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Explore Port-au-Prince

• It is currently advised to avoid all travel to Haiti.

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• Musee du Pantheon National Haïtien
• Papillon Enterprise
• Barbancourt Rum Distillery
• El-Saieh Gallery
• Marche de Fer
• Private Tour of Port Au Prince area
• Citadelle Laferrière & Sans Souci Palace Half Day
• Citadelle Fortress & San Souci Palace from Port au Prince, Haiti

Travels With Nano

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Hidden Gems of Haiti | Explore Caribbean Off The Beaten Path

I won’t lie, life here has been an adventure filled with a fair share of challenging days. However, as I am about to leave the country I called home for the past two years, I cannot help but reflect on the most fascinating stories and places I discovered during my island life. Get ready to see the zesty sides of Haiti that are often overlooked. While this country is in no way your typical touristy Caribbean destination nor does it correspond to the imagery of an idyllic tropical island, Haiti can be a unique, off-beat vacation destination. For intrepid travelers and curious adventure seekers who wish to get away from the usual Caribbean haunts Haiti definitely offers an edge of rustic, exotic, unexplored and mystical.

“ The best thing about Haiti is sitting on the verandah… drinking rum and making lists of all the people to whom you could never possibly recommend Haiti because they wouldn’t appreciate it. ” Journalist Shelly Rolfe, 1974

Crowded and vibrant, culturally diverse, and socially deprived, concrete-grey and colorful, the country’s capital is a juxtaposition of opposite concepts and is your primary spot for immersing into the soul of Haiti. While imagery of Haitian poverty and post-earthquake devastation strikes the moment you set foot in the airport, the chaotic capital has a few gems hidden among the debris and rubble for those in pursuit of the compelling, the quirky and the mysterious. You just need to be ready to go outside your comfort zone to find them – like a treasure hunt…

The Hotel Oloffson

One of the most fascinating hidden gems of Port-au-Prince and my personal favorite is the iconic Hotel Oloffson. Take a trip back to the colonial times of Haiti as you explore one of the oldest and, in my opinion, the loveliest inns in the capital. With its elaborate latticework, Gothic spires, vibrant Vodou patterns and decorative wooden shutters, this elegant 19th-century Gothic gingerbread mansion set in a lush tropical garden serves as a faded reminder of more prosperous times. To this day Port-au-Prince’s 120-year-old grand Hotel Oloffson remains the intellectual and artistic center of the city filled with writers, journalists, music lovers as well as aid workers and politicians.

Immortalized as the Hotel Trianon in Graham Greene’s 1966 novel The Comedians, it remains amazingly unchanged, given its location in a country that has seen so much turmoil and destruction.

It was built in the late 1800s in the French Victorian style for the ruling Sam family, which included two former presidents of Haiti. Throughout the tumultuous decades of coups, insurrections and dictatorship, the Oloffson was an oasis of art and intellectual banter, a gathering place with a whisper of intrigue, gossip and danger. During the 1915-1934 U.S. occupation of Haiti, the American army used it as a hospital, and their extension to the property is still called the “maternity wing”.

It became a hotel just before World War II, when in 1935 Werner Gustav Oloffson, a Swedish sea captain, and his wife took over the lease. Being always at sea Mrs. Oloffson (whose name no one recalls) took over the ownership of the mansion and decided to transform former military quarters into a grand lodging accommodation. Rumor has it that mysterious Mrs. Oloffson lived out her days in seclusion in an upstairs bedroom.

Afterwards, it passed to Roger Coster, a French photographer, and again in 1960 to Al Seitz, an American. Under them the Oloffson enjoyed a golden era, attracting a Hollywood clientele keen on escaping the McCarthy-era cultural witch hunts. Mick Jagger, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Truman Capote were among the first wave of glitterati to frequent the little-known oasis of 1950s Haiti, enraptured by the vibrant dance rhythms and verdant surroundings. Currently, the hotel’s proprietor is Richard A. Morse, a Puerto-Rican-born Haitian-American. Besides being a hotel manager, Mr. Morse is also the founder of a mizik rasin band RAM (named after his initials) as well as a Vodou priest known as an Houngan.

