hispaniola travel

Hispaniola is a Caribbean island that was explored and claimed by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492 and became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland.

The Spanish Empire initially claimed the whole island. But due to the inability of Spain to actually enforce that claim, the Western third soon became a haven of piracy and later part of the French Empire , becoming one of the most lucrative and most brutal slavery-based cash-crop colonies as "Saint Domingue". The eastern two thirds remained Spanish and relatively unimportant.

The Haitian Revolution began in 1791 and ended with France recognizing the new state of Haiti in 1804. Haiti was the former French part; they laid claim to the Spanish parts of the island and briefly conquered them but lost and ultimately gave up all claims to it during the 19th century.

Today the island encompasses two separate countries:

• Dominican Republic  – Occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island.
• Haiti  – Occupies the western third of the island.

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History & Heritage

Taíno Culture in Hispaniola: A Visitor's Guide

Taíno petroglyphs in a cave in Las Caritas, Dominican Republic

Photo: Ryan Bowen

Explore 10 Taíno cultural sites and museums across Dominican and Haitian Hispaniola where you can experience Taíno culture first-hand

Ever wonder what it was like in Hispaniola before Columbus?

Much has been said about what transpired after Columbus set foot on Hispaniola, but how much do you know about the thriving, peaceful culture that called the island home when Columbus arrived? And to what extent is that culture still alive today?

"They traded with us and gave us everything they had, with good will…they took great delight in pleasing us…They are very gentle and without knowledge of what is evil; nor do they murder or steal…Your Highness may believe that in all the world there can be no better people…They love their neighbors as themselves, and they have the sweetest talk in the world, and are gentle and always laughing."

- Christopher Columbus, writing in a section of his journal addressed to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain c 1492.

Today, researchers estimate 5000 Taíno indigenous people live in Cuba , with hundreds of thousands more throughout the Caribbean are likely to have Taíno roots.

Their culture gives all Dominican, Haitian, Cuban, and Puerto Rican people a unique shared identity and history, a link to an ancestry of sharing and love that tempers the region’s history of conquest and rebellion.

Taíno Presence

Using radiocarbon dating, human presence on the island of Hispaniola has been traced as far back as 4,000 B.C. Those early inhabitants are believed to be linked to the Arawakan People of modern-day Venezuela where several thousand of their descendants, the Lokono, still live and continue their traditions.

Scientific and archeological research has shown that Taínos migrated to the Chiefdom of Jaragua (roughly the same region as Cabaret in modern Haiti), around 3,630 B.C. Over thousands of years on the island, the Taíno consolidated a culture that featured agriculture, trade, inter-tribal marriages, and a peaceful life philosophy.

The Taíno had at least two names for the island now known as Hispaniola: Ayti (Haiti) meaning "MounTaínous Land", and Kiskeya , meaning "Mother of all Lands" - adopted by the Dominican Republic as Quisqueya .

At the time of European conquest, the island of Hispaniola was shared amongst the now advanced Taíno civilization, separated into five tribal regions of chiefdoms:

Northwest of the island (close to modern-day Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haïtien ). The head chief (Taíno: cacique ) was Guacanagarix, famous for receiving Columbus and his men peacefully after they were shipwrecked.

Northeast of the Island (where modern-day Puerto Plata and Samaná are located). The head chief (Taíno: cacique ) of the Maguá was called Guarionex.

On the Southeast coast of Hispaniola (where you’ll find modern-day Punta Cana , La Romana and Santo Domingo), the Higuey chiefdom was governed by cacique Cayacoa.

In the South-central region of the Island (home to Santiago , Río San Juan and Bahoruco), Maguana was ruled by cacique Caonabo. After Caonabo’s death, his wife Anacaona took over as leader of her people.

Located on the SouthWest part of the Island ( Port-au-Prince ; Jacmel ), ruled by the Head Chief of Cacique Bohechio, the brother of Anacaona. Other prominent warrior Taínos were Enriquillo, Hatuey, and Lemba.

Get up-close and personal with Taíno history & heritage

Here are 10 museums and Taíno cultural sites across Hispaniola - the Dominican Republi c in the east, and Haiti in the west - where you can experience Taíno culture first-hand:

Taíno petroglyphs in the Pomier-caves

Photo: Ministerio de Cultura

1. See petroglyphs at the Caves of Pomier

“Hispaniola is the heart of Taíno culture and the caves are the heart of the Taíno,” Domingo Abréu Collado, chief of the speleology division in the Dominican Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources, told Robert M. Poole for the Smithsonian Magazine .

In Las Cuevas de Pomier (the Caves of Pomier) in San Cristobal, you'll step into a natural cave system that dates back to pre-Columbian times, when the indigenous Taíno people depicted their way of life and cosmology in carbon drawings on the walls of sacred caves.

Anthropologists estimate that these caves were inhabited up to 2000 years ago, with traces of Igneri and Carib peoples as well as the more recent Taíno. The archeological record tells us that indigenous inhabitants created a series of “micro basins” in its lower levels to store rain water, which they used for agriculture.

Inside, over 4,000 prehistoric paintings and 500 cave drawings have been found, with even more currently being uncovered by the Cuevas de Pomier Foundation. If you make the trip, you’ll see how indigenous artists created pictographs of human figures and the many gods and deities of their cosmology as well as native birds, fish, reptiles, including some of Hispaniola’s unique and precious wildlife , like the endangered solenodon and hutia, rhino iguanas, and red-tailed hawks. Your tour guide will explain how artists used a mixture of vegetal carbon, natural pigments, and even manatee fat!

2. Museo del Hombre Dominicano, Santo Domingo

This museum has the largest and has the most extensive collection of Taíno artifacts in all of the Caribbean. Centrally located in Santo Domingo, the museum hosts exhibitions and installations recreating Taíno life and the methods they used to thrive in La Hispaniola. There are three floors dedicated to indigenous Taíno History:

First Floor:   Dedicated to archeological Pioneer Narciso Alberti Bosch, featuring his personal monoliths along with temporary exhibitions by different artists and anthropologists.

Third Floor:   The hall of Paleoindian, Mesoindian, Neoindian and pre-Columbine ages, showing ceramics, tools, and technologies used by Taínos.

Fourth Floor:  Dedicated to different stages after Hispaniola’s “discovery” by Europeans, including slave trails, punishments and Vodou rituals.

MUPANAH - Museum of The Haitian National Pantheon

Photo: Anton Lau

3. Museé du Pantheon National Haitien, Port-au-Prince

The National Museum of Haiti has been around since 1938, exhibiting relics and historical documentation about the nation's history, dating back to when Arawakans and Taínos first migrated to Hispaniola. Beautiful pieces of art can be seen depicting the cruelty of the Spanish and French towards enslaved African and Taínos.

4. Yucayeque Macao Museo Indígena

Yucayeque is an eco-tourism center with over 40 ranches displaying the Higuey Chiefdom Culture, where you'll visit subterranean caves and have a chance to swim in cenotes. You can join interactive cultural activities focused on Taíno history, entertainment, and indigenous gastronomy.

This 340-acre property cultivates traditional Taíno foods for you to try: yuca, batata, avocado, cacao, pineapples and yams.

Historic exhibit at Centro León Museum

Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

5. Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes

Apart from being a modern cultural center for visual arts, Dominican anthropology, and art history, Centro Leon houses a magnificent and unique collection of Taíno ceramics and artifacts like vases, amulets, and necklaces, holding impressive exhibitions on Dominican ancestry.

The museum is located in Santiago de los Caballeros.

6. Taíno Museum in Haiti

Located on the northwestern coast of Hispaniola in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, this museum showcases the artifacts and findings of the Kathy Dicquemare Foundation. Visitors can see a huge collection of bracelets, hair pins, relics and even skulls used by Taínos for certain religious ceremonies.

The museum has created animated videos telling the story of Columbus' arrival, to better educate the next generation of historians.

7. Museo Aquiologico Regional Altos de Chavon

Visited by thousands every year, Museo Chavon in La Romana is probably the world’s second-biggest concentration of all things Taíno, with a collection of over 3,000 pieces discovered during 40 years’ worth of archaeology by Samuel Pión. The collection is extensive and amply illustrates the evolution and complexity of indigenous society before foreign intervention.

8. En Bas Saline

On the Northeastern edge of Haiti, just 7.5 miles from Cap-Haitien, En Bas Saline is an ancient Taíno village that dates back to around 1,200 AD.

This is the famous site where Columbus was shipwrecked aboard the Santa Maria on Christmas Eve over 500 years ago. En Bas Saline village was part of the Marien Chiefdom, and Columbus was received by head chief Guacanagarix. Columbus dubbed the village La Navidad (Christmas), and even built a fort here (it was later destroyed in a revolt).

Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas

Photo: Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas

9. Swim and wander iguana habitat at Ojos Indigenas

Ojos Indigenas is a nature reserve south of Punta Cana. Visitors can swim in incredible Larimar-colored lagoons fringed with lush vegetation, and wander through self-guided trails (and an Iguana zoo!) to learn about indigenous Taíno culture and agriculture.

On site, you’ll take a self-guided tour to 12 freshwater lagoons, held sacred to the indigenous people for their resemblance to eyes (Spanish: ojos ). A system of trails takes you through the 1,500 acres of protected land, with over 500 species of plants that create a unique habitat for its wildlife.

Less than ten minutes’ drive from central Punta Cana, a visit to Ojos Indigenas makes an excellent day-trip.

Read more about the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve here!

Cueva del Puente, Cotubanamá National Park

Photo: Jose Luis Torres

10. Explore caves and subterranean lagoons at Cotubanamá National Park

Cotubanamá National Park is home to some 400 (!) magnificent caves. Eerily bright-blue underground lagoons are fed by rain water, filtered by the rocky Coraline terrain above, and you can take a guided tour of the caves with professional Scuba instructors. There’s far too many to try to see all of them, so if you only see one, make it Sendero Padre Nuestro (the Path of Our Father).

In the stunning Sendero Padre Nuestro cave you'll find petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by generations of Taíno artists, and trace passages to find remarkably blue subterranean lagoons. While some underground lakes are dyed bright colors by toxic compounds, the water in Sendero is pure and an important source of clean drinking water. To preserve this clean water for coming generations, the Sendero is the second-most heavily protected site in the country, but you can take a dip or even scuba dive through the canals that lead to Cueva de Chico.

Written by Omar Guzman.

Published October 2021.

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Travel advisory july 27, 2023, haiti - level 4: do not travel.

Last Update: Updated to reflect the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members for Embassy Port-au-Prince.

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure. On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.

Country Summary : Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.

Violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, such as  armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Mob killings against presumed criminals have been on the rise since late April. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport.

