Southern Haiti Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay in Southern Haiti. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide, including hiking and biking routes, cultural attractions, and safety tips.


Introduction to Southern Haiti

Southern Haiti is a region of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. This part of Haiti is known for its stunning scenery, sandy beaches, and vibrant local culture. Whether you are an adventurous traveler seeking outdoor adventures or a history buff interested in exploring museums and landmarks, Southern Haiti has something to offer for everyone. In this tour guide, we will explore the top places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay in Southern Haiti.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Haiti

From museums and landmarks to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, Southern Haiti has plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit in Southern Haiti:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Musee du Pantheon National Haitien (MUPANAH)
  • Citadelle Laferriere
  • Obelisk of Cap-Haitien
  • National Museum of Haiti
  • Musée Ogier-Fombrun

Natural Attractions of Southern Haiti: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pic Macaya National Park
  • Lake Azuei
  • Saut d’Eau Waterfall
  • Les Cayes Beach
  • Anse-à-Pitres

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Haiti

Southern Haiti offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

  • Pic Macaya National Park Trails
  • The Royal Road
  • Kenscoff to Jacmel

Best Things to Do in Southern Haiti: Activities and Tours

If you are looking for things to do in Southern Haiti, here are some of the best activities and tours to experience:

  • Visiting the Citadelle Laferriere
  • Exploring the Musée du Pantheon National Haitien
  • Hiking in Pic Macaya National Park
  • Swimming at Saut d’Eau Waterfall
  • Beach-hopping in Les Cayes

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Haiti

If you have a week to spend in Southern Haiti, here is a sample itinerary to make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Port-au-Prince and check-in at hotel
2-3 Explore Port-au-Prince, visit Musee du Pantheon National Haitien, and hike in Pic Macaya National Park
4-5 Travel to Cap-Haitien and visit Citadelle Laferriere, Obelisk of Cap-Haitien and National Museum of Haiti
6-7 Head to Les Cayes and beach-hop at Les Cayes Beach and Anse-a-Pitre

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Haiti

Southern Haiti boasts a diverse food and drink scene, including a wide range of traditional Haitian dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Griot
  • Tasso
  • Accra
  • Soup joumou
  • Plantains

Local Beverages

  • Barbancourt Rum
  • Kremas (Haitian Eggnog)
  • Coke Kola (made with Haitian sugar)

Where to Stay in Southern Haiti: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Haiti offers a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget or traveler type. Here are some of the top places to stay in Southern Haiti:

  • El Rancho Hotel Port-au-Prince
  • Hibiscus Hotel
  • Auberge du Picolet
  • Habitation Grande Anse
  • Karibe Hotel

What to Buy in Southern Haiti: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home from your trip to Southern Haiti, here are some of the best items to look for:

  • Artwork and crafts from Jacmel
  • Barbancourt Rum
  • Handmade jewelry and accessories

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Haiti

Haitian culture is a mix of African, French, and Caribbean influences. Here are some of the customs and traditions you may encounter in Southern Haiti:

  • Respect for elders and authority figures
  • Emphasis on family and community values
  • Importance of religion and spirituality (mostly Catholicism and Vodou)

Best Time to Visit Southern Haiti

The best time to visit Southern Haiti is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The temperatures are mild, and there is less chance of rain. However, the peak tourism season falls between late December and early January, so expect higher prices and crowds during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Haiti

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Southern Haiti:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Learn some basic Creole phrases

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people without their permission
  • Give money to beggars
  • Speak negatively about Vodou

Safety and Health

Haiti has a reputation for being an unsafe destination, but with the right precautions, tourists can stay safe and healthy during their visit to Southern Haiti.

Safety in Southern Haiti

  • Avoid walking alone at night,
  • Stay in well-lit areas
  • Use a reliable taxi service
  • Secure your belongings in crowded areas
  • Avoid carrying large sums of cash

Health in Southern Haiti

  • Drink bottled or boiled water
  • Wear sunscreen and bug repellent
  • Get vaccinations before traveling
  • Avoid eating street food

Getting to Southern Haiti: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Haiti is easily accessible through different means of transportation. Here are some of the transportation options and logistics to consider when traveling to Southern Haiti:

Airports Near Southern Haiti

  • Toussaint Louverture International Airport

Bus Stations Near Southern Haiti

  • Gare Routiere de Jacmel
  • Gare Routiere de Cap-Haitien

Other Options

  • Taxis
  • Private car rentals

How to Get Around in Southern Haiti

Transportation options within Southern Haiti include taxis and public buses. Taxis are the most commonly used transportation option, but be sure to agree on a price before getting in the car. Public buses can also be used, but they are often overcrowded and unreliable.

Where to Go Next from Southern Haiti: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica
  • Puerto Rico

Conclusion

Southern Haiti is an amazing destination with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals. By following this comprehensive tour guide, you can plan your trip to Southern Haiti with ease and make the most of your time in this stunning part of the world. Remember to respect the local customs, stay safe, and enjoy your adventures in Southern Haiti.



    Les Cayes
    Miragoàne
    Port-Salut