Upon arrival to the hotel you are greeted by a statue of the top-hatted Baron Samedi, the Vodou (Vodou) spirit of sex, death and resurrection.

The interior is further tricked out with paintings, sequined flags, old distressed mirrors, vintage ceramic chandeliers, Vodou flags and doilies. Luckily it was not crowded when I visited, so I had an opportunity to explore all the nooks and crevices of this century-old mansion.

A slightly eerie feeling sets in as you wonder the empty corridors. Spacious suites a dilapidated shadow of their heyday, the original old wooden floors that creek with every step, dusty fretwork, the hotel is as replete with mystery as it is with mildew. I have a sneaking suspicion if the walls of the Hotel Oloffson could talk, they would have to be silenced.

There’s a sociable bar where you absolutely have to try their signature rhum punch!

Every Thursday you can watch weekly ‘Voudou rock’ concerts of the band RAM, which combines elements of traditional vodou ceremonial and folkloric music with the beat of American rock and roll. The band plays up a storm until the wee hours of the night featuring rara horns, petwo drums, guitar and keyboards.

Unfortunately, despite its historic significance and enchanting ambiance, neither accommodation conditions nor quality of food in the restaurant or overall service make it worth staying at the hotel.

Iron Market

 To take in the best of Caribbean curiosities and oddities meander through the overwhelming maze of vendors at the iconic Iron Market (Marché en Fer) in Port-au-Prince. Its tall, impressive red iron frame and a center clock tower somehow blend in with the grit and noise outside of its gates.

Built in France, the main structure was originally destined to be a railway station in Cairo, but the deal fell through and so the President of Haiti Florvil Hyppolite had it shipped over in 1891, and there it had been standing until it was destroyed by the earthquake of 2010 and later restored in 2011.

Be prepared for a sensory overload of wonderful, bizarre and really revolting. The characters, the smells, the sounds and diverse visuals make up a truly exotic experience.

The place is certainly not for the faint hearted as you are bound to see a lot of Vodou artifacts as well as live turtles and leashed cats on sale for the ceremonies.

Part of the experience is to hire one of the locals who acts as your guide/protector, shows you around, bargains for you, and keeps more aggressive vendors at bay. Do a walk around first to see what you are interested in and who has the best examples. Then be sure to haggle! It is part of the cultural experience and you can get some wonderful deals on great pieces of tourist art and souvenirs.

Artisan Villages

During one of the diplomatic receptions I recently attended the Minister of Health of Haiti quoted a famous Haitian saying – “Haiti est trop riche pour etre pouvre” which translates as “Haiti is too rich to be poor.” Indeed, the depth and multiple facets of Haiti’s history and cultural heritage make this country one of the Caribbean’s most interesting nations and intrigues the most adventurous of travelers.

Haiti’s art scene is arguably the region’s one of the richest and most productive, and certainly inspiring. The culture of Haiti is an eclectic mix of African, French, Taino and Spanish aesthetic and religious influences. Bright colors, naïve perspective, and sly humor are all common characteristic of hybrid Haitian artistic traditions.

Every day in the nearby suburb of Petionville and numerous other locations around the country, street vendors set out an incredible array of artwork. The range of talent is overwhelming. Art enthusiasts traveling to Haiti will encounter everything from paintings and tapestries to handmade, decorative items, wood, stone, and metal handicrafts.

Artisanal work in Haiti is a way of life, and at the heart of Haitian culture. To explore the diverse art scene visit Port-au-Prince’s iron-working community of Croix-des-Bouquets where talented metalwork artists endlessly tap on recycled oil drums to create some of the country’s most beautiful home decor items and wall art packed with intricate details.

For a unique experience head to Grand Rue in Port-au-Prince where you will have an introduction to a community of eccentric Haitian sculptors who call themselves Atis Rezistans, translated as Resistance Artists.

