Haiti：A place Where Bathing in the Tropical Sun and Azure Waters Go Hand-In-Hand with Living in the Moment

Haiti is a country in North America and is part of the Islands around the Caribbean Sea. A huge portion of the landscape in Haiti is forested and mountainous. The highlights of your sightseeing tour of Haiti will revolve around: beautiful caves and waterfalls; historically and culturally significant landmarks and monuments; and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean among many other sightseeing places. Below is a list of some of the most popular and recommended sightseeing destinations in Haiti.

1. The National Museum of Haiti (Port-au-Prince)

The National Museum of Haiti (Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien), which is better known by its French acronym (MUPANAH), is another famous sightseeing destination in Haiti. It was opened in 1983 as a way of celebrating the heroes of the independence of Haiti and for conservation of the history and culture heritage of Haiti. On your sightseeing tour of the museum, you will get to see: the bell that was used to announce the independence of Haiti; numerous chains of slavery and torture instruments; sculptures and highly valued paintings; the silver Gun that King Henry Christophe killed himself; the sword that Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti's father of Independence, used during the last battle for the Independence of Haiti. Plan a sightseeing tour of the museum to experience the rich history of Haiti.

2. The Iron Market (Port-au-Prince)

The Iron Market (French: Marché en Fer), which is located in down town Port-au-Prince, is a busy trading place where you can find literally everything. It was severely damaged to near complete destruction by the 2010 earthquake but Digicel, the largest telecom company in Hati, sponsored its restoration works which made it one of the most iconic architectural masterpieces in Haiti. As the most popular public market in Haiti, it attracts many locals and sightseeing tourists. For many years now, the market sells similar food and clothing as was sold 150 years ago in the process maintaining an authentic impression. Today, the Iron market remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Haiti worth a sightseeing trip.

3. Fort Jacques (Petionville)

Fort Jacques, together with Fort Alexander, were built by Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines of Haiti as part of the defensive system improvised to prevent the return of the French after the independence of Haiti. They were built on top of the hills surrounding the town of Kenscoff near Petionville and from the fort; you can see the entire bay of Port-au-Prince. The fort, which was named Jacques in honor of the Emperor, was completed in one year and armed with guns and bombs. The fort has been maintained over the years and on your sightseeing tour of the fort you will get to see about 19 French canons and 1 British Canon still there. Every year on May 18 when the people of Haiti celebrate their independence, funfairs and music concerts are held there, a perfect time for your sightseeing tour.

4. Labadee (Cap-Haïtien)

If there is one thing Haiti is well known for is its scenic beauty and colorful landscape, and Labadee is an exact manifestation of this fact. As one of the most enchanting destinations on the island, the private beach resort features expansive white sand and crystal waters in what is a secluded piece of paradise. Labadee is leased by the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Company and attracts loads and loads of sightseeing tourists each day. This can be a perfect sightseeing destination in Haiti with such sporting adventures as beach jumping and diving, water sliding in the Arawak Aqua Park, or even riding on the world's longest zip line over water. Visitors can also shop from the many Haitian vendors on location as they enjoy the scenery of the coral reefs and lagoon-like bays surrounded by forested mountains characteristic of this region of Haiti.

5. The Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cap-Haitien)

This 18th century Catholic Cathedral in Cap-Haitien has been a major religious center for Catholic Christans across many generations. It is an outstanding monument in the city and was built as a royal residence and administrative center of Christophe’s Kingdom. Despite the many earthquake activities in the area, it has stood the test of time. If you are looking for a serene and peaceful place to relax after your adventurous sightseeing tour, then this cathedral is just about that. The interior is simple and spacious with tall white arches and well maintained walls supporting the high dome-shaped ceiling. On your sightseeing tour of the Cathedral, you will see a statue of Mackandal, a famous leader of the black slaves who escaped from the plantations to Haiti. There is a small park outside the church where you can rest under the shade of palm trees.