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Driving the Seam of Hispaniola

By Julia Alvarez

• Nov. 28, 2014

I’ve never liked the idea of bucket-list travel. Why make another to-do list when faced with your own mortality?

But there is one trip I’ve wanted to make since so far back I can’t remember when I first became fascinated by the idea: traveling down the border that separates my home­land, the Dominican Republic, from its neighbor, Haiti, sharing the island of Hispaniola.

Sharing might not be the best verb to describe the often troubled relationship between the two nations. The island was originally a colony of Spain, until the western half was ceded to France as a consequence of Continental wars in the 18th century. After its independence from France, Haiti went on to occupy the whole island until 1844. Tellingly, it is this date, not that of their secession from Spain, that Dominicans celebrate as their national independence day.

During my own childhood under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, the “Dominicanization” of border areas became a national campaign. Incentives were offered to anyone willing to homestead in our version of the American Wild West.

A 1929 treaty had been signed, delineating where one country ended and the other began. This was news to some Haitians and Dominicans who suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of the border. Those who disregarded the treaty paid dearly eight years later, when Trujillo, furious over the violation of national sovereignty, ordered the massacre of thousands of Haitians still living on Dominican soil.

This was before my time, but even as a child in the ’50s, whenever I misbehaved, I was threatened with El Cuco, the Haitian boogeyman, who would take me away to Haiti where I would become somebody’s meal. All of this only served to whet my appetite, then, and to this day, about the mysterious “other” country next door.

What finally propelled me to undertake the journey was a controversial ruling in the fall of 2013 by the highest court in the land. Dominicans who could not prove their parents’ legal status at the time of their birth — retroactive to 1929 — were no longer considered citizens. This denationalization mostly affected the over 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian descent. There was talk of erecting a wall, militarizing the border. I might never be able to make the trip if the xenophobes won the day.

And so on a sunny morning in February, my husband, Bill, and I set out on a journey in a four-wheel-drive pickup that would take us from Monte Cristi in the northwest, to Pedernales at the southernmost tip of the border. It was only 345 miles, but we allotted ourselves a generous five days, given the primitive roads, the meager or no services, and all the unexpected things always to be expected when you set off for parts unknown without the benefit of an Anthony Bourdain road crew.

We were sticking to Dominican soil, so as not to have to deal with the endless red-tape permits required to drive into Haitian territory. Midway, however, we’d be straddling the very border on the International Highway, a bone-rattling, 29-mile road, begun in 1936 and finished in 1946. In one of the few light moments during this rough stretch, Bill turned to me in the passenger seat. “Hey! I’m in the D.R., and you’re in Haiti!”

We spent our first day touring Monte Cristi, with its 19th-century Victorian houses from an earlier prosperous age when the town was so rich “we could tie up our dogs with sausage links,” as one old-timer noted . It used to be the largest port in the country a century ago when its exports of mahogany and cedar and Campeche dye for fabrics were in much demand in Europe. But with the world wars of the last century, and the Trujillo dictatorship centralizing control in the capital, Monte Cristi declined. A certain slant of light, a nostalgic feel in the air, a once-upon-a-time beauty in black widow’s garb and white bun gazing out from the top half of a Dutch door, and I could almost believe I’d gone back 100 years to the solitude of Gabriel García Márquez’s Macondo.

In Monte Cristi, we also entered a circle of hell. One of our objectives was to visit a Haitian prisoner named Johnny Rivas, arrested on unverified charges of having murdered a witch. We learned of him through some human rights activists, who had involved us in a campaign to free him. Though he was arrested before the ruling, his case was yet another example of the frequent violation of the civil rights of Haitians, especially poor ones, on Dominican soil.

Inside San Fernando Fortaleza, we entered another country altogether, run by prisoners with fees for protection and anything else you might want (a prostitute, a cellphone). Our “guardian,” a shirtless, chunky guy sporting a Hello Kitty charm on a chain, led us down a dark, airless passageway. Inside the 4-by-6-foot cubicle, we found a gaunt, haunted Johnny, held without bail for over nine months. What to say to a man in these circumstances? We listened, more compelled than ever to travel to the strip of land where two nations meet and begin to distance themselves from each other.

Early the next morning, we headed for Dajabón, on the border, with Ouanaminthe on the Haitian side. Both have become boom towns, with a steady stream of merchants and consumers, Haitians and Dominicans flowing back and forth on the bridge over the Massacre River. As its name suggests, this border river has historically flowed with blood — not this peaceable, lucrative commerce, which the ruling threatens to dam up.

About 12 miles south, Loma de Cabrera charmed us with its dollhouse casitas, many with stands in front, laden with artisan products: milk fudge, wrapped in palm husks and filled with guava, orange or cashew fruit; casabe, made in the old way of the Taínos, the indigenous people who lived on the island when the Spaniards arrived. Nestled in the green radiance of the Cordillera Central mountains, the bustling town exuded the diligence of people who only have to look west at the brown, deforested mountains of Haiti to know that they must care for the land.

At the central square we met up with our friend Amadeo, who had agreed to travel with us as our photographer and guide. An agronomist by training, Amadeo is what my mother used to call a todólogo, someone who knows about everything — luckily for us, everything Dominican.

At Restauración, we picked up the permit required to travel the International Highway. While my compañeros waited for the paperwork from a guardia who could barely write, I stepped outside. A man in pressed jeans came running across the street, carting a large, framed reproduction of a Paris street with the Eiffel Tower in the background. When I quizzed him, he had no idea where this scene was, but guessed Nueva York. All week he travels through border towns, renting and selling such decoraciones.

As we started down the highway, the contrast between the two countries was like that between makeover photos — which side represented before and which after depending on your optimism, or lack thereof. To our left, the Dominican side was greener, the houses grouped into settlements (Villa Anacaona, Los Algodones, Guayajayuco), with a church, a school, a park and, between villages, an occasional military post, manned by one or two bored guards in ragamuffin clothes — flip-flops, a soiled ski cap, a T-shirt from Marshall University medical school (“Sorry. Can’t. Gotta Study” in back). They brandished guns as we approached, but readily put them aside to chat.

On the Haitian side, the houses were made of mud or crude wooden boards scrabbled together. The only apparent businesses were a gallera; a houngan’s hut with its telltale flags; a repair shop, Repuestos de Diego, the name in Spanish, but the list of services in Kreyòl. Outside another house hung a poster of the Mirabal sisters, who fought against the dictatorship. Haitians honoring our Dominican heroines! But the owner had no idea who these pretty women were — just a free adornment he didn’t have to purchase from an itinerant art dealer, like the Marlboro ad beside it.

But past Guayajayuco, we encountered desolation on both sides: barren mountainsides, no houses, no people, not even an occasional mango or ceiba (the two trees Haitians will spare: One gives fruit, the other is sacred). The only indication of a border were the alternating “mojones,” markers inscribed “1929, RD” or “RH” (República Dominicana or République d’Haïti), though one of the latter had been altered to 1829, as if to prove Haiti was here first.

As we descended into the fertile San Juan Valley, we felt like Noah stepping out of his ark. The signs of civilization greeted us: tiny casitas, a boy on a bicycle, a small bodega with cold Presidente beers, and a smoldering trash heap. At the Artibonite River, the official end of the International Highway, we turned in our permit and headed for the night’s destination, Las Matas de Farfán.

Amadeo, whose routes were often dictated by whatever culinary delight the area was known for, insisted our first stop be Domingo’s shop to taste his famous Arish cheese. A tangy wafer, made with cow or goat milk, coated in oregano, it was brought to the country by los Árabes, part of an influx of immigrants Trujillo imported to populate the border.

Amadeo had booked us rooms at a hotel with a sign proclaiming “under new management.” But D’Cactus turned out to have the same old problems besetting small establishments in out-of-the-way places (inconsistent electricity, no hot water, sometimes no water at all, and plenty of scary bugs, including a tarantula in the bathroom). The lobby was hung with wall-to-wall paintings: European cityscapes, Greek temples, still lifes with candles, goblets or flasks of wine. (Had the itinerant art dealer been through town?) A young artist was painting over one canvas. He had been hired to replace the classical scenes with local landscapes. Perhaps the new management was on the right track, after all.

We checked in hurriedly in order to make it to San Juan de la Maguana, just north of town, before dark. There, we visited Corral de los Indios, a clearing, ringed with stones, where the Taínos once held their rituals. We walked into the sacred circle, no cordon keeping us out. This is a country where you can still touch history, and judging from the missing stones, even carry a piece of it away. On a boulder at the center, legend has it, Anacaona, the Taína chieftain, used to relax at the end of her long days. She was the sister and wife of two Caciques who ruled different regions of Ayiti, as the whole island was known back then. To this day, Anacaona is revered on both sides of the border, an icon of solidarity. I sat on her rock, summoning her noble spirit to descend on her squabbling children.

Saturday morning, before leaving Las Matas, we visited its famed mercado. This was not a Dajabón type of border market, with brokers dealing in everything from disposable diapers to cellphone chargers, but a true farmers’ market, offering tamarinds and unroasted coffee beans spilling out of sacks. Of course, it’s a small (globalized) world: hanging beside braids of garlic was a SpongeBob SquarePants beach towel.

It was early, and the breakfast stands were busy, especially one specializing in yaniqueques, a Dominican version of johnnycakes, brought over by migrants from the British Antilles, known as Cocolos, who came to work on the sugar plantations. Arish cheese and yaniqueques and quipes (from Lebanese immigrants’ kibbe): The eclectic cuisine reflects an island culture where the inhabitants are sponges, absorbing whatever comes in, including — even if some refuse to acknowledge it — what comes across the border, only miles away.

That was where we were headed, southwest to Hondo Valle, where the road hugged the border before it turned inland into the Sierra de Neiba, the mountainous cloud forest we would cross to the border town of Jimaní. According to Amadeo, yesterday’s roads were a piece of cake compared with what awaited us.

As if his words suddenly became manifest, a man flagged us down and thrust a paper plate with a clump of yellow cake through the window. “Eat, eat!” he encouraged us. Our fearless gourmand, Amadeo, popped a piece in his mouth and exclaimed, “¡Chenchén!” — a kind of coarse polenta made with milk, and a staple of the southwestern part of the country.

The man beckoned. We followed him up a hill to where a large gathering sat around a limoncillo tree, eating chenchén, goat stew, tayotas, and rice and beans. This was the last day of prayers for Máximo, who’d died nine days ago. “He took care of everyone,” our host explained. “If he had three, he gave you two.” I looked around at the brown faces, all decidedly Dominican. Because the ruling was on my mind, I wondered if “everyone” included Haitians.

We soon experienced the Haitian counterpart of this generosity. As we left the houses behind, the road climbed, narrowed, then disappeared altogether. To go forward, the pickup would have to cross over gaping holes between boulders. Amadeo was apologetic; he had heard that the road was bad, not impassable.