Contemporary Haitian artists work together in a warren of cinderblock car-repair shops that supply the material for their art: rusted chassis, scrap metal, steering wheels, cast-off oil filters, discarded TV frames, plastic trash and wood. With the help of young assistants, they turn this industrial junk into gaudy and at times demonic sculptures with giant bodies topped by plastic doll heads or even human skulls. Their art is a direct reflection of the extreme environment they all live in. Sculptures produced by several of the artists are in private collections and museums around the world.

The truth is, the vibrant artistic spirit of Haitians seems to shine through everything they put their hands on. As you walk (or in our case drive) through the streets of Port-au-Prince you notice the fondness for graphic arts which finds its way through colorful wall murals. Even the iconic small enclosed pickup trucks called  taptap are often pimped and decorated to the point where they resemble art galleries on wheels.

Ancient Fortress in Cap-Haitien

Dive deeper into Haiti’s past with a visit to Cap-Haitien, a colonial port city on the north coast that’s brimming with history. Haiti’s most popular attraction, Citadelle Laferrière was built in the early 1800s atop a mountain seventeen miles south of Cap-Haitien in the town of Milot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadelle Laferrière is one of the largest fortresses in the Americas, and the biggest in the Caribbean.

Close to the Citadelle lies another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of Sans Souci Palace, once considered the “Versailles of the Caribbean.” The towering Sans Souci Palace was home to Haiti’s self-proclaimed King Henri Christophe after it opened in 1813. Unfortunately, the palace was damaged and abandoned after an earthquake in 1842, but now serves as an important reminder of the nation’s prosperous past.

Cap-Haitien Lodging Tip: If you want to combine your history tour with some beach time, stay at Cormier Plage, a resort that’s just outside Cap-Haitien on a secluded palm-tree lined golden beach.

Undeveloped Beaches, Centuries-old Towns, H idden Lagoons & Secluded Islands

If luxury and comfort is not your thing, then undeveloped and rustic Haitian beaches surrounded by rugged mountains will be an ideal place for you. Whether you decide to stay closer to the capital or venture out to other coastal cities, you will be guaranteed a healthy dose of sun, sand, year-round warm temperatures, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and lots of refreshing coconut water!

A 3-hour drive to the South will bring you to a charming town Jacmel, a sleepy seaside town known for its shabby yet colorful colonial streets, Victorian-era buildings from the city’s coffee days, as well as distinctive and imaginative art scene.

Get the best rhum sour of your life at iconic Hotel Florita, a turn-of-the-century coffee-plantation home that was converted into a hotel in 1999. Set in a Victorian mansion, the damaged and rebuilt Hôtel Florita evokes a century-old vibe, with its intriguing local art, vintage furniture and filigreed metal balconies.

A visit to Jacmel wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of the most hidden gems in Haiti, Bassin Bleu, a grotto of cascades and cobalt-blue lagoons nestled in the town’s lush hills.

It took us a bumpy ride through palm-tree lined dirt roads and a short hike to get to the Bassin Bleu’s highest waterfall. Floating onto lagoon was one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences I had in Haiti.

Last but not least, a long trip to the south-west part of the country to the city Les-Cayes followed by a short boat ride will bring you to the secluded unspoiled island called Ile-a-Vache with pristine turquoise-blue waters, white sand and lush vegetation.  It was a buccaneer and pirate base in the mid-1600s.

Tip: Stay at the cozy Abaka Bay Resort ( http://www.abakabay.com/ ) which is right on the beachfront offering stunning views and great service.

