Introduction
2010 is the year Haiti experienced one of the strongest earthquakes in the Caribbean in 200 years. Still recovering from it today after two years, visitors and tourists haven’t given up on this paradise. Although a lot of infrastructure damage was suffered by Port-au-Prince with a lot of the tourist attracts lost, Haiti vacations still have a lot to offer. There are natural saltwater lakes, mountains, plateaus, national parks and much more. So don’t hesitate to plan your Haiti vacations this year.
History
Watch and experience the presence of over 100 species of flamingos, American crocodiles and waterfowls at the largest saltwater lake in Haiti, the Étang Saumâtre Lake. The entire place is surrounded by cacti and some brushes. You relax and do some interesting bird watching here. Just watch out for the crocs! The Parc National Historique La Citadelle , or National Historic Park , is a fortress built on top of a 900m high summit. Originally built in 1820 by Henri Christophe, the fortress was originally built to stop a French invasion back then. The fortress still has over 100 cannons pointed at the sea, once ready to fire in anger but today are just still in that position never fired. Also an arsenal of 50,000 cannon balls, some in display, also still exist in the fortress. The fortress is truly impenetrable as designed to be with walls 13 ft thick and 130ft high. The area around the fortress is a great place to relax. It’s surrounded by green grass, peace and quiet and you will catch most of the nearby locals enjoying picnics with their families. Also adding to your Haiti vacations itinerary is the wreck of Santa Maria in Capt Haitien, the famous flagship of Christopher Columbus. After the ship was wrecked near the coast of Haiti, a fort was built of the materials salvaged from the vessel.
Features
Capt Haitein also has other activities to enjoy and is adorned by exotic beaches and Spanish architecture. The City is a gateway to Larabee, a nearby town having a more pleasant atmosphere and naturally beautiful beaches. If you’ve watched the movie “Pirates of the Carrabin” then you’ll be familiar with the port of Tortuga. It was a major center for pirates during the 17th and 18th century. You’ll find many bars and restaurants representing the region’s pirates theme and is a famous tourist spot. Also still representing ancient cultures is the town of Jacmel. It has many interesting places and is known for being the center of voodoo and temples. It is an artist’s paradise as they find many beautiful and interesting backdrops and sceneries to inspire their art. Finally on your way out of Jacmel there is one last spot worth seeing during your Haiti Vacations. Bassins Bleu has a spectacular view with a series of cascades joining 3 blue pools, the color due to the minerals in the water. It has a lot of stories to tell. It is said that this place is the home of water nymphs that sun bathe on the rocks of the falls. They disappear whenever they feel the footsteps of mortals approaching. Of course you may not see them but you’ll definitely enjoy the place.
Tips and comments
Haiti is also rich in art. There are museums and art schools such as the Museum of Haitian Art that displays local and historic art of Haiti of French, African and Catholic roots. If you feel charitable during your Haiti Vacations you can always volunteer in any of the many restoring and schooling events for rebuilding Haiti homes and school after the 2010 earthquake.