A dozen Haitian men appeared, trotting uphill, carting rocks to wedge inside the holes. When we successfully cleared the harrowing stretch, they climbed in back, and at the next bad patch, they set to work again. Our very own road crew! Finally, the ground smoothed out. We tipped them, knowing we couldn’t really pay for such kindness, only pass it on.

Now that the worst was over, we took in the intense cloud forest surrounding us: towering trees arched above, branches dripping with Spanish moss, studded with bromeliads; huge ferns brushed the sides of the pickup, like tongues licking it clean. As a reader, I love meeting a landscape I’ve encountered before only in literature. Longfellow’s lines ran through my mind: “This is the forest primeval.” It was a bucket-list travel moment: I’m glad I’ve lived to see this!

As we descended into the valley, Lago Enriquillo came into view, the largest saltwater lake and the lowest elevation in the Antilles. (Another bragging point: the Dominican Republic also has the highest peak, Pico Duarte, 10,128 feet.) The lake is home to migratory birds, crocodiles, flamingoes, iguanas. But as we got closer, an apocalyptic scene came into view: flooded farmlands; tree trunks rotting in murky water; a small town, Boca de Cachón, submerged. Bucket-list moments can go in reverse: I wished I hadn’t lived to see this.

This entryway into Jimaní didn’t lessen the unsavory impression we left with the next morning. Now the major crossing in the south, Jimaní was once a poor border town much like the ones we passed on the International Highway. But in the 1930s and ’40s, it became the target of Trujillo’s Dominicanization frenzy, “civilized into a bastion of the spirit of a new Dominican era,” to quote a fawning article of the time.

Today’s Jimaní still has that pumped-up quality, with none of the layered history of its counterpart, Dajabón, the major crossing in the north. Port-au-Prince is only an hour west, Santo Domingo three hours southeast, both on good roads, so Jimaní serves as the port of entry and exit of many a politico needing to make a quick getaway.

But I’m breaking the cardinal rule of border travel: Don’t take sides. And so, I should tell you that after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Jimaní became the center of aid: medicines, doctors and supplies flowed in; customs and immigration restrictions were lifted; the 40-bed hospital swelled to 400. The Pan American Health Organization declared it “the capital of Dominican-Haitian solidarity.”

If we had fulfilled to the letter my lifelong wish of traveling the length of the border, we would have headed straight south from Jimaní to that last pairing of sister towns, Pedernales and Anse-à-Pitre. But to do so we would have to traverse another sierra, Bahoruco, on a remote road whose condition Amadeo’s contact hadn’t gotten back to him about. It’s also a major area for smuggling, not primarily drugs, as I imagined. According to Amadeo, some 30 percent of the Haitian coffee crop comes into the Dominican Republic as contraband along this corridor. We decided not to risk it. After all, bucket-list travel should be something fun you do before you die, not something you might die doing.

So we took the longer, safer route, down the east coast of the Bahoruco Peninsula to our last stop, Pedernales. Most of the peninsula is a national park, a reserve for endemic species, including more than 150 species of birds, a birder’s paradise. At Bahía de las Águilas, we met up with a group of the birders, led by Rockjumper, a touring company for birding adventures. Two older gentlemen, who looked like extras for a movie about the British Raj (khaki-colored short pants, knee socks, safari hats, sunburned faces), hurried down a hill to announce that they’d spotted a flock of Caribbean martins. This had the effect of setting off a fire alarm in a high school lunchroom: Everyone made for the exit. Except for one Rockjumper who stayed behind enjoying something else she wouldn’t get midwinter in Wisconsin: fresh conch cooked in a criollo sauce.

Pedernales, like Jimaní, was also a town that received the steroids of Trujillo’s Dominicanization crusade. Inhabitants were lured with promises of land, jobs, weekly subsidies (10 cents a head for each child). But unlike Jimaní, Pedernales was too remote to become an important border crossing. Instead, it has maintained a sweet, untampered quality, as if it still remembers its roots as a fishing village, and its grander pre-Columbian history as part of Jaragua, the largest of the five caciquajes into which the island was then divided. Its name, in fact, means flint, from the local stone the Taínos shaped into cutting utensils and arrows. A few years back, when Alcoa pulled out its nearby bauxite operations, Pedernales went into a steep decline; the lightweights left, and those who stayed mined a deeper, richer resource: a vast expanse of unspoiled nature. With that discovery came a fierce sense of stewardship.

Perhaps because of this larger perspective — nature over nationality — Pedernales’s relations with its neighbor seemed less fraught. On Monday morning we headed for the market, crossing a footbridge into Anse-à-Pitre, with only our word at the border trailer that we’d be right back. No fees, red tape, endless lines or avoiding all of the above with a bribe.

We spent our last day exploring the Sierra de Bahoruco on the questionable road we had avoided when we came into town. Midday, the smugglers were surely having their siestas. As we climbed toward the village of Aguas Negras, we watched the landscape turn from semiarid to forest, cactuses giving way to trumpet flowers and flourishing poinsettia hedges that didn’t seem related to their puny, potted cousins up north. In the central square we were met with the harmonious pairing in evidence everywhere we had traveled: cars passing plows pulled by oxen; modern art being delivered to a casita with dirt floors; and here, a Dominican teenager on a bench texting on her cellphone, while a few feet away, sitting on upturned buckets, two Haitian girls in smocks braided each other’s hair.

This, too: Dominicans and Haitians, coexisting peaceably.

Julia Alvarez grew up in the Dominican Republic before returning to live in the United States, where she was born. Her most recent book is “A Wedding in Haiti: The Story of a Friendship.”

Given what we knew awaited us, we decided to stay at “really nice” hotels at either end of our journey. Really nice can be really relative when you are traveling in places beyond the gated commodities of the first world, but it turned out that even by discriminating standards, El Morro Eco Adventure Hotel in Monte Cristi ( elmorro.com.do ) and Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge ( casabonitadr.com ), on the way around the Bahoruco Peninsula from Pedernales, deserve the gush. Both are boutique hotels, reflecting the local architecture and unspoiled natural beauty of the area, and packed with ambience.

­In Pedernales, Hostal Doña Chava ( donachava.com ) is steeped in old-time Dominican charm. The hostal was started by Doña Chava to house visiting priests, doctors and actors in this outpost town; the current owner, Katia, continues her mother’s tradition of hospitality as a philosophy, not a business strategy. It is a simple, no-frills place to stay with lizards on the walls, parrots in the courtyard palm trees, and a hammock under a thatched gazebo with books left behind by previous guests. Katia offers a hearty Dominican breakfast (mangú con cebollitas, mashed plantains with onions; fried eggs; sausage; fresh fruit, coffee). Rooms are tidy, clean, but very tiny, and a bargain at under $30 for the two of us, including breakfast.

A four-wheel vehicle is a must. Give yourself at least four days for the trip. Even though the mileage looks like a piece of cake (about 345 miles), the average speed in certain spots is a couple of miles an hour. Carry along bug spray, sunscreen, hat, bottled water and a mosquito net.

­If you happen to find yourself in Dajabón, Dominican Republic, or Ouanaminthe, Haiti, the first weekend in October, consider joining the annual gathering of Haitians and Dominicans, Border of Lights ( borderoflights­.org ), and participating in community service and art projects, a service and vigil in which the border is lit up with candles, poetry, music and dance.

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• Section 10 - Guatemala & Belize
• Section 10 - Iguacu Falls

CDC Yellow Book 2024

Author(s): Stanley Juin, Macarthur Charles, Timbila Koama, Chung (Ken) Chen

Destination Overview

Infectious disease risks, environmental hazards & risks, safety & security, availability & quality of medical care.

The Republic of Haiti is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea (see Map 10-08 ). The shared border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is porous; migrant workers move readily between the 2 countries, and cultural influences are shared. North America and France have large Haitian diaspora communities. Travelers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) make up a large proportion of visitors to Haiti each year. Other reasons people come to Haiti include foreign diplomacy, international business, missionary and humanitarian aid work, and tourism.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is often the main entry point for international arrivals. Haiti has many tourist destinations, including a popular cruise ship destination in Labadie (Port Labadee), which has white sand beaches and scenery that attract visitors year-round. Historical architecture sites (e.g., Cathédrale Notre-Dame in the city of Cap-Haïtien; Citadelle Laferrière, reputedly the largest fortress in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on top of mountain Bonnet à l’Evèque) are popular tourist destinations. The annual Haitian Carnival, which takes place in February or March, draws crowds from around the world. Haiti has strong economic and social ties with international organizations; as such, business travelers, foreign diplomats, humanitarian aid workers, and missionaries often visit Haiti.

Travelers can find various types of accommodations in Haiti, ranging from dormitory-style to bed-and-breakfast inns to house rentals and upscale hotels in major cities. Most accommodations include internet, but signal and reliability are often poor due to interruptions of services within the country.

Map 10-08 Haiti

View Larger Figure

Environmental degradation has contributed to Haiti’s poor sanitation and water quality. As a result, multiple public health risks exist for Haitians and for travelers to Haiti. Anyone traveling to Haiti should be up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria (cases have increased in recent years) and tetanus boosters, seasonal influenza, and measles. Although measles has been eliminated in Haiti, the risk for reintroduction is ever-present.

Enteric Infections & Diseases

As of February 2021, the cholera outbreak that started after the 2010 earthquake had caused 820,555 suspected cases of illness and 9,792 deaths. The epidemic curve peaked in 2011, with declining incidence and mortality rates annually due to improved access to clean water and sanitation and the efforts of cholera treatment centers. In 2019, 9 years after the outbreak started, Haiti reported 720 suspected cholera cases and only 3 deaths. In October 2022, after 3 years of no reports of culture-confirmed cholera, Haiti’s National Public Health Laboratory identified new cases of culture-confirmed disease and was investigating additional suspect cases.

Despite declining cases, cholera remains a persistent public health threat in Haiti. Oral cholera vaccine has been implemented as part of a complementary set of ongoing control measures that include improved diarrheal disease surveillance and enhanced laboratory capacity. Travelers should adhere to food and water precautions, and—depending on their planned itinerary—consider cholera vaccine (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 5, Cholera ). For current recommendations, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health destination page for Haiti .

Travelers’ Diarrhea

Visitors to Haiti are at high risk for travelers’ diarrhea (TD). Travelers who want to experience the local flavorful cuisine (e.g., griot [seasoned fried pork], plantains, rice with red beans, and a variety of fish and shellfish, including conch), should select food and beverages with care (see Sec. 2, Ch. 6, Travelers’ Diarrhea , and Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ).

