Haiti

Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, sharing borders with the Dominican Republic to the east and facing Cuba across the Windward Passage to the northwest. It is a land of dramatic contrasts—towering mountain ranges plunging into turquoise waters, vibrant street art covering earthquake-scarred walls, and a people whose resilience and creative spirit have defied centuries of hardship.

This is the country that changed the world in 1804, when enslaved Africans overthrew one of history's most powerful colonial empires and declared independence—creating the first free Black republic and only the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. That revolutionary spirit pulses through everything in Haiti today: the thunderous rhythms of rara street processions, the bold colors of naïve paintings sold along roadsides, the layered spirituality of Vodou ceremonies where African and Catholic traditions intertwine, and the fierce pride of a people who call their homeland "Ayiti"—mountainous land.

For travelers willing to look beyond the headlines, Haiti offers experiences found nowhere else in the Caribbean. The Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress perched atop a mountain at 900 meters, stands as a monument to human determination. The colonial streets of Jacmel host one of the Caribbean's most spectacular carnival celebrations. Pristine beaches at Île-à-Vache and Labadee rival any in the region. And everywhere, the warmth of Haitian hospitality—"bienvini"—transforms strangers into family.

The name "Haiti" derives from "Ayiti," a word in the indigenous Taíno language meaning "land of high mountains" or "mountainous land." When Jean-Jacques Dessalines proclaimed independence on January 1, 1804, he deliberately chose this pre-colonial name—rejecting the French "Saint-Domingue"—as a powerful act of reclaiming the island's original identity from its colonizers.

The Haitian flag tells a revolutionary story. During the independence struggle, rebel leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines tore the white stripe from the French tricolor, symbolically removing the colonizers from the nation's identity. The remaining blue and red bands were sewn together—blue representing Haiti's Black citizens, red its mixed-race population—united in their fight for freedom. The coat of arms at center displays a palm tree topped with a liberty cap, flanked by cannons and cannonballs, with the national motto: "L'Union Fait la Force" (Unity Makes Strength).

Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen) serves as the true lingua franca, spoken by virtually all 12 million Haitians. Born from the fusion of French, West African languages, Taíno vocabulary, and Spanish and Portuguese influences, Creole evolved among enslaved Africans who needed a common language across their diverse ethnic origins. French remains an official language but is spoken fluently by only about 5% of the population, creating a persistent linguistic divide that mirrors deeper social inequalities.

For visitors, understanding this identity question enriches every interaction. Haitians are fiercely proud of their revolutionary heritage—the knowledge that their ancestors achieved what no other enslaved people in history accomplished shapes a national character defined by resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable sense of dignity.

Haiti covers 27,750 square kilometers of the western third of Hispaniola—the second-largest island in the Caribbean. Four major mountain ranges run roughly east to west across the country, creating dramatic landscapes where peaks exceeding 2,600 meters give way to coastal plains and fertile valleys. The highest point, Pic la Selle, reaches 2,680 meters in the Massif de la Hotte range in the country's southeastern peninsula.

The country divides into ten administrative departments. The Ouest department, home to Port-au-Prince and roughly a third of the population, dominates the political and economic landscape. The Nord department centers on Cap-Haïtien, Haiti's second city and gateway to the Citadelle. The Sud department offers some of the country's most beautiful beaches and the charming town of Les Cayes. The remote Grande'Anse and Nippes departments remain among the least developed.

Two major peninsulas extend from the mainland—the northern peninsula toward Cuba and the southern Tiburon Peninsula toward Jamaica—creating the massive Gulf of Gonâve. Within this gulf sits Gonâve Island, at 290 square kilometers the country's largest offshore island. To the north, Tortuga Island (Île de la Tortue) was once the legendary base of Caribbean pirates and buccaneers in the 17th century.

Haiti's rivers are numerous but mostly short and unnavigable. The longest, the Artibonite River (320 km), rises in the Dominican Republic and flows through Haiti's most productive agricultural valley before emptying into the Gulf of Gonâve. Deforestation has been catastrophic—forest cover dropped from roughly 60% in 1923 to less than 2% today—creating severe erosion, flooding, and soil degradation that compound the country's development challenges.

