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Haiti
🇭🇹

Haiti

locally: Ayiti

The first free Black republic — Citadelle fortress, Kompa rhythms, and resilience carved in mountains.

Western CaribbeanPort-au-Prince · 11400K27750 km²
Cultural HeritageOff The Beaten PathAdventureFoodieBudget Friendly

Haiti is the Caribbean's most misunderstood destination. Beyond the headlines lies the first nation to abolish slavery, the largest fortress in the Americas, world-class Naïf art, and a food culture rooted in West African and French traditions. Travel here is challenging but profoundly rewarding for those who come prepared.

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Quick facts

Currency

HTG

USD accepted

Language

French

+ Haitian Creole (Kreyòl)

Power

Type A/B

110V · 60Hz

Driving

Right

US-style

Airport

PAP

Toussaint

Emergency

114

Police · Fire

Sustainability

2of 5

Eco rating

Reef: degraded

Citadelle Laferrière — UNESCO World Heritage Site

Macaya National Park biodiversity corridor

Reforestation programs in the southern peninsula

Île-à-Vache eco-tourism development

When to go

Monthly breakdown

Hurricane risk: High

Jan

Best

Feb

Best

Mar

Best

Apr

Rain

May

Rain

Jun

Jul

Aug

Rain

Sep

Rain

Oct

Rain

Nov

Best

Dec

Best

Best monthsRainy season

Major events

Feb

Kanaval (Carnival)

Carnival
May

Haitian Flag Day

Cultural
Nov

Fête Gede

Religious
AD · 728×90

Hidden gems

19.57°N, 72.24°W

Historical

Citadelle Laferrière

The largest fortress in the Americas, built atop a 3,000-foot mountain after the Haitian Revolution.

18.21°N, 72.53°W

Waterfall

Bassin Bleu

A series of turquoise pools and waterfalls hidden in the hills above Jacmel.

19.78°N, 72.25°W

Beach

Labadee (Labadie)

A stunning bay on the north coast with pristine water and mountain-backed shores.

Local food

🍽

Griot

Gluten-FreeSpicy

Marinated, slow-fried pork shoulder served with pikliz (spicy pickled slaw).

🍽

Diri ak Djon Djon

VeganGluten-Free

Black mushroom rice — the mushrooms are unique to Haiti and create an inky, aromatic broth.

🍽

Soup Joumou

Gluten-Free

A UNESCO-recognized pumpkin soup eaten on January 1st to celebrate independence.

Safety tips

!

General

Travel with a local guide or trusted contact — independent travel is challenging due to infrastructure.

!

Crime

Avoid travel after dark outside of known secure areas.

!

General

Check your government's travel advisory before booking — security conditions change frequently.

!

Health

Drink bottled water only and be cautious with street food hygiene.

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