Typhoid Fever

Without prompt treatment, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi infection can cause serious morbidity and mortality (Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 24, Typhoid & Paratyphoid Fever ). On average, Haiti’s Ministry of Health reports 1,200 suspected cases weekly throughout the country. Although the true extent of typhoid infection in Haiti is not fully known, cases are reported regularly in all 10 departments. Due to major public health infrastructure investments (sanitation, access to safe drinking water) made in response to the cholera outbreak, the number of typhoid fever cases has been decreasing, but disease transmission remains active. Urge all travelers to adhere to strict food and water precautions, and—depending on their planned itinerary—to consider receiving typhoid fever vaccine.

Respiratory Infections & Diseases

Coronavirus disease 2019.

All travelers going to Haiti should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines .

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is more prevalent in Haiti than in neighboring countries. Using appropriate and effective strategies, the Programme National de Lutte contre la Tuberculose (PNLT) has been able to improve case detection and treatment throughout the country. Short-term travelers are not at high risk of tuberculosis unless they are residing or spending extended time in specific crowded environments (e.g., shared room hostels, prisons).

Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV

Support from the international community over the past 20 years has helped stabilize the prevalence of HIV in Haiti; the estimated prevalence is 2% among adults aged >15 years. Among people 15–24 years age of age, infection is disproportionately greater among women than men (2.3% vs. 1.6%). As of December 2020, 85% of people living with HIV were aware of their diagnosis, 83% of those diagnosed were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 72% have an undetectable viral load. Preexposure prophylaxis is available at all regional hospitals throughout the country and at several high-volume health centers. Condoms can be easily purchased at local pharmacies and grocery stores, although quality cannot be guaranteed.

Soil- & Waterborne Infections

Although the prevalence of helminthiasis is diminishing in Haiti, intestinal parasites represent a potential concern for travelers, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to food and water precautions (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 13, Soil-Transmitted Helminths ).

Vectorborne Diseases

Vectorborne diseases, both viral and parasitic, are common in Haiti and include dengue and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Travelers to Haiti should take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ).

Arboviruses: Chikungunya, Dengue & Zika

In 2021, ongoing dengue surveillance in Haiti confirmed 18 cases out of >5,000 specimens tested through October of that year. Seroprevalence studies conducted in 2017 found ≈72% of Haitians had been exposed to dengue, confirming the results of a previous study conducted in 2012. Advise longer-term travelers to Haiti to select accommodations with air conditioning or well-screened windows and doors; to wear clothes that cover the arms and legs; and to use insect repellent. No confirmed cases of chikungunya or Zika have been documented in Haiti since June 2014.

Lymphatic Filariasis

Haiti actively participates in the global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF). LF is considered endemic to Hispaniola, including many parts of Haiti. As of 2020, several areas of the country, including Port-au-Prince, still require annual mass treatment campaigns aimed at reducing parasite transmission . Prevention involves adherence to insect bite precautions (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 9, Lymphatic Filariasis ).

Chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum malaria is endemic to Haiti (see Sec. 2, Ch. 5, Yellow Fever Vaccine and Malaria Prevention Information, by Country ). The incidence of malaria has been decreasing since 2016; current incidence is ≈70 cases per 100,000 people, annually. The highest transmission rates are reported to occur after the rainy seasons, March–May and October–November. Malaria is a localized infection in Haiti and is reported primarily from the Southern region. Nevertheless, CDC recommends that all travelers to Haiti, regardless of itinerary, take malaria chemoprophylaxis (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 16, Malaria ).

Animal Bites & Rabies

Haiti is more affected by rabies than any other nation in the Americas. Prevention efforts in the country have increased, but with a high number of stray dogs, the number of cases of human rabies is not yet clearly defined. Preexposure rabies vaccination is recommended for travelers anticipating contact with animals. Travelers with high-risk exposures for rabies generally require medical evacuation to the United States to receive definitive care and management, including appropriate postexposure prophylaxis (see Sec 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies ).

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning commonly occurs in Haiti. Outbreaks can happen seasonally or sporadically, particularly after storms. Not all fish of a given species or from a given area will necessarily be toxic. Travelers to Haiti should avoid eating reef fish weighing >2.7 kg (6 lbs) or the filets of large fish (see Sec. 4, Ch. 10, Food Poisoning from Marine Toxins ).

Climate & Sun Exposure

With some variation depending on elevation, the climate in Haiti is tropical and hot, and remains so throughout the year. Haiti has an average monthly temperature range of 77°F–84°F. Humidity is often high, and microclimates exist depending on the geographic location. Travelers should minimize sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (see Sec. 4, Ch. 1, Sun Exposure ). Sunscreen products are not always available in local markets, however, and travelers should pack enough to last them for the duration of their travel.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are common in Haiti, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Hurricane season lasts from June–November. In 2008, Haiti experienced a series of 4 hurricanes and tropical storms within 2 months. Hurricane Matthew, the first Category 4 hurricane to hit the island since 1964, struck Haiti in October 2016; 546 people died and >120,000 were displaced. Strong winds and heavy rain caused flash floods, mudslides, river floods, crop and vegetation loss, and destruction of homes and businesses. One year later, rain and flooding from Hurricane Irma compounded the losses to Haiti’s agricultural sector. These combined disasters further weakened an already fragile infrastructure.

In January 2010, Haiti experienced a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that killed >220,000 people and displaced 1.5 million people from their homes. More recently, on August 14, 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwest Haiti, about 70 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, killing ≈2,200 people and injuring >12,000. In addition, 28 of the 66 health facilities in the region were severely damaged or destroyed. Two days later, tropical storm Grace made landfall causing flooding and complicating relief efforts. Together, these emergencies have strained Haiti’s health care system immensely.

The crime rate in Haiti is high, particularly in Port-au-Prince, presenting persistent safety concerns for travelers. Although much of the violent crime is perpetrated by Haitians against Haitians, American citizens also have been victims (see Sec. 4, Ch. 11, Safety & Security Overseas ). Travelers arriving on flights from the United States have been targeted for robbery and attack.

During Carnival, crime, disorderly conduct, and general congestion increase. Advise travelers to maintain awareness of their surroundings, avoid nighttime travel, keep valuables well hidden (not left in parked vehicles), and to lock all doors and windows.

Political Unrest

Political and civil unrest represents a safety concern for visitors to Haiti. Frequent and sometimes spontaneous protests occur in Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations—which travelers should avoid, when possible—can turn violent. The US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) electronically pushes information to travelers about safety conditions at their destination and provides direct embassy contact in case of man-made emergencies (political unrest and demonstrations, rioting, terrorist activity) or natural disasters.

Traffic-Related Injuries

Motor vehicle injuries are the most common cause of death for healthy US residents traveling abroad (see Sec. 8, Ch. 5, Road & Traffic Safety ). The risk for death from road injuries in Haiti is high; the 2019 average rate was 18.77 per 100,000 population, compared with an average rate of 15.33 for the Americas region. Road conditions in Haiti differ greatly from those in the United States; roads and lanes are generally unmarked, speed limits are seldom posted or adhered to, rights of way are not observed, and animals, carts, and vendors all share the roads with motor vehicles. Some roads are unpaved or have large potholes. Lack of streetlights significantly compounds the risk of being on roads at night.

Traffic is usually chaotic and congested in urban areas. Vibrantly painted tap taps are open-air vehicles (buses or pick-up trucks), mechanically unsound, and often overloaded with passengers. Although tap taps are a common form of public transportation for Haitians, advise travelers to avoid using them because of safety concerns (crashes, kidnappings, robberies). Remind travelers to remain alert when walking, to choose safe vehicles, and to observe safety practices when operating vehicles. Travelers should fasten seat belts when riding in cars, and wear a helmet when riding bicycles or motorbikes.

According to the World Health Organization, delivery of primary health care services was already challenged in Haiti before the 2021 earthquake. Since then, the health care situation has become even more complicated; many facilities, primarily in the south, are unable to function because of physical damage, and medical facilities can close without notice due to social unrest.

The Haitian health care system faces multiples shortages (e.g., limited availability of essential medicines and supplies, lack of trained health professionals) and is costly. Over 40% of the population report not having used the public health care system, even in cases of serious injury or illness, principally due to the cost. Thus, access to health care, especially for medical emergencies remains a challenge in Haiti, and medical evacuation often is necessary for patients who require immediate attention. Consequently, people planning travel to Haiti should purchase travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ) and bring a travel first aid kit (see Sec. 2, Ch. 10, Travel Health Kits ).

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Clive M. Brown, Lacreisha Ejike-King, J. Nadine Gracia, Dana M. Sampson

Bibliography

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Haiti. Available from: www.healthdata.org/haiti .  

Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance (IHE) and ICF. Haiti mortality, morbidity and service utilization survey (EMMUS-VI) 2016–2017 [in French]. Pétion-Ville, (Haiti) and Rockville (MD): Institut Haïtien de l’Enfance and ICF; 2018. Available from: www.dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR326/FR326.pdf .

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers. Ciguatera fish poisoning. Available from: www.iamat.org/risks/ciguatera-fish-poisoning. Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP). Sitrep COVID-19 08-07-21 [in French]. Available from: www.mspp.gouv.ht/page-covid-19 .  

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Hurricane Center tropical cyclone report: Hurricane Matthew (AL142016). Miami: The Center; 2017. Available from: www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142016_Matthew.pdf .

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report Office. Human development report 2013. The rise of the South: human progress in a diverse world. New York: The Programme; 2013. Available from: http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/reports/14/hdr2013_en_complete.pdf .

US Department of State. Haiti 2017 crime and safety report. Washington, DC: Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Overseas Security Advisory Council; 2017. Available from: www.osac.gov/Content/Report/fcbed0b9-1eda-45a8-b6f4-15f4ae15ebaa .

Weppelmann TA, Burne A, von Fricken ME, Elbadry MA, Beau De Rochars M, Boncy J, et al. A tale of two flaviviruses: a seroepidemiological study of dengue virus and West Nile virus transmission in the Ouest and Sud-Est Departments of Haiti. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2017;96(1):135–40.

World Food Programme. Haiti. Available from: www.wfp.org/countries/haiti .

World Health Organization. Haiti. Available from: www.who.int/countries/hti/en .

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Travel Guide Caribbean Hispaniola

Introduction

Punta Cana - Saona Island view

© JOSE_MARIA

Hispaniola is an island in the Caribbean, comprising the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic . It is one of the largest and most populous islands in the region and is the place where Christopher Columbus founded the first colonial settlements in 1492 and 1493.

