Travel Haiti • The Caribbean | She is Wanderlust Travel Blog

Located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of The Caribbean , Haiti used to be the hottest vacation destination in the Caribbean. A country full of history and rich in culture, with beautiful beaches and stunning mountain regions. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Haiti:

Why Visit

LANDSCAPES

Haiti is the most mountainous country in the Caribbean, home to some of the tallest peaks, fertile valleys and unspoiled natural wonders of the region, including the Massif du Nord, the Cordillera Septentrional and the Matheux Mountains.

BEACHES

Haiti has stunning and secluded beaches and secret bays. Sharing the island with the Dominican Republic, the country is filled with golden beaches and clear blue water, a tropical destination in itself.

CULTURE

Haiti is home to a colorful culture, thanks to the mixture between the Europeans, the African and the Taíno natives. All these influences are noticeable in their food, religion, music and architecture. From Voodoo ceremonies to its loud music, Haiti is an unique country full of surprises.

HISTORY

Haiti has a rich and tumultuous history, becoming the first independent black republic in the world. Its story is shown through its monuments and architecture, such as The Sans-Souci Palace and the Citadelle Laferrière, some of the buildings created right after Haiti gained its independence from France. If you are looking for a cultural getaway, Haiti could be it.

FOOD

Thanks to its incredible and unique mix of cultures, Haitian food is nothing but full of flavors. Flavourful and not too spicy, Creole food has its own flair that you won’t find anywhere else.

Why Visit

LANDSCAPES

BEACHES

CULTURE

HISTORY

FOOD

Thanks to its incredible and unique mix of cultures, Haitian food is nothing but full of flavors. Flavourful and not too spicy, Creole food has its own flair that you won’t find anywhere else.

Name: Republic of Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Official Languages: French, Haitian Creole
Currency: Haitian gourde
Time Zone: UTC-5

Name: Republic of Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Official Languages: French, Haitian Creole
Currency: Haitian gourde
Time Zone: UTC-4

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What to expect

LANGUAGE

Haitian Creole is the main language spoken in Haiti. This language is similar to French-based Creole, but with other influences from Spanish, English, Portuguese, Taíno, and West African languages. There aren’t many english speakers.

ELECTRICITY

The standard voltage is 110V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the american continent; If you are traveling from the EU you will need an adaptor.

CURRENCY

The Haitian gourde is the official currency. USD are widely accepted as well, but other foreign currencies only in hotels and major attractions but not local wise. Credit cards are accepted in some places but cash is recommended. You can exchange your currency at the bank, airport, exchange houses or withdraw directly from the ATM, widely available in the capital but hardly anywhere else. 1 USD equals 108.12 gourdes (as of 2020).

CLIMATE

Haiti enjoys a tropical weather with plenty of sunshine, heat and humidity all year round. However temperatures can change depending on the elevation. Average temperatures range from 70 °F (25 °C) in January-February to 80 °F (about 30 °C) in July-August.

SAFETY

Unfortunately and due to high poverty rates, Haiti has high crime rates, including violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking. However, some places are more dangerous than others. Exercise extreme caution and common sense at all times.

How to get around

By plane

Haiti is a relatively small country, offering a few routes of domestic flights coming from the main airport, Aérogare Guy Malary, operated by Tortug Air and Sunrise Airways. Charter flights are also available.

By Car

Renting a car is a convenient way of moving around, however lack of signs, bad road conditions and traffic are some common hazards in Haiti. Many international car rental companies are available with offices in the airport in Port-au-Prince or contacted through the hotels. Prices aren’t precisely affordable, with rates starting at $80/day.

By Bus

Regular Buses and minibuses are the cheapest way to get around Haiti, although the less comfortable one as they are usually overcrowded. There are luxury buses available between all the major tourist destinations and major cities.

By Taxi

There are motorbikes (not precisely safe), public taxis and private cabs available.

By Boat

Boats connect a couple locations in the north and south of Haiti, unable to reach by roats.

Visa Policy

Haiti is a visa free country with the exception of the following countries, which citizens are required to apply for a visa in advance: Colombia, Cuba, dominican Republic, Iran, Libya, Panama, Syria, Vietnam and Yemen.