Touristy Tips:

• Hotels in Port-au-Prince: there are two outstanding luxury chain hotels in town Best Western and Marriott. Both offer upscale comfortable accommodations and feature island style and local Haitian flair by incorporating beautiful pieces of Haitian art in their stylish interior design.
• Restaurants: you will be pleasantly surprised with an abundance of great places to eat in Port-au-Prince. Read my post about local must-eats and list of my favorite restaurants  which I recently posted.
• Cultural intricacies: Haitians are not at all fond of having their photos taken; Haitian time and world time significantly differs – locals are notorious for being late everywhere all the time; a smile, polite bonjour and merci will do miracles when communicating with locals.
• Tours: Use services of an experienced tour guide (e.g. Jean Cyril Pressoir of Tour Haiti , +509 2257 1926, or Jacqualine Labrom of Voyages Lumière Haiti, +509 2249 6177) who will guide you through the chaotic and overwhelming maze of Haiti and provide quality information. Small towns like Aquin, Les Cayes, and Jacmel have vibrant downtown life; without a guide you could miss the domino games in the central square, merengue dance clubs, voudo services, and the best fried pork.
• Money: bring U.S. dollars for street spending; most hotels in the capital will take credit cards, but out of town it’s hit-or-miss.
• Things To Take: bug spray and sun screen are the absolute musts!
• Expectations:   i n no way should you expect the comfort of a developed country when traveling to Haiti. This is not a place for everyone and certainly not for pleasure seeking lot who crave typical idyllic luxury of the Caribbean. The limited infrastructure and means of transportation, stringent security measures, little to no customer service and high prices everywhere else will all be part of your agenda. Independent travelers should maintain caution and stay vigilant when exploring.

Having said all that, if you are up for the challenge and yearn for adventure and authentic experiences, book a flight – Ayiti Cherie is calling !

Have you ever visited Haiti? What is the most memorable moments from your trip? If not, how does your perception of this island nation differ from the descriptions above?

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For those who love adventures, your guide is a goldmine. The emphasis on safety, friendly activities, and the empowering tone throughout the blog make it clear that travel can be both fulfilling and safe.

What a wonderful experience; I felt like I were there! Very insightful piece, thank you!!

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• Royal Caribbean International

Leaving Labadee to see country?

By Perfusionist , January 23 in Royal Caribbean International

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Perfusionist

Anyone have experience with leaving Labadee to see Cap-Haitien for the day?  Sailing in late Feb '24 on the Oasis and don't really want to spend the day with Royal Caribbean's hand in my wallet some more.  Would love to visit the city of Cap-Haitien and walk around or find a guide.  I know the peninsula is fenced in and there is no traffic to the area.  Are there water taxis or should I swim?

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You are not allowed to leave Royals Compound at Labadee.

There are a few excursions that slightly leave but you don't get out and about.  Ie Zip Line and boat trip to fabricated local village

pyrateslife4me84

I can’t believe I need to say this but, please don’t try to swim to actual Haiti. 

Please report back if you do attempt this.

15 minutes ago, Jasukkie said: Please report back if you do attempt this.

You'll be able to read about it on CNN...   🤣

not-enough-cruising

38 minutes ago, pyrateslife4me84 said: I can’t believe I need to say this but, please don’t try to swim to actual Haiti. 

Labadee is part of actual Haiti, it’s a peninsula not an island. No swimming necessary. 

When we tried to see what was outside the gated area we were met by armed guards that politely said believe me you do NOT want to be out here. Go back. 

ShortCruising

On our cruise to Aruba we joked about finding a way to ferry over to Venezuela. Because, you know, it would be basically  asking  to be captured and held for ransom.

This is equally as ridiculous. Anyway, make sure you have your affairs in order before giving this a go.

They are kidnapping nuns.  Stay inside the compound.  You don’t need to give any more money to Royal to enjoy a beach day.  It’s a beautiful area.  

6 minutes ago, twangster said: They are kidnapping nuns.  Stay inside the compound.  You don’t need to give any more money to Royal to enjoy a beach day.  It’s a beautiful area.  

I don't think Jake is a Nun but staying inside the compound is still good advice  🤣

1 hour ago, not-enough-cruising said: Labadee is part of actual Haiti, it’s a peninsula not an island. No swimming necessary. 

Actual Haiti is dangerous for Americans, unlike Labadee. I don’t believe you can just waltz out of Labadee. It’s fenced. 

10 minutes ago, pyrateslife4me84 said: Actual Haiti is dangerous for Americans, unlike Haiti. I don’t believe you can just waltz out of Labadee. It’s fenced. 