Hispaniola is located west of Puerto Rico and east of both Cuba and Jamaica , in the northwestern part of the Caribbean . Both the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands lie to the north of Hispaniola. It's about 76,500 square kilometres big of which about two thirds is formed by the Dominica Republic, the other third is Hait. It has between 19 and 20 million inhabitants. Hispaniola is a mountainous island with five major mountain ranges. The Central Range spans the central part of the island, extending from the south coast of the Dominican Republic into northwestern Haiti. It has the highest peak on the island: the Pico Duarte at 3,087 metres above sea level. The Cordillera Septentrional runs parallel to the Central Range across the northern end of the Dominican Republic, extending into the Atlantic Ocean . The lowest of the ranges is the Cordillera Oriental, in the eastern part of the island. The Sierra de Neiba rises in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, and continues northwest into Haiti, parallel to the Cordillera Central. Finally, the southern range begins in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic and extends west into Haiti forming the mountainous spine of Haiti's southern peninsula.

My nieces sweet 16 cruise

© peter al

In between the mountain ranges are lowlands and valleys, the Atlantic coastal plains and a depression runs parallel to the southern range where salt lakes are a main geographical feature.

• Dominican Republic - Spanish speaking, the more popular country among travellers, good for relaxing and all sorts of beach and water activities, but also with a rich culture and abundance of natural highlights.
• Haiti - Creole speaking, French understanding, is much less travelled, but probably more interesting because of that. With a vibrant and unique history Haiti can overwhelm the senses. Recently hit by a devastating earthquake.

Sights and Activities

Dominican republic.

• Cigars - The Dominican Republic is one of the largest producers of cigars in the world. Some argue Dominican cigars are even better than Cubans. A great activity is to go explore the entire cigar making process from growing to rolling and lastly smoking. The best places to experience the cigar process are in the center of the island near Santiago and Cibao Valley region.
• Beaches - The Dominican Republic has more then a thousand miles of white sand beaches with clear blue water. If you're looking for super high end resorts with pools and gold course then some beaches are perfect for you. If you're looking for something more off the beaten track with no people, that is also easy to find! The beaches surround the entire country and all of them are great in different ways. The beaches are amazing and are a great place to relax.
• The north shore "Cabarete Beach" in Puerto Plata is famous for windsurfing, kitesurfing and regular surfing. It's also an excellent place for paragliding.

Paradise Island , Dom Rep

© shinenyc

• Diving - Go for some excellent diving at places like Boca Chica , Juan Dollo and Ocoa Bay.
• Eco and Adventure Tourism - This has grown in the Dominican Republic in recent years. Travellers who enjoy bird watching, camping, climbing, horseback riding, or white water rafting will find plenty of opportunities.
• Baseball - Catch a baseball game and experience a local sports event.
• The Colonial District of Santo Domingo - Explore the back allies of this historic district and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
• Catedral Santa María La Menor - This was the first Catholic cathedral in the Americas and is located in Santo Domingo .
• National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers - The National History Park is the only sight in Haiti that is on the Unesco World Heritage List . The Haitian monuments date back to the early 19th century, when Haiti proclaimed its independence. The Palace of Sans Souci, the buildings at Ramiers and, in particular, the Citadel Laferrière serve as universal symbols of liberty as they were the first monuments to be constructed by black slaves after gaining their freedom. The park is located near Cap Haitien and offers great views as well.
• Bassins Bleu Falls - The Bassins Bleu Falls are three deep blue pools, connected by spectacular waterfalls. Because of the special minerals in the water these waterfalls have a very special colour. Legend has it that that there are water nymphs living in the caves near the waterfalls, who enjoy the sun on the rock in Palm Lake. But they disappear whenever they hear people's footsteps.
• Étang Saumâtre - The Étang Saumâtre is the main place to visit if you are interested in seeing the local flora and fauna. It is Haiti's largest saltwater lake and supports over 100 species of waterfowl, flamingos and American crocodiles. It offers a fantastic natural feature with great colours and dotted by brush and cacti. The western part of the lake is a bit salty, while the eastern part is actually freshwater!
• Voodoo - Haiti is known because of its voodoo practices
• Cap Haitien - This is probably the nicest city in the country, with its nearby beaches, lush forests and mountains.
• Aid Work - ranging from healthcare, reforestation and economic development can be found in Haiti. Many people come to Haiti in order to help the country.

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Choose your language

Haiti up close

Is it really safe to travel to Haiti?

Boats at Ile-a-Vache, Haiti

Photo: Verdy Verna

One of America’s closest neighbours, Haiti has long been a source of fascination. American celebrities turned Haiti into one of the popular Caribbean holiday destinations in the 1960s and 70s, but this changed as Haiti suffered increasingly inept rule in the 70s and 80s. Decades of poverty, political instability and plain bad luck followed.

Is it safe to travel to Haiti?

Finally, after a decade of relatively peaceful democratic government, a tourism bounce-back has begun, and a new generation of tourists are discovering what makes Haiti so special. Haiti is becoming a sought-after experience for adventure-driven travelers, the culturally curious, and Millennials who’ve visited the Caribbean already and are seeking something different.

Since the 2010 earthquake, Haiti has been on the road to reconstruction. For several years, national icons lay in rubble and whole city squares cordoned off for repair, but the Caribbean nation is now recovering well. With tourism vital for continued prosperity, keeping visitors safe and satisfied is a priority for locals and government policy reflects this.

In fact, the 2019 Global Peace Index ranks Haiti at #87 out of the 163 countries on the list. According to the list, Haiti is more peaceful than many popular tourist destinations like Morocco, Brazil, Thailand, Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico, India and - interestingly - USA (#128).

Americans, Canadians and most Europeans can visit Haiti without a visa at all, making it a great alternative to Cuba . The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index ranks Haiti very well when it comes to openness and value-for-money. Over the last ten years, tourism has doubled.

If you’re considering travel to Haiti, you probably still have some questions, so here are a few answers to help you before a first-time visit to the Caribbean island nation:

The current generation has grown up with images of Haiti suffering the effects of the 2010 earthquake , but the last decade has actually seen less political unrest, inequality and crime. Haiti remains poor, but it’s perfectly safe for visitors to walk around the cities on foot or travel across the country to see the many cultural icons and natural wonders , either alone or with a local guide.

As in any large city in the US, people visiting should take sensible precautions when in Port au Prince or Haiti’s other cities. But there’s no significant security threat, and it’s easy to find the parts of town safe for travellers to wander. It’s very common to see foreigners walking around unaccompanied in the streets of Port-au-Prince .

While political unrest can be a cause for worry, it should be noted that most of these events affect very specific politically active groups, not individual people going about their daily life, and certainly not foreigners.

Boat painter in Dame Marie

Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

How to stay safe

Traffic in Haiti is fairly unregulated, so it serves to look both ways, twice , before crossing any street. As in any big city in the world, pickpockets are out there, so make sure that you keep your belongings close and out of your pockets – preferably in a small bag or pouch you can carry in your hand, or across your chest.

Current travel advisories: The US consulate currently has a Level 3 travel advisory for Haiti (issued 11 June 2019), and recommends that travellers stay safe by changing currency in advance (so you can avoid banks and ATMs), avoiding demonstrations, not attempting to go through roadblocks, and booking official, professional transport from the airport to your accommodation.

School girls, Corail

Photo: Franck Fontain

How to stay healthy

From a medical point of view, Haiti is generally safe as long as you're reasonably careful about what you eat and drink. Although tap water is considered generally safe for locals and long-term expats to drink, visitors who are in Haiti for only a short while are advised to avoid the risk of short-term stomach upsets by drinking bottled water. It’s cheap in the cities and not always available in small towns and on the road, so stock up before you venture out.

For more on what to eat, check out our guide to the delicious and distinctive street food of Haiti .

Get vaccinated before you go: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus shots are all recommended, but depending on your level of risk your doctor may recommend a few more.

Woman in Abricot

Photo: Kolektif 2 Dimansyon

Should you hire a local guide?

Yes. Your journey to all sights worth seeing - whether cultural icons like the World Heritage listed Citadelle , or natural wonders like Bassin Zim , or adventure destinations like Pic La Selle - will be improved if you go with a guide. Guides will ensure your safety, help you find the best routes, keep hawkers and hustlers at a distance and explain the local significance of the sights.

Even if you’re planning to stay in the city, it’s well worth a guided tour at the start to help you get your bearings and put you in a better position to enjoy the rest of your stay solo, without worrying about the local dos and don’ts.

Keep in mind that the two common languages in Haiti are Creole and French - if you don’t speak French, a tour guide is even more invaluable for helping you find your way around.

Is there internet?

Yes. Wifi is widely available in accommodation and restaurants.

Are there hotels up to an American standard?

One of the best things about Haiti as a travel destination is that it’s relatively free of juggernaut five-star resorts that dominate the landscape in other more well-trodden Caribbean destinations. In Haiti, you can ditch the noisy crowds and find much more down-to-earth experiences of beachside paradise.

That’s not to say you can't find luxury - there are several resorts and mid-size hotels dotted around the cities and exclusive beachfront destinations along the coast. Within the cities, there’s a good selection of boutique hotels to suit your budget and style.

Airbnb is gaining popularity too, with dozens of offerings across Haiti’s major cities from art-filled family homes to free-standing villas where you can sip rum sours in your own infinity pool.

What are the travel restrictions for visiting Haiti?

Americans, Canadians and most Europeans can visit Haiti without a visa at all, as long as you plan to stay for less than three months.

Upon your arrival to the island, you’ll be required to pay a USD $10 tourist fee, before you get in line to go through Customs.

Visa requirements:

The list of countries of which Haiti requires a Visa is very short: Syria, Libya, Iran, Vietnam, Yemen, and Chechnya. If you are visiting from the Dominican Republic , Panama, or Columbia, just make sure that you have a valid US, Canadian, or Schengen visa in your passport.

Haiti allows foreigners to stay for up to three months, after which they need to regularize their status. If you are planning to stay in Haiti for a long stretch of time, make sure that you keep this in mind and book your travel arrangements accordingly.

People relaxing, Pestel

Why visit Haiti?

Haiti is home to stunning beaches, unique Creole language and cuisine, a proud heritage of hard-won freedom and independence , and inspiring historical attractions.

Haiti is also home to the Caribbean’s premiere art scene, with an abundance of galleries and artist-owned initiatives showcasing distinctive Haitian styles. You’ll find thriving artist colonies in Grand Rue , Jacmel and Noailles.

Haiti’s most iconic historic site, the Citadelle fortress outside Cap Haïtien , houses the world’s biggest collection of 19th-century cannons and artillery. The island’s compelling past is expertly displayed at some of the Caribbean’s best museums, including the Museum of the Haitian National Pantheon on Champ-des-Mars .

The culturally curious can catch the Thursday-night Vodou rock show in downtown Port-au-Prince, or witness the whirlwind of costumes, music and performance during one of the many annual festivals.