Hispaniola was home to the Taíno people for centuries before Christopher Columbus landed on its northern coast in December 1492, establishing La Navidad—the first European settlement in the Americas. Within decades, the indigenous population was decimated by disease, forced labor, and violence. Spain controlled the island until 1697, when the Treaty of Ryswick ceded the western third to France, creating Saint-Domingue.

Under French colonial rule, Saint-Domingue became the wealthiest colony in the Caribbean—and one of the most brutal. Hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans worked sugar, coffee, and indigo plantations under horrific conditions. By the late 18th century, the colony produced roughly 40% of Europe's sugar and 60% of its coffee, generating enormous wealth built entirely on human suffering.

In August 1791, a Vodou ceremony at Bois Caïman sparked the Haitian Revolution—thirteen years of fierce fighting that culminated in independence on January 1, 1804. Led by figures like Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Henri Christophe, the revolt defeated Napoleon's armies and created the world's first Black republic. France demanded crushing reparations in 1825—150 million francs (later reduced to 90 million)—that Haiti did not finish paying until 1947, crippling the economy for generations.

The 20th century brought U.S. military occupation (1915–1934), the brutal Duvalier dictatorships of "Papa Doc" (1957–1971) and "Baby Doc" (1971–1986), and cycles of coups, political instability, and natural disasters. The catastrophic earthquake of January 12, 2010, killed an estimated 200,000–300,000 people and devastated Port-au-Prince. Hurricane Matthew (2016), the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse (2021), and escalating gang violence have continued to challenge the nation's recovery.

Haiti's approximately 11.9 million people are predominantly of African descent, tracing their ancestry to the hundreds of thousands of West and Central Africans brought to Saint-Domingue during the transatlantic slave trade. A smaller mixed-race (mulâtre) population has historically held disproportionate economic and political influence, creating social tensions that have shaped Haitian politics since independence.

Music pulses through Haitian life. Kompa (compas), created by Nemours Jean-Baptiste in 1955, is the dominant popular genre—a mid-tempo dance rhythm featuring electric guitars and keyboards that fills clubs and street parties alike. Rara, associated with the Lenten season, involves elaborate street processions with handmade bamboo trumpets (vaksin), drums, and costumed dancers. Twoubadou draws from Cuban son and offers acoustic, romantic ballads. More recently, rasin (roots music) blends traditional Vodou rhythms with rock and jazz, while hip hop kreyòl has captured younger generations.

Haitian visual art is world-renowned. The naïve painting tradition, flourishing since the 1940s when American watercolorist DeWitt Peters founded the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince, features brilliant colors, bold compositions, and subjects ranging from market scenes to Vodou spirits. The metalwork artisans of Croix-des-Bouquets transform recycled oil drums into intricate sculptures and wall hangings. Haitian literature has produced internationally acclaimed writers including Jacques Roumain, Edwidge Danticat, and Dany Laferrière.

Religion in Haiti defies simple categorization. The majority identify as Christian—roughly 55% Catholic, 29% Protestant—but Vodou, officially recognized as a religion in 2003, permeates the cultural fabric. Many Haitians practice both Vodou and Christianity without contradiction, reflecting a worldview where the spiritual and the material exist in constant dialogue.

Port-au-Prince sprawls across a natural amphitheater rising from the shores of the Gulf of Gonâve, home to roughly three million people in its metropolitan area—a quarter of Haiti's entire population. Founded by the French in 1749, the city became the colonial capital of Saint-Domingue and has served as Haiti's capital since independence. Its name likely derives from a ship, Le Prince, that once sheltered in its harbor.

The city presents extremes. Pétion-Ville, perched on the hillside above, hosts upscale restaurants, galleries, and hotels where Haiti's business elite and international community gather. Below, the densely packed neighborhoods of the lower city pulse with the energy of massive street markets—the Iron Market (Marché en Fer), rebuilt after the 2010 earthquake, remains a landmark of wrought-iron architecture originally fabricated in France. The National Palace, once the seat of government, was destroyed in the earthquake and its rubble has since been cleared.

Cultural life persists despite the challenges. The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien (MUPANAH) preserves artifacts from the revolution, including the anchor from Columbus's Santa María. The Holy Trinity Cathedral featured world-famous murals depicting Biblical scenes with Haitian faces—tragically destroyed in the earthquake. Street murals, galleries in Pétion-Ville, and live music venues keep the creative spirit alive.

