Haiti: C'est si bon

There aren't many places in the Americas with quite the same international reputation as Haiti. Some of the negative stereotypes focus on poverty, crime, corruption and last, but not least, voodoo, but if you're willing to 'take a risk' and travel to one of the world's most misunderstood countries then I guarantee that you'll come away pleasantly surprised.

Haiti in a nutshell

This country offers so much in the way of history, culture and natural beauty. You can visit three of the country's cities and the main attractions in just one week.

Thursday Day 1 Port-au-Prince

Arrival at Port-au-Prince International Airport. Check in to the famous Hotel Oloffson located in downtown. Explore Petionville then in the evening head back to the Hotel in time for the 10-2 performance of 'voodoo rock' band RAM.

Friday Day 2 Cap-Haitien

Take a 25 minute flight north from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien with Sunrise Airlines.

Saturday Day 3 Cap-Haitien

Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites The Citadelle and San-Souci Palace.

Sunday Day 4 Jacmel

Take the 25 minute flight back to Port-au-Prince with Sunrise Airlines. Transfer by road to Jacmel, three hours drive from Port-au-Prince. Check in to The Hotel Florita.

Day 5 Jacmel

Visit Bassin Bleu waterfalls in the morning. Lunch at Hotel Florita. Explore the town in the afternoon.

Day 6 Jacmel

Visit one of the local beaches. Lunch at Hotel Cyvadier. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the Cyvadier.

Day 7 Port-au-Prince

Transfer by road back to Port-au-Prince. Departure from Port-au-Prince International Airport.

Getting there

Most nationalities do not require a visa to travel to Haiti. Tourists purchase a USD10 tourist card from a clearly marked booth (just before Immigration) at the Port-au-Prince Airport.

If you are arriving at night it is advisable to arrange a transfer through your hotel or guest house. If that is not possible then there is an official taxi booth as you exit (look for staff in yellow aprons). The taxi fare to the Hotel Oloffson is USD30, while a transfer arranged through the Hotel is USD25.

Haiti is safe. The average tourist plodding along the 'tourist trail' is not likely to run into any problems that they wouldn't have back home.