Throughout a history of amazing achievements and heartbreaking disasters, the people of Haiti have demonstrated incredible resilience, creativity and determination.

Don’t miss your chance to soak up some of this spirit and sample what this unique culture has to offer. Visit Haiti.  

Written by  Kelly Paulemon .

Published November 2018

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How to travel to Haiti (2024)

By Joan Torres 12 Comments Last updated on May 8, 2024

I traveled independently through Haiti for 10 days, from Cap-Haïtien to Port-au-Prince and a few places in between, always using local transportation or hitchhiking, as well as a short domestic flight.

It was a fantastic trip, and I recommend visiting Haiti to anyone looking for an unrivalled offbeat adventure in the Americas. 

This updated and comprehensive travel guide to Haiti will show you everything you need to know on safety, top experiences, getting there and more.

In this Haiti travel guide, you will find

Table of Contents

• Haiti today
• Is it safe?
• Travel Insurance
• When to travel
• Top Experiences
• How to get into?
• How to travel around
• How to deal with extreme poverty
• People & Religion
• Taking photos
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Haiti

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Haiti.

😍 Why travel to Haiti?

Haiti is a Caribbean country that occupies one third of La Española (Hispaniola), an island it shares with the Dominican Republic.

Everyone knows about Dominican Republic and its dreamy beaches, yet few have heard about traveling in Haiti.

The first thing you need to know is that Haiti was the first country to ever be liberated by slaves , in 1803.

At that time, Haiti was ruled by the French, who had spent the previous decades importing hundreds of slaves from West Africa – mainly from Mali and Benin – to work on their sugar plantations.

The peculiarity about Haiti is that when it achieved its independence, many of those slaves had been born in Africa but became Caribbean overnight, and this is the number one reason for visiting Haiti: a purely Caribbean country that still keeps its African culture, traditions and essence .

Traveling in Haiti truly feels like traveling in West Africa, with all that default chaos intrepid travelers feel attracted to, but also in terms of their art, music and religion.

Add to this the world-class Caribbean beaches and landscapes, and the result is, perhaps, the most gorgeous and fascinating off-the-beaten-track destination in the American continent.

The problems with cruising in Haiti

Not many people travel to Haiti, but the majority of those that do make it there tend to do so on one of those massive cruise ships sailing across the Caribbean, hopping on and off at the major resorts on the main islands.

In Haiti, near Cap-Haïtien, there’s one place in the area of Labadee where cruise ships stop. Anyone not on a cruise – and that includes foreigners too – is banned from entering that tourist bubble, while those on the cruise ships are told that everywhere outside of the bubble is extremely dangerous, meaning you won’t see any of them in the surrounding areas.

I have often wondered whether those cruise tourists even know they’re in a country named Haiti.

🇭🇹 Visiting Haiti: what’s the current situation

Economically-speaking, Haiti has always struggled, but today it is also experiencing some pretty dark periods of extreme violence.

When I first visited Haiti in January 2023, the country was on the front pages and in the headlines of all reputable international newspapers.

But what had happened?

Well, Haiti had been going through an episode of real anarchy ever since Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was murdered in 2021.

Since then, various different gangs had taken the streets of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, with violence escalating to unprecedented levels.

Kidnappings, murders and street shootings happen every single day, in a conflict that has already created more than 200,000 internally displaced people.

At the time of writing, the travel situation in Haiti basically remains the same and such is the gravity that many governments are already referring to Haiti as a failed state – a pretty harsh term typically used for countries like Yemen or Libya – while asking for foreign intervention as well.

The earthquake from 2010 In 2010, a 7.0 earthquake shook the capital of Haiti for 35 seconds, killing thousands of people and leaving 1/3 of Port-au-Prince’s population completely homeless. By that time, Haiti was already one of the poorest countries in the world, so you can imagine how devastating this natural disaster was for Haitians. In fact, they say that the country has never recovered from it and, what with all its current social and political issues, the result is one of the most fragile countries on the planet.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now?

Let me put things into perspective.

I have backpacked solo in Afghanistan , Iraq , Syria , and Somaliland , just to name a few.

I rarely worry when traveling in these areas, mainly because I have a lot of contacts in these countries, but also because I have solid experience of traveling in such regions.

My visit to Haiti, however, was a different story:

• It was my first time traveling in the Caribbean
• I didn’t have any contacts
• All I knew about Haiti was what I had seen in the news
• I didn’t know of any travelers who had visited Haiti during these anarchic times

Additionally, the FCDO travel advice for Haiti wasn’t very positive either, firmly advising against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation.

I had all the odds against me, but that made me feel particularly excited; plus if there’s one thing I’ve learnt during my travels, it is that things on the ground look very different from what you see in the news.

Yes, that extreme violence is actually happening but the truth is that this conflict is exclusively focused on Port-au-Prince.

In fact, it’s focused on certain areas of Port-au-Prince: the areas controlled by the different gangs.

Is Cap-Haïtien safe?

Outside of those areas, Haiti is OK to travel, especially in Cap-Haïtien and its surroundings. 

Things I did around Cap-Haïtien:

• Hitchhiking around the area
• Walking through a slum on my way (on foot) to Labadee
• Walking around in the dark, in the middle of the night

All I can say is that this part of Haiti was extremely peaceful.

Is Port-au-Prince safe?

Port-au-Prince, however, is a different story. You can still travel there though, as long as you have the right contacts and stay in the right area, e.g., in Pétionville.

In Pétionville, you can still wander and walk around alone at night, no problem.

As for the dangerous parts of Port-au-Prince, I did venture downtown and even to Cité de Soleil, the largest and poorest slum in the Americas – and one of the main violence hubs in the city.

Nevertheless, I went there with a local fixer who is specialized in taking journalists into conflict areas.

That man knew what he was doing, plus he was a personal, old acquaintance of the gangs.

Nevertheless, heading into that area of Port-au-Prince doesn’t come without risk, especially from direct bullets, but that’s a risk travelers choose to assume. Definitely not an adventure for everyone.

Important: I won’t be sharing the fixer’s contact details, so don’t bother asking me for them. As mentioned, this activity is not without risk and if travelers start venturing into such areas, someone will eventually get shot and I don’t want to be part of that.

🪪 How to get a visa for Haiti

You don’t need a visa to visit Haiti, instead you just get a free stamp on arrival in the country.

This rule applies to both airport and land borders.

🚑 Travel Insurance for Haiti

Get travel insurance for travel in Haiti.

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• Avaiability of low, basic plans
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount .

⛅ When to travel to Haiti

Traveling in Haiti is highly seasonal.

Best season to travel to Haiti

The best time to travel in Haiti is between November and March – that’s the dry season.

In February, you might catch the world-famous Carnival of Jacmel but you’ll have to be lucky, since the carnival is locally organized and dates always change, although it tends to always be celebrated between the end of February and beginning of March.

Worst season to travel in Haiti

The worst time to visit Haiti is from August to October, which is the rainy season, with  potential hurricanes.

🛖 Top 5 Experiences in Haiti

1 – hiking up to citadelle laferrière.

This is one of the best forts I have ever seen, and the views from there are gorgeous.

2 – Backpacking independently

No other country in the Americas feels as raw, chaotic and authentic.

Traveling in Haiti doesn’t differ much from the rough backpacking you can do in Mali or Benin.

3 – Attending a voodoo ceremony

Voodoo ceremonies, a clear West African heritage, are performed every week.

4 – The art scene in Pétionville

There’s a lot going on in Port-au-Prince, and the art scene in the refined district of Pétionville is a must-see.

5 – The coast around Labadee

Haiti has the most beautiful coastline on the island, and Labadee has the cleanest shores and water.

🛫 How to get to Haiti

How to travel to haiti by air.

The easiest way to fly to Port-a-Prince is from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and also New York City (JFK).

Which airlines fly to Haiti?

Jet Blue Airways and American Airlines have daily flights into Port-au-Prince.

How to get to Haiti from Dominican Republic – By land, best choice

I personally believe that traveling to Haiti from Dominican Republic is a much better option, for 3 reasons:

• Flights to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana are much cheaper, plus there are endless connections to many cities around the world.
• If you haven’t visited Dominican Republic before, you can combine both countries in one single trip.
• Traveling in Haiti is actually pretty rough so after a few days of tough backpacking, traveling in Dominican Republic can be a very pleasant and rewarding experience.

To reach Haiti from Dominican Republic, you can take one of the daily buses connecting Santo Domingo with either Port au Prince or Cap-Haïtien.

The company running such trips is called Caribe Tours , and it departs from this terminal .

I strongly recommend going to the terminal at least 1 day in advance to book your tickets, since the tickets commonly sell out.

The bus departs between 7am and 8:30am but do confirm the departure time upon booking your tickets.

A one-way ticket costs around 30-35 USD.

Additionally, you will have to pay 37 USD for exit/border fees. This amount is usually paid before boarding the bus, not when booking your ticket.

The whole ride from Santo Domingo to either Cap-Haïtien or Port-au-Prince can take from 8 to 12 hours. The bus has unreliable Wi-Fi, and they provide a truly awful, meat-based meal on board.

The border crossing is pretty chaotic, but there will be an attendant on the bus to assist you with all the procedures.

My experience entering and exiting Haiti I took the bus from Santo Domingo to Cap-Haïtien but on the way back, I traveled from Port au Prince independently, meaning that instead of taking a direct bus, I took different minibuses and tap-taps to the border, then crossed on foot into Dominican Republic. Once in Dominican Republic, you can find transportation to several other cities. This is a slower but more adventurous option, perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the main cities. If going to Cap-Haïtien, you cross at Dajabon. If going to Port-au-Prince, you cross at Comendador.

🛺 How to travel around Haiti

Moving around haiti by tap tap.

The official, local transportation is the tap-tap , an ornately decorated pick-up truck that won’t leave until full of passengers, who can get off at any point during the ride.

Traveling in Haiti by tap tap is ridiculously cheap, and you can use them to get to nearby sights and villages.

Travel around Haiti by minibus

For longer distances, Haitians travel by minibus .

Traveling around Haiti by air

Haiti is a tiny country but small domestic planes run between major cities.

The local airline is Sunrise Airways .

I did take a 25-minute flight from Cap-Haïtien to Port-au-Prince and the reason was that everyone in Cap-Haïtien told me it wasn’t possible to travel there by bus, claiming that the road section close to Port-au-Prince was overrun by gangs.

Upon arrival at the capital, I discovered that this wasn’t true and that buses were simply taking a different, longer route, so for the return journey I did take the bus.

In any case, taking a Sunrise Airways flight was a lot of fun, since they use those small, 20-seat planes where there’s no door between the passengers and the pilots.

Moreover, Cap-Haïtien airport was so small that you could literally get to the airport 15 minutes before departure and still make it on time to catch your flight.