For travelers, Port-au-Prince demands caution due to ongoing security concerns, but also rewards with authentic encounters unavailable in sanitized resort destinations. The city's energy, its markets, its art scene, and the warmth of its people offer glimpses into the real heartbeat of Haiti.

Cap-Haïtien, Haiti's second-largest city with roughly 300,000 people, was once the "Paris of the Antilles"—the wealthiest colonial city in the Caribbean under French rule. Founded in 1670 as Cap-Français, it served as the capital of Saint-Domingue and the epicenter of the revolution. Today, its grid of colonial-era streets, faded pastel facades, and relatively calmer atmosphere make it the preferred base for exploring northern Haiti.

The city serves as the gateway to Haiti's greatest historical treasures. From here, travelers can reach the Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace—both part of the UNESCO World Heritage National History Park. The journey to Milot, the town at the foot of the Citadelle, takes about an hour by road, followed by a memorable ascent on foot or by mule.

Nearby, the Battle of Vertières site commemorates the decisive November 1803 engagement where Haitian forces under Dessalines defeated Napoleon's army, securing independence. The Vertières Monument stands as a tribute to this pivotal moment. Beautiful beaches at Labadee (leased by Royal Caribbean cruise line) and Cormier Plage lie along the coast west of the city.

The Citadelle Laferrière is the crown jewel of Haiti's cultural heritage and one of the most extraordinary structures in the Americas. Built between 1805 and 1820 by King Henri Christophe atop the 900-meter peak of Bonnet à l'Évêque mountain, this massive fortress was designed to defend the newly independent nation against any French attempt to reimpose slavery. It is the largest fortress in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

The statistics stagger: walls up to 4 meters thick rising 40 meters high, a garrison capacity of 5,000 soldiers with enough supplies for a year-long siege, and an arsenal of 365 cannons—many still in place today, captured from the French, British, and Spanish. An estimated 20,000 workers labored for 15 years to construct it, hauling stones and cannons up the mountainside by hand and mule. The human cost was enormous, and the fortress stands as both a monument to freedom and a reminder of the sacrifices required to build a new nation.

Below the Citadelle, the ruins of Sans-Souci Palace—Christophe's royal residence, modeled on Versailles—offer a haunting glimpse of the brief but ambitious Haitian kingdom. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1842, the palace's remaining walls, grand staircase, and garden layout still convey the extraordinary ambition of a formerly enslaved man who built a kingdom.

Visiting requires a trek from Milot—roughly 90 minutes uphill on foot or 45 minutes by mule (available for hire). The effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the northern coast and surrounding mountains. Go early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.

Jacmel, a charming coastal town on Haiti's southern coast, is widely considered the cultural and artistic heart of the country. Founded in 1698 on the site of a Taíno village, it prospered as a coffee-exporting port in the 19th century, and its well-preserved Gingerbread-style colonial architecture—ornate wooden fretwork, wrought-iron balconies, and pastel-painted facades—earned it a place on Haiti's UNESCO Tentative List.

Jacmel's Carnival, held in the weeks before Lent, is legendary—often described as more authentic and artistic than the larger Port-au-Prince celebration. Enormous papier-mâché masks and sculptures, many depicting Vodou spirits and fantastical creatures, are paraded through the streets in a explosion of color, music, and communal celebration. The town's artisan tradition produces these carnival masks year-round, and visitors can watch craftspeople at work in small workshops throughout the town.

The town also boasts excellent beaches at Raymond-les-Bains and the striking Bassin Bleu—a series of natural cobalt-blue pools and waterfalls hidden in the mountains above town, reachable by a scenic hike. The Jacmel Film Festival, launched in 2004, has become an important regional cultural event celebrating Caribbean cinema.

Despite Haiti's challenges, the country possesses some of the Caribbean's most beautiful and least-developed beaches. Labadee, a private peninsula on the northern coast near Cap-Haïtien, is leased by Royal Caribbean International as an exclusive port of call for cruise ships. Its pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings offer a manicured paradise—though one entirely fenced off from the surrounding communities.

