Haiti – Rising from the Rubble
Haiti is like nowhere else in the Caribbean, fashioned by revolutionary slaves, voodoo worship and artistic flair. Recent times have been tough, but – five years on from the devastating earthquake – the nation is rising from the rubble. Know more about Haiti by reading most of the article below.
Citadelle La Ferrière. Hike or ride a donkey up to this well-preserved 18th-century fort set amid verdant hills. Côte des Arcadins. Find white sand and fresh air on this stretch of coast, an escape from the city for locals and travelers. Do head into the mountain villages behind at Kay Piat – the views are incredible. Port-au-Prince. Haiti’s capital has to be experienced to be believed – a chaotic mix of brightly painted tap taps, market vendors and gingerbread houses. Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve. Check out the commendable work being done by the Wynne family, who are trying to teach locals about farming, recycling and looking after the landscape. Bassin Bleu. Find refreshment at these three cascade-splashed cobalt lagoons; climb as high as you dare then plummet from the rocks–or just gasp at your guides. Jacmel. A laid back sea city with an arty vibe. Do visit the FOSAJ art school to see the next generation of local artists creating their masterpieces. Getting there
There are no direct flights to Haiti from the UK. American Airlines flies to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien daily from Miami (2hrs) and New York (4hrs). Flights from London to Miami take ten hours and start from £650 return. You can fly to Haiti from the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo or Punta Cana) and Panama with other airlines. Getting around You can rent a car, or a car and driver, but the price is high and conditions difficult. The roads are often unpaved and potholed and other drivers are fast and erratic. Other options are taxis, these can be hired privately (always agree the fee before departure) or shared (other passengers will be picked up on route). Moto-taxis are readily available but you won’t be given a helmet and your driver will drive fast. Tap taps, the brightly decorated buses and pick-ups, are cheap but hot, often crammed full and slow. For more comfort, try companies such as Voyages Lumière and Agence Citadelle, which can organize private, airconditioned vehicles as well as offers excursions and tours throughout Haiti. Sunrise Airways flies daily between Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince; from US$186 return. G Adventures, Exodus, Intrepid, Steppes Travel, Undiscovered Destinations and Wild Frontiers all offer trips to Haiti including most of the highlights mentioned here. Food Like most things in Haiti, the local food is a fusion of flavors and styles. Fried plantain is a staple – either as part of a meal or as crisps for a snack. Main meals always include diri ak pwa (rice and beans), often served with chicken, beef or fish. Vegetarians should ask for a meat-less version, though be aware it may be cooked in meat stock. Try diri ak djon djon – rice cooked with small mushrooms. More Travel Tips and Destination on: Vacation-Now.com