A one-way ticket from Cap Haïtien to Port-au-Prince cost me 125 USD.

💰 Money and budget when traveling in Haiti

In Haiti, they use the Haitian Gourde and, approximately:

1 USD = 132.90 HTG

Exchanging money in Haiti

Certain banks do exchange currency but I exchanged mine at the hotel in Cap-Haïtien, Habitation des Lauriers .

They prefer US dollars but I believe Euros can be exchanged too.

Card payment and ATMs in Haiti

Unlike countries such as Syria or Iran , Haiti is not a country under sanctions, so you can easily withdraw money from certain ATMs and even pay your hotel by card.

For the rest, Haiti is pretty much a cash economy.

How much does it cost to travel in Haiti?

Haiti is actually quite expensive, much more than Dominican Republic.

How much does accommodation cost in Haiti?

Accommodation isn’t great in Haiti and you can expect to pay a minimum of 50 to 70 USD for a basic room.

Rooms are basic but the hotels are relatively decent, meaning that they provide services, speak English and are used to dealing with foreigners.

However, you might be paying 60 USD for a very basic room with no AC and where water and electricity issues are common.

I heard that some travelers were staying in hotels cheaper than that, where local Haitians stay, but expect their facilities to be beyond basic.

How much does food cost in Haiti?

Food in Haiti can be pretty expensive too.

A meal in a restaurant will cost around 10 USD, and up to 20 USD in fancier restaurants.

Local street food is obviously much, much cheaper – maybe 1 USD for a meal – but it’s not great.

How much does transportation cost in Haiti?

Local transportation is particularly cheap, like you can expect in any country of this kind.

A tap tap ride will rarely exceed more than 50 cents and a minibus between cities will cost a couple of USD.

Backpacking budget for Haiti From 85USD a day

How to deal with extreme poverty when visiting Haiti

Haiti is the poorest country in the American continent and within the 25 poorest nations in the world, according to all rankings .

The extreme poverty and lack of proper infrastructure can be seen everywhere in Haiti, including in areas of Port-au-Prince which are supposed to be good.

There are absolutely humungous piles of burning trash at every corner, no electricity at night and so many people looking poor and miserable.

Foreign travelers stand out a lot, so do expect to be stared at by everyone.

As with all the countries I have been to, most people you meet in Haiti are nice and pleasant, but I also found some beggars to be particularly intense and aggressive, so be mentally prepared to handle such situations.

Getting ripped-off when traveling in Haiti

Getting ripped-off isn’t the general norm but once in a while, some people may try to overcharge you.

This happened to me several times when taking a tap tap , and in local bars too. A bottle of Prestige – the Haitian beer – should never be more than 1 USD in a bar of that kind, but I often paid almost 3 USD. Entirely my fault for not asking their price first.

Haiti: people and religion

Today, Haiti is a Caribbean country where the vast majority of people are descendants of former black African slaves.

Note that the Taíno were the indigenous people to the island but Columbus and his Spanish crew exterminated them in a matter of years.

Some former French colonists also left their descendants by having children with their slaves, leading to lighter-skinned Haitians called mulattos. Nowadays , mulattos form the majority of Haiti’s elite, political and economic class.

The few other Haitians are mainly of Arab descent, from Lebanon and Syria , and you might see them hanging out in the wealthiest areas of Port-au-Prince.

Religion in Haiti

Haiti is a very religious country and such is the influence of their West African ancestors that Vodou is recognised as the official religion of the state, along with Catholicism.

Churches are always packed on Sunday but Haitian Vodou also plays a significant role and attending a ceremony is one of the highlights of backpacking in Haiti. However you will need to be lucky to catch one.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend one but I did visit a Vodou temple, a workshop where they sold Vodou-related artifacts and also a market.

Haitian Vodou revolves around spirits known as Iwa and here you can read more about it .

These 2 pieces of Vodou art can be found in Atis Rezistans , a workshop that creates art out of garbage. This was one of the most interesting places I visited during my trip to Haiti.

📸 Taking photos of people when traveling in Haiti

I think Haitians are the most camera-shy people I have ever met on my travels.

They are so shy that you might even be yelled at for just taking a picture of a street, without pointing your camera at anyone’s face in particular.

They just don’t like it so when wandering around markets, for example, always ask for permission – but believe me when I say you’ll rarely be granted it unless you’ve been interacting with them prior to asking.

💬 Language in Haiti

Both Creole and French are the official languages in Haiti.

French is the language used by the Administration and Haiti’s elite.

Creole is used by everyone else, and it’s a peculiar mix of French, Spanish, English and even Taíno, they claim.

However, French-speaking people won’t be able to understand Creole, and typically, lower-educated people don’t speak French either.

English is also rarely spoken in the streets.

🍲 Haitian cuisine

I will never be a fan of Caribbean food.

I find it bland and boring, but it can be eaten.

Typically, all restaurants will serve a portion of protein alongside fried plantain and rice mixed with black beans.

Protein can be anything from grilled fish (pwason poukannen) to pork (griot), chicken and even lobster, if you go to the right places.

Except for just one or two days, I ate combinations of the above at absolutely every meal.

🍻 Alcohol in Haiti

The national beer is called Prestige. They sell it everywhere and Haitians drink it at any time of day.

Haitians are also very proud of their locally produced rum, the best brand being Barbancourt.

💻 Internet in Haiti

Generally-speaking, Wi-Fi is pretty awful across Haiti, so I strongly recommend getting a SIM card, which works relatively well.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Haiti

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Haiti . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Haiti

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Kazakhstan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

❗ More information

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Haiti destination

• Haiti Itinerary

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12 comments

Wow! Thank you for this comprehensive guide. I am travelling From London to Haiti in December ’23, and I plan to stay for a month. The plan is to fly direct from Heathrow to the Dominican Republic and take another flight from there to Cap Haitian. It’s quite expensive as altogether the cost of flight alone is nearly £2000.00. After that, I have to pay for Hotels and from what I am reading from your write-up, for one month stay, the cost will go through the roof. I set. aside a budget of £5000.00 so I hope the is enough because anything more than that and I will be forced to cancel my trip.

Hi Henry! I think you can save a lot by taking the bus from Santo Domingo to Cap Haitien

Thank you so much for the swift response. The airline costs are not a problem so I don’t mind flying from the Dominican Republic to Cap Haitian. What I am worried about is the price of accommodation which you said is somewhere around $60 per day for a basic room? This means a Hotel (which is where I plan to stay) will cost 3x as much per day. This is my main concern.

Do you know of any good but cheap Hotels to recommend?

Utter stupidity to do all this

This is a really informative guide, and I’m glad that some parts are relatively safe. One thing I will say however is, don’t completely write off Caribbean food. That is a pretty bold claim considering this was your first time in the region and there are countless other Caribbean countries with different cuisines and cooking methods. I implore you to try them all, including the non-islands like Belize, Guyana, and Suriname. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Neron, I’ll give it another try one day!

Thanks for your up-to-date information regarding Cap-Haitien to Santo Domingo by Calibre Tour bus. I will be travelling these cities in April 2024, but up until now, had trouble obtaining reliable information for bus travel.

Amazing, let us know how it goes!

I notice pretty affordable car hire in CAP, which I figured may be a good way to see the surrounds, such as Citadelle Laferrière. Is it safe (& necessary) to drive a rental car?

Whilst I understand that ATM are available, would you recommend taking along sufficient amounts of USD? I plan to book accomodation (& car if required) online, which I expect to make payment up-front. Thanks again.

Hi, it should be safe to rent a car around CAP but not strictly necessary. I traveled all around and didn’t hire any.

You can withdraw money from ATMs, doesn’t matter whether you take sufficient USD or not, up to you.

In Haiti in 2024, armed conflict continues to be stronger than before. I wonder if it is safe to travel to Haiti under these circumstances. Would it be okay to avoid Port-au-Prince and travel to Cap-Haitien?

Hi David, if things are escalating too much, and you don’t have a strong contact in PaP, I’d stick with Cap-Haitien

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• Pregnant women will not be allowed to participate in tour.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Children should be at least 3 years old to participate.

Full Day (9 - 10 hours)

Important : On every excursion, there will be opportunity to purchase additional items such as souvenirs, paraphernalia and/or photos & videos taken during your tour. All such items are sold by either the excursion supplier or a third party company, for which ToursDR assumes no responsibility and asks that any issues that may arise from the purchase of such items, be dealt with directly through the seller.

ATV Adventures

Start your engines and get ready for an exhilarating ride. Stops include: an organic Dominican coffee and cocoa plantation, mud traps and a swim at the freshwater cave.

Deep Sea Fishing

Set out to sea and discover some of the best fishing waters in the entire Caribbean. You will have the chance at catching a Wahoo, Mahi Mahi or even a Blue Marlin!

Horseback Riding

There is nothing like the freedom you feel galloping or strolling down the splendid coastline of Uvero Alto’s beaches. This is a beautiful memory you will never forget!

Let your adrenaline rush as you soar through the breathtaking Anamuya Mountains. Glide through the Dominican rainforest. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime adventure!

Saona Island

Paradise does exist…and it’s right at your fingertips! Let us take you there, to the stunning tropical oasis; Saona Island.

Catamaran Sailing

Cruising the crystal clear waters of Punta Cana on a relaxing catamaran. The fun begins as soon as you board when the friendly crew welcomes you with music and smiles.

Cultural Safari

Experience the real Dominican Republic. Join our friendly English-speaking guides on this cultural safari that will take you off-road through the scenic countryside.

Santo Domingo

Visit the oldest city in the Americas! Experience historic Santo Domingo as you tour the colonial city rich in Spanish architecture as well as the first cathedral built in the new world.

Travel Agents

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The Nassau Cruise Port: Travel Tips and Things To Do

T he Bahamas is an extremely popular travel destination in the West Atlantic Ocean. The relatively small tropical paradise borders Haiti, Cuba, the United States and Turks and Caicos. The capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau is located on New Providence Island and is a tourism hub. Nassau has established itself as a thriving cultural center and well known cruise ship stop. The destination is popular for its gorgeous white sand beaches and overall naturally beautiful landscape, which is perfect for water sports and waterside relaxation. The pristine coral reef and the possibility of exciting close encounters with marine life are some of the reasons Nassau is a great place to visit. 

Due to Nassau’s highly frequented dock, visitors may be under a time limit if they travel by boat or have to deal with crowds during port days. While many tourists only get to enjoy Nassau’s unique offerings during short periods of time, there are ways to best utilize time in the capital city. So, we have compiled some insightful information about the destination and how travelers can make the most of their trip, whether they are cruisers or looking to have a long term stay near the Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) . 