More authentic beach experiences await elsewhere. Île-à-Vache (Cow Island), off the southern coast near Les Cayes, offers tranquil beaches, fishing villages, and a pace of life untouched by mass tourism. Cormier Plage, west of Cap-Haïtien, provides a lovely stretch of sand with basic amenities. Kaliko Beach, north of Léogâne, and the beaches around Montrouis on the Côte des Arcadins offer relatively accessible coastal escapes from Port-au-Prince.

Haiti's surrounding waters teem with coral reefs, particularly around La Gonâve island and the southern coast. Diving and snorkeling are excellent but infrastructure is limited—bring your own equipment or arrange through established operators. The annual migration of humpback whales through the Windward Passage (January–March) offers spectacular whale-watching opportunities.

Haitian Vodou (not "voodoo"—a term laden with Hollywood distortion) is a rich, complex spiritual tradition that developed among enslaved Africans in Saint-Domingue. It blends the religious practices of Fon, Yoruba, and Kongo peoples with elements of Roman Catholicism imposed by French colonizers. Officially recognized as a religion in Haiti since 2003, Vodou is practiced by a significant portion of the population, often alongside Christianity.

At the heart of Vodou is the relationship between practitioners and the lwa (spirits or deities), who serve as intermediaries between humanity and Bondye (God). Ceremonies involve drumming, singing, dancing, and the drawing of elaborate sacred symbols called vèvè on the ground. An oungan (priest) or manbo (priestess) leads rituals where participants may experience spirit possession—considered a sacred honor, as a lwa "rides" the individual to communicate with the community.

Vodou played a pivotal role in Haitian history. The legendary 1791 ceremony at Bois Caïman, led by the oungan Boukman, is credited with sparking the revolution. The tradition has deeply influenced Haitian art, music, literature, and medicine. Sacred sites include the Saut-d'Eau waterfall (where thousands gather each July for ritual bathing), the caves of Souvenance, and numerous temples (peristyles) throughout the country.

For respectful visitors, attending a Vodou ceremony offers an extraordinary cultural experience. Always seek an introduction through a trusted local contact, bring a small offering, and observe without photographing unless explicitly permitted.

Haitian cuisine is a bold Creole fusion of African, French, Taíno, and Spanish influences—hearty, flavorful, and built around rice, beans, plantains, and spicy seasonings. The foundation of most Haitian cooking is épis (or epis), a green seasoning paste of scallions, thyme, parsley, garlic, peppers, and citrus juice that flavors virtually everything.

National Dishes: Griyo (Griot) — marinated pork shoulder braised then deep-fried until crispy, served with pikliz and bannann peze (fried plantains). Considered Haiti's national dish. Diri ak Djon Djon — rice cooked with dried black mushrooms unique to Haiti, producing a jet-black, earthy, aromatic dish. Diri ak Pwa (rice and beans) — the everyday staple, often topped with a stew or sauce.

Other Favorites: Pikliz — fiery pickled cabbage, carrot, and scotch bonnet relish accompanying every meal. Soup Joumou — hearty pumpkin soup served on January 1st to celebrate independence (enslaved people were forbidden from eating it). Tasso — spicy fried goat or beef. Lambi — conch prepared in various ways. Akasan — thick, sweet corn-based porridge for breakfast.

Beverages: Rhum Barbancourt — Haiti's world-renowned rum, aged up to 15 years, rivaling the finest French cognacs. Crémas (Kremas) — sweet, creamy coconut-rum drink, Haiti's answer to Irish cream. Prestige — the national beer. Clairin — raw sugarcane spirit used in Vodou rituals and everyday drinking.

Diri ak Djon Djon

Black Mushroom Rice

Rice cooked with dried black mushrooms—jet black and uniquely Haitian.

Ingredients: 240ml rice, 120ml dried djon djon mushrooms, lima beans, épis (green seasoning paste), butter, thyme, cloves.

Preparation: Soak mushrooms, save black liquid. Sauté épis, add beans. Add rice and mushroom liquid. Season with thyme, cloves. Cook until done. Stir in butter.

💡 The mushroom soaking liquid creates the distinctive black color.

Griot

Fried Pork — Haiti's National Dish

Twice-cooked pork—braised then fried until crispy.

Ingredients: 500g pork shoulder (cubed), sour orange or lime + orange juice, épis, scotch bonnet pepper, oil for frying.

