Haiti: Overview
The Caribbean Republic of Haiti shares The Spaniard island with Dominican Republic. Although this country is one of the poorest and overpopulated in the world and its people suffer from political oppression, it is also a country full with colour, art, music and cheerful, passionate and intense people.
Climate
Haiti has two rainy seasons; one goes from April to May while the other goes from September to October, when rains mainly affect the mountains area. If you are planning to enjoy hiking, trekking or diving, you should avoid those months, as well as the hurricanes season which goes from June to September.
Temperature doesn't vary too much throughout the year. During summer it reaches 34 ºC and it descends to 30 ºC in winter. Not having a tourist high season makes Haiti an ideal place for escaping from the northern hemisphere winters while avoiding most of the Caribbean islands’ high prices.
The best moment to visit this country is during carnival that takes place during the three days previous to Ash Wednesday, or during Rara, the week before Easter. Music and dance are everywhere at these parties.
Some recommendations
All visitors need a passport to enter to the country. Also, some tourists, except those of many western countries, need a visa. The visa can be obtained when arriving to the country by handing the complete application form (available at embassies and consulates), two passport size pictures and 25G (gourde).
Security in Haiti is quite a problematic topic, due to poverty and to the difficult political situation. In Port au Prince kidnappers and well armed street gangs operate unpunished and anyone that crosses their paths is a potential victim.
Concerning to health, it is necessary to take cautions against malaria, hepatitis, dengue fever, tuberculosis and sunburn, even on cloudy days.
Where to go
Besides being the capital of the country, Port au Prince is a crammed port of colourful and brilliant murals and taptaps (public transports decorated with Creole sayings and lively drawings). Life revolves around the Marchè de Fer (iron market), an iron and tin construction, mix of Parisian and African styles dating of the XIXth c. This suffocating and noisy market is chaotic inside, full with stalls, vendors, fruit piles, baskets, soap, religious totems and toys.
Cap Haitien is the country’s second important city and it has a much more Latin spirit than the capital city. Spanish influence trails are evident in its architecture and neatly traced streets where you can walk and stroll without getting lost. The tropical air is mixed with the citric aroma of orange peels drying in the sun before being used to make Grand Marnier and Cointreau. Some of Haiti’s best beaches are located along Rue 21, waiting for you to enjoy the sun and the sand.
Other places to visit in Haiti are the spectacular blue basins, Étang Saumâtre lake and the National Historical Park La Citadelle.
