Haiti Locations
Port-Au-Prince
Port-Au-Prince is the capital of Haiti and a city that teems with activity of every sort. There are plenty of Churches, museums and classical architecture to please any history buff. Also worth noting is the architectural style aptly named Gingerbread Architecture, which, as its name would indicate, is characterised by graceful balconies with Gothic designs and plenty of decorative lattices, which really creates that fairytale Gingerbread house impression. Check out the Oloffson Hotel to see this style at its finest.
Jacmel
If Port-au-Prince symbolises the frantic nature of life in Haiti, then Jacmel is its tranquil opposite. The buildings may be crumbling, however, you don’t have to work hard to imagine the city in all its elegant grandeur. This city is a haven for artists, poets and other creative sorts. While in Jacmel, you should check out the paper-mache crafts that the city is renowned for. A walk down Rue St-Anne will unearth many of Jacmel’s paper-mache shops.
Croix des Bouquets
This market town is to the east of Port-au-Prince and is worth a day trip to see one of the biggest livestock markets in Haiti, which occurs every Friday. Croix des Bouquets also boasts some fantastic metal sculpture work, all made from flattened oil drums, and often used to symbolise significant Voodoo icons. You can visit a number of the artists’ workshops in the town.
Trou Caiman
If you love wildlife, then you will find that Trou Caiman is the place in Haiti for water bird watching. Whilst maps will probably read Trou Caiman, locals might refer to the area as Eau Gallee. Trou Caiman is located northeast of Croix des Bouquets and is comprised of a large lage with rice fields and saltbush flats surrounding the lake. The lake is home to a large group of greater flamingos as well as heron and ibis birds, and throughout the year merlin and falcons stop by the lake.
Parc La Visite
For hiking, the trail at Parc La Visite is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Haiti. One particular trail winds from Kenscoff to Seguin along the Massif de la Selle. Whilst the hike will take the best part of the day there is a lovely guesthouse at Seguin.
Cap-Haitien
As the second-largest city in Haiti, Cap-Haitien (or O’Cap to the locals) is a relaxed city with a Spanish feel to it. Check out Rue 17 Boulevard and the rows of artisans’ kiosks located there. Woodcarvings, needlework, paintings, sacred amulets and voodoo souvenirs are all available to buy in this area.
Destination – Haiti