Preparation: Marinate pork in citrus and épis overnight. Simmer in marinade until tender. Drain and dry completely. Deep fry until golden and crispy. Serve with pikliz and bannann peze (fried plantains).

💡 The two-stage cooking is the secret—tender inside, crispy outside.

Pikliz

Spicy Pickled Slaw

Fiery pickled cabbage relish—served with everything.

Ingredients: ½ cabbage (shredded fine), 2 carrots (julienned), 1 onion (sliced), scotch bonnet peppers, white vinegar, cloves, peppercorns.

Preparation: Shred vegetables finely. Add whole scotch bonnets. Pack in jar with spices. Cover with vinegar. Refrigerate at least 3 days. Keeps for weeks.

💡 The longer it sits, the hotter and better it gets.

Best Time: November through March offers the most pleasant weather—warm days, cooler nights, and minimal rainfall. Haiti's tropical climate means temperatures remain warm year-round. The mountains are significantly cooler (Kenscoff above Port-au-Prince sits at 1,500m and can feel positively chilly). Hurricane season runs June through November, with the greatest risk in August–October.

By Air: Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince is the main gateway, with flights from Miami (1.5 hours), New York/JFK (3.5 hours), Fort Lauderdale, and other US cities. American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines operate regular routes. Cap-Haïtien's Hugo Chávez International Airport (CAP) has limited international flights. Note: airport operations can be disrupted by security conditions—check current status before booking.

By Sea: Royal Caribbean cruise ships call at Labadee on Haiti's northern coast. Independent ferry service connects the Dominican Republic with Haiti at various border crossings. Some adventurous travelers arrive by sailboat to various ports along the coast.

Overland from Dominican Republic: Several border crossings exist, with Ouanaminthe/Dajabón in the north and Malpasse/Jimaní near Port-au-Prince being the most used. Cross-border buses operate when conditions permit. Conditions at border crossings can be chaotic—patience and flexibility are essential.

Visa: Many nationalities receive visa-free entry or visa on arrival for stays up to 90 days. A $10 tourist card fee is collected at the airport. Passport must be valid for at least six months. Always verify current requirements with the nearest Haitian embassy before travel.

Money: The Haitian Gourde (HTG) is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted, especially for larger transactions. ATMs exist in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien but can be unreliable. Carry cash in small denominations. Credit cards accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants only.

Communications: Digicel is the dominant mobile provider with reasonable coverage in urban areas. Data/internet access is limited outside major cities. Wi-Fi available at hotels and some restaurants in Pétion-Ville and Cap-Haïtien. Time Zone: EST (UTC-5), same as New York.

Getting Around: Tap-taps (colorfully decorated shared pickup trucks/buses) are the primary public transport—cheap, vibrant, and uniquely Haitian. Motos (motorcycle taxis) navigate Port-au-Prince's traffic. Private car hire with driver is recommended for tourists. Road conditions are poor outside major routes. Domestic flights connect Port-au-Prince with Cap-Haïtien and Jérémie.

Safety: Security is a serious concern, particularly in Port-au-Prince. Travel with vetted local guides or established organizations. Avoid displaying valuables. Do not travel at night. Register with your embassy. Medical facilities are very limited—comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.

Health: Tap water is not safe to drink—bottled water only. Mosquito protection is important (malaria, dengue, Zika). No mandatory vaccinations, but hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Cholera risk exists—strict water/food hygiene essential.

Haiti is affordable for basic expenses but mid-range and luxury options carry a premium due to import costs and limited supply. Budget travelers can manage on $30-50/day, mid-range on $70-120/day. International-standard hotels and restaurants are significantly more expensive than local alternatives.

Haiti's accommodation options range from basic guesthouses to comfortable hotels, though international luxury chains are absent. Port-au-Prince/Pétion-Ville: Royal Oasis (upscale, $120-200), Marriott (the first international brand, $100-180), Le Plaza Hotel ($60-100), plus numerous guesthouses ($20-50). Pétion-Ville has the best selection of quality accommodation.

Cap-Haïtien: Hotel Roi Henri Christophe (historic, central, $50-90), Habitation des Lauriers ($40-70), Mont Joli Hotel ($50-80). Jacmel: Hotel Florita (charming Gingerbread building, $40-70), Cap Lamandou Beach Hotel ($60-100). Île-à-Vache: Abaka Bay Resort ($80-150).

