Haiti, Caribbean: Where It Is, When to Go, and What to See

Country of the Caribbean sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, Haiti, despite having suffered a major earthquake in 2010, has managed to preserve much of its historical heritage from the 19th century. Certainly less touristy than its neighbor, this country is a land of contrasts due to widespread poverty. However, it possesses a very interesting cultural and historical heritage filled with art and voodoo rites, and also has paradisiacal beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters.

So let's discover together everything you need to know to organize a trip to Haiti: where it is located, when to go, and what to see!

Population 9,900,000

Capital Port-au-Prince

Languages French, Creole, English

Local Currency Haitian Gourde (HTG) / €1.00 = 131.90 HTG

Climate tropical humid with two seasons, one less hot from November to March with average temperatures between 22° and 26°, and a hotter one from April to October with average temperatures around 30°

Time Zone GMT-5 (-6 hours compared to Italy; -7 hours when daylight saving time is in effect)

Vaccinations vaccination against yellow fever for travelers coming from countries at risk of disease transmission. Strongly recommended typhoid and cholera vaccinations

Entry Requirements passport with at least 6 months validity; visa required, issued at the airport upon entry into the country, cost €10.00. Travel insurance is highly recommended

Distance from the U.S. 8,187 km (29 hours of flight with several layovers) from New York to Port-au-Prince

Safety Information Haiti is often affected by natural disasters (it experiences hurricanes). Before departure and during your trip, always stay updated on the official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, section Haiti

Haiti occupies the western part of the island of Hispaniola, is part of the Greater Antilles, and is located east of Cuba. It borders the Dominican Republic to the east, is washed by the North Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the Caribbean Sea to the south.

Haiti is served by Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. There are no direct flights from the U.S. British Airways, in partnership with American Airlines, offers connections with layovers in London and Miami. Iberia and American Airlines connect New York or Chicago to Haiti with layovers in Madrid and Miami. Average travel time is around 30 hours, cost starting from €900.00 - Compare flights from New York or Chicago

Climate tropical, warm all year round, characterized by a dry season from December to February and a rainy season from April to October. The sea is warm all year round.

Best Time from December to March, dry season and milder temperatures

Time to Avoid from June to November, with a higher probability between August and October, Haiti can be hit by hurricanes, which can be dangerous and sometimes destructive.

Recommendations pack light clothing, a sweater for the evening, and for those wanting to hike in the mountains, a jacket and sneakers. For the sea, bring snorkeling gear, swimsuits, sunscreen, and headwear to protect against the sun.

Port-au-Prince is the capital and the most populous city of Haiti. Noisy and bustling, it was founded in 1770 by the French. Don't miss the Marché de Fer (Iron Market), a bright structure with Asian influences, and the Musèè du Pantheon National, featuring various artifacts such as the anchor from Columbus's Santa Maria. Get directions

The Citadelle Laferrière is an important historical testimony from the pages of history where slavery rebelled against French rule. This fortress overlooking the jungle was equipped with 365 cannons and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible on foot from the town of Milot. Get directions

Jacmel is a beautiful port city on the southern coast of Haiti and is considered the capital of craftsmanship. It also offers some lovely beaches and is famous for its carnival celebrations in February. Enjoy a stroll through its shops in search of the perfect souvenir, then end the day with a fish dinner at one of the port restaurants. Get directions

Bassin Bleu is one of the most unique attractions in Haiti. It is a stunning natural area characterized by waterfalls, caves, and lakes, not far from Jacmel. The ideal way to explore is to organize walks on foot or horseback. Get directions

Labadie Beach is one of the main tourist attractions of all Haiti, famous for its coral reef that attracts snorkelers and divers. The ideal way to explore is by taking a cruise that allows you to discover the entire coast while relaxing under the sun. Get directions

Amiga Island is a small island off the northern coast of Haiti. Accessible only by boat, it is a must-see, characterized by clear waters and sea beds ideal for snorkeling due to the incredible marine life. You can join excursions that leave from the coast. Get directions

Plaine du Cul de Sac is a perfect area if you want to walk among herons, flamingos, and ducks. Near the border with the Dominican Republic, it is the ideal place for nature lovers, with hikes and walks of varying difficulty. Get directions

Pic Macaya National Park is an important national park that includes two hills cut by deep gorges that give rise to large rivers, and culminates at 2,347 m at the peak of Macaya. Characterized by lush vegetation, it is home to 65 species of birds, some of which are endemic. Get directions

The Barbancourt Rum Distillery is a must-visit for rum enthusiasts. In this distillery, open to visitors, you can learn the secrets of this exquisite alcoholic beverage. At the end of the tour, tastings are also organized, and you can purchase what you prefer. Get directions

Sans Souci Palace and the ancient home of King Henri Christophe, with architecture that, in its time, rivaled the beauty of splendid European palaces. Today, unfortunately, only the ruins remain, but it is still worth a visit. Located 15 km from Cap-Haïtien in the small town of Milot. Get directions

This 10-day itinerary covers the capital Port-au-Prince and the northern and southeastern regions of Haiti. It offers a mix of colonial and post-colonial history, vibrant art, natural landscapes, and a taste of the beaches.

Haiti is a less touristy country, so accommodations are limited and mainly consist of modest inns or colonial hotels. The most frequented areas by tourists are Port-au-Prince, Pétionville, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes, and the Gonâve Bay area; and the cost for one night ranges from around 3,280.00 HTG (€24.80) to 3,940.00 HTG (€29.80)

Regarding food, there are various opportunities from street stalls offering typical street food, fruit, and drinks to seaside restaurants serving fresh fish. Costs are low, averaging from 400.00 HTG (€3.00) to 1,970.00 HTG (€14.90).

As for transportation, renting a car is not recommended because the roads are in poor condition and directions are completely absent! It is thus preferable to use car rentals with drivers or taxis which are quite economical, averaging 1,310.00 HTG (€9.90) for 50 km.

The preferred areas are Port-au-Prince and Pétionville, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes, and the Gonâve Bay area. Hotels and B&Bs start from €25.00 per room - view offers

Low-cost flights to Port-au-Prince starting from €870.00 - view offers

Food costs stop by the stalls that offer typical street food and at the seaside restaurants serving fresh fish. Costs are low, averaging from 400.00 HTG (€3.00) to 1,970.00 HTG (€14.90)

Transportation costs prefer to rely on car rentals with drivers or taxis which are quite economical, averaging 1,310.00 HTG (€9.90) for 50 km

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