6. Citadelle Laferriere (Cap-Haitien)

Citadelle Laferriere, just like Fort Jacques, was a fortification built after Haiti gained independence to provide protection against French invasion. The fortress is located on top of mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque in the northern coast of Haiti and remains as magnificent a monument as it did back then. Today, it’s a revered symbol of the tribulations that the people of Haiti went through in the struggle for independence. The Citadelle was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1982 and is the largest fortress not only in Haiti but also in Americas. It features 4-foot thick walls that rise 40 meters high, cannons and stockpiles of cannon balls. Sightseeing visitors of this region of Haiti have to take on the steep climb to the top of the tropical mountain which provides beautiful panoramic views of the northern coast of Haiti.

7. La Visite National Park (Southern Haiti)

La Visite National Park is one of the two national parks in Haiti and is located south of Port-au-Prince, in southern Haiti. The park forms part of the Massif de la Selle mountain range and its highest peak stands at a height of 2275 meters. The park, which covers about 12 square miles, features native grassland, pine and hardwood forests, and a sizeable diversity of vertebrates including 17 species of frogs, 18 species of reptiles 74 species of birds. There are also several unique flora and fauna found in the ravines, which make it a popular sightseeing destination for nature lovers and for bird-watching among tourists on a sightseeing tour in Haiti.

8. Marie-Jeanne Cave (Port-à-Piment)

The cave is located in the Marie-Jeanne Mountain in the Southwest region of Haiti, close to the town of Port-à-Piment. The cave, which is about 2.5 miles long, is an important ethnic landmark in Haiti and bears evidence of pre-historic and historical activities in the region. On your sightseeing tour of the cave, you will get to see numerous artifacts including symbols, pictographs, pottery shreds, and ammonites, which date back to the time of the Tainos. The interior of the cave features colorful rock formations and numerous fauna that include bats, spiders, beetles, crickets, birds, pseudo-scorpions, and flies. The cave is now visitor-friendly after welcome signs in different languages were installed along the paths to guide you on your sightseeing tour. It is recommended you seek the services of a guide on your sightseeing tour and also wear a helmet with light and sneakers.

9. The Sans-Souci Palace (Milot)

The Sans-Souci Palace was the royal residence of the first king of Haiti, King Henri Christophe I, before it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1842. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is located in the town of Milot, in the Nord Department of Haiti, was the most important among the nine palaces built by the king. The superb sightseeing monument features many high-arched windows, a baroque-style double stairway, administrative buildings, the prince’s residence, stables, barracks, a prison, an arsenal, a workshop, and a hospital. Such impressive is its history with it being built to demonstrate to foreigners the power and capability of the black race and that the architectural taste and genius of their ancestors was still alive. And with such deep historical ties, the palace evokes a sense of nostalgic beauty. The palace is a must-visit on your sightseeing tour in Haiti.

10. Bassin Bleu (Jacmel)

Bassin Bleu is an incredible series of waterfalls on the hills of Jacmel, in Haiti. This sightseeing destination features lush vegetation and is home to plentiful of flora and fauna including numerous species of birds. This sightseeing spot is secluded bringing the feel of a paradise in the jungle. The hike to the falls and pools takes about 30 minutes and sightseeing tourists can climb the steep rocky hills above for a panoramic view of waterfalls and the turquoise waters in the pools, as well as the exotic Jacmel Bay. You could also make the most of your sightseeing tour by jumping from the waterfalls or swimming in the cool basins. This is definitely one place you should visit on your sightseeing tour being one of the prime tourism destinations in Haiti.

◎ Closing

Haiti is a country with many interesting places and landmarks that are testament to the harsh political times that rocked Haiti as well as national symbols that reflect the cultural heritage of Haiti. From the Citadelle Laferrière in Cap-Haitien, to the Fort Jacques in Petionville and the Bassin Bleu in Jacmel, you are in for a breathtaking sightseeing experience in Haiti.