and then flows for 240 km through the western part of Haiti. The Peligr hydroelectric power station was built on it, which provides energy for most of the country. The river valley is very picturesque and fertile; it attracts tourists with its landscapes.

Macaya Peak National Park

Macaya Peak was founded in 1983 in the south of the country. This is the only place in Haiti where the cloud forests have remained untouched. The park is named after the highest peak in its territory. Macaya Peak is 2347 meters high. This is the second highest peak in Haiti. The park presents the rich nature of the country, home to many birds and animals.

Lake Peligr

The second largest lake is located on the Central Plateau, in the heart of the island. The appearance of the lake was provoked by the construction of the Peligr hydroelectric power station on the Artibonite River. It is remarkable for its blue, calm waters, surrounded by high, green mountains. It is this landscape that you can see when you arrive at the lake.

City of Jacmel

This is an ancient city in the south of Haiti. It was founded in 1698 by the French. They named it after the locals, but in a French way. Jacmel has a beautiful waterfall with picturesque nature, pretty streets and a sunny beach. It has many restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops, bars. The views from the beach are excellent.

La Visite National Park

This is Haiti's second national park. It was formed in 1983. The area of ​​the park is 30 km². There are mountains on the territory, the highest of which is 2275 m, steppes and forests. Many trees grow in the park, different species of animals live. Tourists, in addition to ecotourism, are engaged in cycling in the park.

Village of the Croix-de-Bouquet

In the early 50s of the XX century, Georges Liautaud began to forge decorations for the local cemetery. Then an art agent suggested that he start making metal sculptures that would symbolize spirits and voodoo rituals. The village of Croix-de-Bouquet was created by the apprentices of the master, "voodoo blacksmiths". Tourists can see their workshops, exhibitions, get acquainted with the mystical culture. This is a popular sightseeing spot.

Cathedral of Cap-Haitien

Cap-Haitien Cathedral is located in the central square of the city of Haiti with the same name. It was laid down around 1878, and construction dragged on for decades. The cathedral is snow-white, with beige columns and a sky-colored dome. It has two bell towers and three main entrances. This is a Haitian representative of colonial architecture. On the square near the cathedral stands a monument to the national hero Toussaint Louverture.

Trou Cayman Lake

This is a small salt lake, which is located in the Cul de Sac valley. Its area is 16 km². From French, the name of the reservoir is translated as "cayman's hole". This lake is the best place on the island for bird watching. There is a colony of 150 flamingos, rare ibises, ducks, seven varieties of herons live here.