Was going to bring my water wings but I guess I'll just enjoy my time on a Labadee beach or on the boat and wave at the rest of Haiti as we cruise by.  You def won't see me on Fox. 

Thanks all..

GlasgowCruiser01

Are you aware of the dangers of being in mainland Haiti?

I think that you COULD leave Labadee and go visit the real Haiti.

You just won't be coming back.

Make sure your will is up to date before you venture out.

Tell your boss how you really feel about him/her.  It soon won't matter.

Believe it or not, back in 2016 & 2018 a couple different people posted instructions on tripadvisor about how to do it. Wonder if they would have any luck trying today? (I wouldn't try!  🙃 )

Info shows:

" Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise soon that includes a stop in Labadee? Looking for something new and exciting to do? Arrange a day trip to the Citadelle and Sans-Souci Palace! Royal Caribbean will tell you by phone that guests are not able to leave the secure port area at Labadee. This is not true if you book a private tour! See my review of Voyages Lumiere... NOTE: Without an organized tour, you will not be able to leave Labadee. There is nothing at all for tourists to do anywhere near Labadee and safety may be a concern if you do not book a tour through a reputable company. The Citadelle is roughly an hour drive from Labadee over very rough mountain roads - you won't be backpacking it from the ship. You will have to secure a tour prior to your cruise. Then, once you arrive in Labadee, proceed to the Labadee security office with your passport and tour documents printed out. The security office is the large orange building directly ahead of where the ship docks. Be prepared to wait 30-45 minutes for an immigration officer to come stamp your passport so you can enter the country. You must pay US$5 per person for the visa. Security will photocopy your passport and have you sign a liability release. You will then exit the security office and walk toward the outer security fence. Security will direct you where to go. You will need the full day to do this tour, so get up early! Figure at least an hour drive each way (traffic in Cap-Haitien gets heavy in the afternoon and you will drive right through it), plus time for your tour of at least 3-4 hours. The people we met along the way were all very nice. You will encounter people trying to sell souvenirs but nobody was excessively pushy. Buy something if you can. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and these people are just trying to survive. Tip the horse handlers about $5 each at the end of your climb to the top if you use the horses. Carry small bills for buying souvenirs and don't be afraid to bargain with people. Use common sense - don't wear expensive jewelry or carry lots of expensive electronics with you. We didn't encounter any problems but be alert at all times. Keep the doors locked on your vehicle at all times and keep valuables out of sight. Don't be afraid to visit these incredible locations - the people are very kind and will thank you for visiting their country. We took a backpack full of school supplies and donated them to a local cultural center, which they were grateful for. It was a much more rewarding experience than spending a day on Royal Caribbean's private property.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g6159089-d262467-r365988404-The_Citadelle-Milot_Nord_Department_Haiti.html

< and >

"I too have been looking for info on doing this. I have been in contact with 2 tour companies that tell me they do this regularly. One is Voyages Lumière and the other is Safe Trips Haiti.

Below is the email sent to me from Voyages Lumiere:

Yes, we can do that for you. We do it on a regular basis.

VISIT TO THE CITADELLE FROM LABADIE

Please note the following procedures you have to go thru:

1) When you dock at Labadie, go to the Security office

2) Tell them you're going to the Citadelle with Voyages Lumiere and sign a

Waiver absolving RCCL of all responsibility should anything happen to you

when you're off site. (We've never had an incident, it's just RCCL covering their

3) Get your passport Stamped OUT and then back IN when you return in the afternoon.

Our driver will come and get you at the Security office for 9am which is normally about the time you will finish with the Security people. He will then take you to Milot, at the foot of the Citadelle to meet with your guide.

Your guide will then do a walkabout tour of Sans Souci Palace then back in the vehicle to go up to 2nd parking.

Horses from 2nd parking up the short 30 mins.steep hill to the Citadelle.

Entry into the Citadelle

Fully guided tour of the Citadelle and then the reverse back down to Milot

followed by lunch at the Community Centre incl. a juice.

