Pristine beaches, tumbling waterfalls and pine tree-covered mountains are among the many natural riches of Haiti, which may well be one of the world’s most underrated off-the-beaten-path destinations. The green northern region draws the bulk of Haiti’s visitors, and having climbed the 900-metre-high Pic Laferrière, you’ll likely see why. At the summit is Citadelle la Ferrière, an age-old fortress built by the French, containing drawbridges, courtyards and hidden passageways. Hire a local guide and take a tour of this monumental building. The more laid-back southern region boasts a stretch of gloriously unspoiled coastline. Recharge in Jacmel, home to the country’s biggest carnival, before taking the country road to the port town of Les Cayes, a popular jumping-off point for the island of Île-à-Vache. Or travel further west to reach Port-Salut, a launchpad to some of Haiti’s most idyllic beaches. Haiti’s profound culture is defined by resistance and revolution. See it ooze from the cracks of Cap-Haïtien’s French architecture in the north, or the multihued, gingerbread-style houses of capital city Port-au-Prince in the south. Explore the city’s bustling streets with a local guide, who’ll lead you through markets, museums and galleries, where stories of Haiti’s remarkable past are told. There’s a good range of hotels, guesthouses and private lodgings across Haiti, with the majority located in Port-au-Prince.