Tips: Book in advance, especially during Carnival season. Confirm generator availability (power cuts are constant). Many guesthouses and smaller hotels are cash-only. Airbnb listings exist but verify carefully. Church missions and NGO guesthouses sometimes accept travelers—a practical and community-connected option.

Independence Day (January 1) — Haiti celebrates independence with soup joumou, the pumpkin soup that enslaved people were once forbidden to eat. Families gather nationwide for this deeply symbolic meal. Carnival (Kanaval) — February/March, the biggest celebration of the year. Port-au-Prince and Jacmel host the most elaborate festivities with floats, kompa bands, rara processions, and spectacular papier-mâché masks.

Rara Season (Lent to Easter) — Processions of musicians with vaksin (bamboo trumpets), drums, and dancers wind through towns and countryside. Part spiritual ritual, part political expression, part pure celebration. Saut-d'Eau Pilgrimage (July 16) — Thousands of Vodou practitioners and Catholics gather at the sacred waterfall near Mirebalais for ritual bathing, prayers, and ceremonies honoring the Virgin Mary and the lwa Erzulie.

Flag Day (May 18) — Celebrates the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803 with patriotic events, parades, and cultural celebrations. Fèt Gede (November 1-2) — Day of the Dead celebrations honoring the Gede spirits in Vodou, with ceremonies at cemeteries, particularly the Grand Cemetery in Port-au-Prince.

Bassin Bleu — A series of stunning cobalt-blue natural pools and waterfalls hidden in the mountains above Jacmel. The hike through the jungle to reach them is part of the magic. Local guides are essential and available in Jacmel. Saut-Mathurine — Haiti's largest waterfall (30 meters) near Les Cayes, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

Île de la Tortue — Once the legendary pirate stronghold of the Caribbean, Tortuga Island today is a tranquil, largely undeveloped island off Haiti's northern coast, accessible by boat from Port-de-Paix. Beautiful beaches, historic cave dwellings, and a sense of isolation. Kenscoff & Furcy — Cool mountain villages above Port-au-Prince at 1,500m elevation, offering pine forests, flower gardens, and stunning views—a world away from the heat and chaos of the capital below.

Croix-des-Bouquets — Village of master metalwork artisans who transform recycled oil drums into extraordinary sculptures. Watch craftsmen at work and purchase directly. Grottes de Marie-Jeanne — The longest cave system in the Caribbean (over 5 km), located near Port-à-Piment on the southern coast, featuring spectacular formations and underground rivers.

Essential: Valid passport (6+ months validity), cash in US dollars (small bills), comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation, unlocked phone for Digicel SIM, copies of all documents stored digitally.

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics. Modest clothing outside beach areas (Haitians dress smartly). Sturdy walking shoes for Citadelle trek and rough roads. Rain jacket or poncho. Swimwear. Light layers for mountain areas (Kenscoff/Furcy can be cool). Health: Strong sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET-based), water purification tablets, basic first aid kit, prescription medications with documentation, anti-diarrheal medicine.

Useful Extras: Headlamp/flashlight (power cuts are constant), portable phone charger, water bottle with filter, French/Creole phrasebook, snacks for long road journeys. What NOT to bring: Excessive jewelry or electronics, large amounts of visible cash, drone (permit required, rarely granted), any expectation of reliable schedules—embrace "Haiti time."

Emergency: Police 114, Fire 115, Ambulance 116. Embassy contacts: US Embassy in Port-au-Prince (+509 2229-8000), French Embassy (+509 2999-9000). Register with your government's citizen services before traveling.

Tour Operators: Voyages Lumière (English-speaking guides, northern Haiti focus), Haiti Tours (cultural immersion), Experience Haiti (community-based tourism). Maps: Maps.me (works offline—essential), Google Maps (download offline maps before arriving), OpenStreetMap Haiti community.

Online: Visit Haiti (visithaiti.com), Haiti Wonderland (haitiwonderland.com), Wikivoyage: Haiti, Lonely Planet: Haiti. News: Le Nouvelliste, Haiti Libre, AlterPresse, Miami Herald Haiti coverage.