Then transfer back thru Cap haitian.to Labadie - and we aim to get there by 3:00pm-4.30 so you will not miss the boat!! We've always accomplished this with no problems!!

US$350 and this includes the round trip from Labadie to the Citadelle and back and then all of the above."

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g147306-i747-k11012668-Transportation_from_Labadee_to_Citadelle-Haiti.html#95651240

11 hours ago, cruisegus said: You are not allowed to leave Royals Compound at Labadee.   There are a few excursions that slightly leave but you don't get out and about.  Ie Zip Line and boat trip to fabricated local village  

Boat trip to fabricated local village tickled me 😄

Years ago, on the Explorer of the Seas, there was a gentleman from NY/Hawaii,  who took special permission from Captain Olaf and Royal Caribbean to go see the "real" Haiti. I do not know the details, but he was given permission, but I do remember mentions of a lot of conditions and signing papers involved. I remember him telling us that he "hitched" a ride with a local on a bike. OMG! He wanted to see how the people live, eat what they ate. His mom stayed onboard and was very worried about him, we were also concerned, since we had met them on some cruises before and both are really nice souls. Anyway, he made it back safe, and did what he wanted to do and see the "real" thing. I would never ever have done it. But it was done.

28 minutes ago, Arzeena said: Years ago, on the Explorer of the Seas, there was a gentleman from NY/Hawaii,  who took special permission from Captain Olaf and Royal Caribbean to go see the "real" Haiti. I do not know the details, but he was given permission, but I do remember mentions of a lot of conditions and signing papers involved. I remember him telling us that he "hitched" a ride with a local on a bike. OMG! He wanted to see how the people live, eat what they ate. His mom stayed onboard and was very worried about him, we were also concerned, since we had met them on some cruises before and both are really nice souls. Anyway, he made it back safe, and did what he wanted to do and see the "real" thing. I would never ever have done it. But it was done.

I read your entire tale with bated breath fully expecting it to end with “and he was never seen again.”

To be fair, Haiti is PARTICULARLY dangerous of late. If Royal won’t condone passengers climbing an active volcano, I doubt they’d sanction this.   

I’d take my chances with Vesuvius, personally. 

29 minutes ago, pyrateslife4me84 said: I read your entire tale with bated breath fully expecting it to end with “and he was never seen again.”   To be fair, Haiti is PARTICULARLY dangerous of late. If Royal won’t condone passengers climbing an active volcano, I doubt they’d sanction this.    I’d take my chances with Vesuvius, personally. 

I agree it is dangerous. And I wouldn't even dream about doing it.

But this did happen.

6 minutes ago, Arzeena said: I agree it is dangerous. And I wouldn't even dream about doing it. But this did happen.

I’m sure it did. I’d be surprised if they’d sanction it in 2024. 

Haiti is not just dangerous... it is a perfect playground for hunt on Americans. Not necessary by Haitians.

15 hours ago, pyrateslife4me84 said: Actual Haiti is dangerous for Americans, unlike Labadee. I don’t believe you can just waltz out of Labadee. It’s fenced. 

Great to know. I'm European. so it won't be dangerous for me 🙂

I've been to the real Haiti several times, include Cap-Haitien. You don't really want to go, and you really really don't want to go in 2024. I'm an extremely comfortable "extreme traveler" who has been to several of the sketchiest countries in the world (including Somalia, Niger, Libya, CAR) and Haiti is pretty much right up there with those, at least right now. Even as someone who...blends in...a bit more than most people on this website, I still plan to avoid Haiti for the foreseeable future unless someone pays me a  lot  of money (and good security) to do some work in. 

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Jason Around the World

Exploring haïti – touring around and sights seen.

Promptly at 9am I was picked up by my guide, and we were off for our tour of the Port-au-Prince area. Before even booking my tickets, I’d contacted Voyages Lumiere to enquire about a tour/guide/driver. I’d heard enough rough stuff in the media about Haiti that I was uncomfortable attempting it on my own, especially for a short trip. I felt more comfortable having a driver arranged, and someone who could help me maximize my time there. Jacqui was quick to respond, proposed what looked like a great itinerary, and I was set! Jacqui is English, but has lived in Haïti for most of the last 15+ years, so she knows the country like a local. She speaks Creole, and as I was to learn – everyone knows her. I would very highly recommend using Voyages Lumiere if you go to Haïti. That said, on with the show!

We set off out of Petionville, and down toward the city centre.  First stop was to see some of the old “gingerbread houses.”  Many of them are quite run-down and in poor condition now, but after the earthquake many of them are also being restored.  They’re in the process of being added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which should hopefully help with restoring them a bit.  I didn’t manage to get any pics of them, but also didn’t feel like there were any really good shots to be had.  We continued into the city, and headed down to Heroes Square.  From there, we continued down to the National Palace, which was destroyed in the Earthquake.  A few pictures of the square, as long as the ruins of the Palace:

A few shots of the chained slave statue, commemorating the fighting spirit of the Haïtian people:

Chained Slave Statue again, with the ruins of the National Palace in the background:

Now, a better shot of the ruins of the National Palace.  There were lots of artists outside here, trying to sell paintings and sculptures.  They all knew Jacqui, and were very polite when I decided not to buy anything.

From there, we drove by the damaged Catholic Cathedral and St. Trinity’s Episcopalian Church.  This was the first time Jacqui had been by there in over a month, and she was amazed how much reconstruction work had taken place in the last month.  Unfortunately, St. Trinity’s had lost lots of the famous art murals in its walls in the earthquake as well as the looting after.  Sad.

From there we continued to the National Museum.  No pictures were allowed inside, but they had a few interesting displays including the anchor from one of Christopher Columbus’ ships.  Pretty cool.  A couple shots of the outside of the museum:

From there, we took a drive by an old market which had been restored, before having to figure out lunch.  There were a few options, but I decided to do it in a restaurant up “in the mountains” in the village of Kenscoff.  I posted about the restaurant earlier, but it had a fantastic view:

After lunch, we continued to the crafts village in Kenscoff.  This had been recently constructed by the government to give the artists somewhere to sell their works. it was very nicely done, and the views were fantastic.  I didn’t end up buying anything, but it was still great to see!

Finally, a shot of a Tap-Tap.  It’s not the greatest shot, but I asked a few drivers and they definitely didn’t want their vehicles photographed.  These are the local transport, brightly painted share taxis often covered in religious messages.

  4 Responses to “Exploring Haïti – Touring around and sights seen”

Very impressive. I’ve been wanting to go to Haiti but have been concerned that either: (a) it’s unsafe or (b) I would be viewed poorly by the locals for popping in for a looky-loo while they are struggling to get by. Sounds like you had a good time though.

I traveled with Jacqui too. Great lady. Did you go through the crazy market near downtown? I stayed at the Hotel Oloffson in PaP which is up the street from the Presidential Palace. If you go to “Port au Prince” wikitravel page the photo you see is the one I took and uploaded of the Palace 3 months before the wreck with the sculpture of the guy blowing the conch shell. I thought Haiti was the most authentic country in the Caribbean next to Cuba.

What a great post and amazing pictures! Nice suggestion of a car/tour guide!

next time, take a few minutes to visit Iron Market. By the way, your pics are nice.

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Redio Lumière is a prominent Christian radio network with astrong presence in Haiti. Committed to spreading Christian values and providing spiritual guidance, Redio Lumière delivers a mix of religious teachings, gospel music, and inspirational content.

Redio Lumière is a specific station you are referring to, I recommend checking the station's official website or contacting them directly for the latest and most accurate information regarding their programming, mission, and any other relevant details. This will ensure that you get the most up-to-date and accurate information about the radio station. Redio Lumière a mission to uplift and engage its audience, the network serves as a significant voice in the Haitian Christian community. Known for its impactful programming, Radio Lumière plays a vital role in fostering a sense of unity, connecting communities, and contributing to the cultural and spiritual enrichment of its listeners. For the latest and most accurate information, it is advisable to check the network's official website or contact them directly.

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