Non-Fiction: "The Black Jacobins" by C.L.R. James — the definitive account of the Haitian Revolution. "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder — following Dr. Paul Farmer's medical work in Haiti. "Haiti: The Aftershocks of History" by Laurent Dubois — essential historical context.

Fiction: "Breath, Eyes, Memory" by Edwidge Danticat — a powerful novel of Haitian identity and diaspora. "Masters of the Dew" by Jacques Roumain — Haiti's most celebrated novel. "The Farming of Bones" by Edwidge Danticat — the 1937 Parsley Massacre. "The Dew Breaker" by Edwidge Danticat — stories of Duvalier-era trauma.

Vodou: "Tell My Horse" by Zora Neale Hurston — a classic 1930s account of Vodou practices. "The Serpent and the Rainbow" by Wade Davis — the ethnobotany of zombification.

Discover Haiti through these carefully selected documentaries and travel videos. From revolutionary history to vibrant culture, these films capture the country's extraordinary spirit.

Toussaint Louverture (1743–1803) — "The Black Napoleon." Born enslaved, he led the Haitian Revolution and became governor of Saint-Domingue before being captured by the French and dying in prison. His military genius and political vision inspired freedom movements worldwide.

Edwidge Danticat (b. 1969) — Acclaimed novelist and memoirist, born in Port-au-Prince, whose works including "Breath, Eyes, Memory" and "The Dew Breaker" have brought Haitian experiences to global literary audiences. MacArthur Fellow. Wyclef Jean (b. 1969) — Grammy-winning musician, founding member of The Fugees, born in Croix-des-Bouquets. Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) — Pioneering neo-expressionist artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent.

Dany Laferrière (b. 1953) — Haitian-Canadian writer, member of the Académie française since 2013—the first Haitian and first Canadian to receive this honor. Garcelle Beauvais (b. 1966) — Actress and model born in Saint-Marc. Jacques Roumain (1907–1944) — Haiti's most celebrated novelist, author of "Masters of the Dew."

Football (Soccer): Haiti's national team, "Les Grenadiers," qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1974 in Germany—holding eventual champions Germany to a respectable 4-1 scoreline and famously scoring against Italy. The team competes in CONCACAF qualifying and has won the Caribbean Cup multiple times. The domestic league features clubs including Racing Club Haïtien, Violette AC, and Don Bosco FC.

Basketball: Growing rapidly in popularity, with Haitian-Americans like Samuel Dalembert and Skal Labissière reaching the NBA. Athletics: Haiti has sent athletes to multiple Olympic Games, with particular strength in sprinting. Cockfighting: While controversial, gaguère (cockfighting) remains a deeply rooted cultural tradition across rural Haiti.

Haiti has a vibrant but embattled media landscape. Dozens of radio stations operate across the country—radio remains the primary information source for most Haitians. Le Nouvelliste, founded in 1898, is the oldest daily newspaper. Television stations include Télé Haiti, Télé Ginen, and several cable channels. Online media has grown significantly, with outlets like Haiti Libre and AlterPresse providing coverage in French and Creole.

Press freedom faces serious challenges. Journalists have been targeted by gangs, and several have been killed in recent years. The Committee to Protect Journalists regularly highlights the dangers facing Haitian media workers. Despite these risks, Haitian journalists continue to provide critical coverage of political events, gang violence, and humanitarian conditions, often at great personal cost.

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Haiti — Pearl of the Antilles

The spirit of Haiti in one frame

Citadelle Laferrière

UNESCO World Heritage fortress

Jacmel

Colonial charm on the southern coast

Port-au-Prince

Haiti's bustling capital

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Haiti defies easy summary. It is simultaneously the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the richest in cultural heritage. It is a nation that achieved the impossible—the overthrow of slavery by the enslaved themselves—yet has struggled under the weight of that revolutionary legacy, foreign interference, and devastating natural disasters ever since.

To write about Haiti only as a place of poverty and crisis would be dishonest. To ignore those realities would be equally so. What strikes every visitor who ventures beyond the headlines is the extraordinary vitality of the Haitian people—their creativity, their humor, their spiritual depth, and their unshakeable dignity in the face of circumstances that would break lesser nations.

This page aims to honor both truths: Haiti's genuine challenges and its genuine magnificence. If you visit, go with open eyes, respect, and humility. Leave room for the country to surprise you. It will.

— Radim Kaufmann, 2026