Is the Nassau Cruise Port Popular?

Nassau’s cruise port is one of the most popular ports in the world. Each year it attracts nearly 4 million cruise passengers . The port even recently (the first phase opened to the public in 2023) underwent a redevelopment, which has contributed to its popularity and overall appeal. These improvements include the construction of many new buildings which have been strategically planned and placed to improve the flow of traffic.

The taxi dispatch center and optimized shopping strip are just some of the upgrades that lead into downtown Nassau. Ports with the latest accommodations and high quality attractions certainly reap the benefits of modernization, since more tourists consider the site to be much more welcoming and safe. 

What Cruise Lines Dock at Nassau’s Cruise Port?

The cruise port has the capacity to accommodate six cruise ships a day. This includes three oasis class or icon class vessels. The larger icon class ships hold more passengers (and are usually taller and longer) while oasis class ships are typically wider with more features. The increased tourist capacity is due to the ports’ expanded waterfront, which was completed through a $300 million dollar project.

Travelers have plenty of options since there is an array of cruise lines that dock at this Nassau port. The Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, MSC, Holland America, Azamara and Fred Olsen cruise lines stop in Nassau. 

Things To Do in Nassau, Bahamas

There are plenty of things to do near the popular Nassau Cruise Port. Some of the most popular tours include rum tasting experiences, sunset cruises and jet skiing. Both sunset cruises and jet skiing offer visitors of the Bahamas stellar views of the crystal clear waters. Rum tasting is a popular tour in Nassau due to the historical and cultural information that travelers can learn by sampling authentic Bahamian rum and learning from locals.

Other travelers that prefer self-led exploration may enjoy the Pirates of Nassau Museum, Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre or National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. These sites highlight the environmental, cultural and historical significance of Nassau and are top attractions of the area. 

There are a few outdoor attractions that are considered top experiences in Nassau. Travelers can swim with island pigs, which has become a very adorable and picturesque experience. The crystal clear waters of the Bahamas adds to the tranquil and playful nature of the cute pigs that roam the island. Jaw’s Beach is one of the highest rated waterside sites for snorkeling and soaking in the sun. This beach is less crowded and visitors may even be lucky enough to witness marine life like the sea turtle and manta ray. 

Transportation 

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is only a few miles away from the port. Even travelers that are unfamiliar with the island should not have trouble flying in and getting a ride to their accomodation. Taxis are the most common mode of transportation for the tourist friendly city.

Since many visitors come from cruises that are docked there, many visiting travelers use taxis to get around the port. There is high traffic near the port, so there are many taxis available in the area. The taxi rates are set, so although travelers may notice prices vary by their particular destination they are unlikely to run into drivers that overcharge. For cruise passengers, it may be more affordable to secure transportation with the company that any tours are booked with. This ensures that they will not have to deal with additional stress and can simply sit back and relax.

There are also buses that are locally known as jitneys and are a popular form of public transportation. But riding the bus to and from excursions means that travelers will have to depend on the bus stop schedule and routes. For some, this lack of autonomy may be less than appealing so travelers should be sure that their itinerary can handle standardized traveling times and differing rates depending on the destination. 

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Art educator experiences global education with Fulbright Scholars program

Karen Kelly traveled to Morrocco to expand her teaching knowledge

Karen Kelly is no stranger to global travel. She’s taught in Haiti and traveled to China, the Middle East and throughout Europe. When her school district sent out an announcement about the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program, she knew it would be a great opportunity for her to learn more about education from a global perspective.

The experience consisted of a year-long online course and a professional development program in Washington, D.C. The participating educators travel abroad for two or three weeks to study education in an immersive environment. Kelly was one of 17 educators who visited and taught in Morocco for three weeks in April.

Kelly’s time in Morocco included lectures on Moroccan linguistics and cultural studies, history and Moroccan architecture. The educators also got a chance to take calligraphy and cooking classes, in addition to general sightseeing.

“We went to several cities including Casablanca, Fez and Rabat,” says Kelly. “After that first week of study, we were sent to our host communities to begin the second portion of our trip. I was placed in Chefchaouen, which is known for its distinctive architecture as the Blue City.”

One of Kelly’s focuses as an art educator is photography, and she enjoyed taking photos around the country. She shared her photos online with a blog of her experiences. While she was in Chefchaouen, she was paired with a host school and had the opportunity to teach throughout the week.

“I was paired with a former Fulbright recipient and participated in his English classes,” says Kelly. “He was teaching a unit on social problems and asked me to prepare a lesson that fit with the theme. I chose to talk to the students about ‘artivism’ and included discussions and unit keywords.”

The students were very curious about school life in the United States, so Kelly had the opportunity to share some about her teaching strategies and daily life for students. After two weeks, Kelly returned to Casablanca to debrief with her fellow Fulbright scholars.

“The classrooms I observed felt very sink or swim,” says Kelly. “I think in the U.S. we spend a lot of time thinking about how we can make concepts hands-on and engaging.”

Kelly shares that she hopes her experience will encourage more educators to apply to the program. While the selection process is competitive, there are many different options for educators based on their interests. Kelly has had a variety of focus areas in her ten-year career. She has taught special education, English, social studies and now art. She chose to complete her education doctorate in curriculum studies because the program could be applied broadly.

Kelly's dissertation focused on incorporating mindfulness and art therapy strategies into the classroom. The work was timely as student well-being was top of mind for many parents. She studied how breathing strategies, mindfulness and yoga help promote student wellness.

“I began the program during the pandemic, and I loved the experience,” says Kelly. “It is affordable, fully remote and the professors are phenomenal. I was able to draw from my experiences in different subject matters and apply them to all parts of the program.”

Kelly credits her personal experiences as a traveler and her educational experiences in the curriculum studies program in the College of Education as the stepping stones for landing the Fulbright opportunity.

She said, “the experience reminded me to make sure I am accommodating all my learners and creating content that pushes even my most advanced students. It also encouraged me to present a broader array of artists and artforms — especially from a non-Western perspective.”

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

Putin signs deals with Vietnam in bid to shore up ties in Asia

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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed at least a dozen deals with his Vietnamese counterpart on Thursday and offered to supply fossil fuels including natural gas to Vietnam for the long term during a state visit that comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its military actions in Ukraine.

Putin and President To Lam agreed to further cooperate in education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration, clean energy and health. The two countries also agreed to work on a road map for a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam.

Of the 12 publicly announced agreements, none overtly pertained to defense. But Lam said there were other deals that were not made public.

Following their talks, Putin said the two countries share an interest in “developing a reliable security architecture” in the Asia-Pacific region with no room for “closed military-political blocs.” Lam added that both Russia and Vietnam wanted to “further cooperate in defense and security to cope with nontraditional security challenges.”

World & Nation

Russia and North Korea pledge mutual aid if either country faces ‘aggression’

The agreement, which includes a vow of mutual aid if either country faces ‘aggression,’ appears to be the strongest since the Cold War.

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The agreements between Russia and Vietnam were not as substantial as the pact Putin signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un the previous day, which pledged mutual aid in the event of invasion, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia with the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London and a former British ambassador to Belarus.

Putin’s recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to “break the international isolation,” said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

Giang said Russia is important to Vietnam for two reasons: It is the biggest supplier of military equipment to the Southeast Asian nation, and Russian oil exploration technologies help maintain Vietnam’s sovereignty claims in the contested South China Sea.

Vietnam also has licensed the Russian state-controlled oil company Zarubezhneft to develop underwater fields off its southeastern coast.

Russia President Vladimir Putin makes rare visit to North Korea

Putin, making his first trip to North Korea in 24 years, was met at Pyongyang’s airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to news agencies.

June 18, 2024

Putin arrived in Hanoi on Thursday morning from North Korea after signing the strategic pact with Kim, which comes as both countries face escalating standoffs with the West and could mark their strongest connection since the end of the Cold War.

In Hanoi, Putin also met Vietnam’s most powerful politician, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, according to the official Vietnam News Agency.

Putin drove to Vietnam’s Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon, where he was greeted by schoolchildren waving Russian and Vietnamese flags.

Much has changed since Putin’s last visit to Vietnam in 2017. Russia now faces a raft of U.S.-led sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes, making it difficult for the Russian leader to travel internationally. The Kremlin rejected the warrant as “null and void,” stressing that Moscow doesn’t recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

What do Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping want from each other?

Russian President Vladimir Putin, the junior partner in the ‘no limits’ relationship with China’s Xi Jinping, visits Beijing. What does each man want?

May 15, 2024

Putin’s trip resulted in a sharp rebuke from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, which said that “no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.” If Putin is allowed to travel freely it “could normalize Russia’s blatant violations of international law,” it said in a statement.

The U.S. and its allies have expressed growing concerns over a possible arms arrangement in which North Korea provides Russia with badly needed munitions for use in Ukraine in exchange for Russian economic assistance and technology transfers that could enhance the threat posed by Kim’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Both countries deny accusations of weapons transfers, which would violate multiple U.N. Security Council sanctions that Russia previously endorsed.

It is unlikely that Vietnam would supply significant quantities of weapons to Russia and risk the progress that it has made with NATO members on military equipment, particularly the U.S., said Ridzwan Rahmat, a Singapore-based analyst with the defense intelligence company Janes.

“I would imagine Vietnam wouldn’t want to take a risk, inviting the wrath of Western countries by supplying the Russians,” Rahmat said.

In talks with Putin amid Ukraine war, Xi calls Russia-China ties a ‘strong driving force’

As Russia’s Vladimir Putin meets with China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing, the pomp and pronouncements are meant to signal a unified alternative to the West.

May 16, 2024

Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing “friendly relations” between Vietnam and Russia. Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow with the Wilson Center’s Asia Program, said Vietnam is “reinforcing” that relationship even while it diversifies with newer partners.

Evidence of the long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities like the capital, where many Soviet-style apartment blocks are now dwarfed by skyscrapers. A statue of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, stands in a park where kids skateboard every evening. Many in the Communist Party’s top leadership in Vietnam studied in Soviet universities, including party chief Trong.

In an article written for Nhan Dan, the official newspaper of Vietnam’s Communist Party, Putin thanked “Vietnamese friends for their balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis” and hailed the country as a “strong supporter of a fair world order” based on international law, equality and geopolitical noninterference.

Vietnam’s pragmatic policy of “bamboo diplomacy” — a phrase coined by Trong referring to the plant’s flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of global geopolitics — is being increasingly tested.

North Korea stresses alignment with Russia against U.S. and says Putin could visit at an early date

The North Korean Foreign Ministry highlighted Putin’s intention to visit after meetings with the Russian president and foreign minister in Moscow last week.

Jan. 21, 2024

A manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, Vietnam hosted both President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2023.

Putin’s visit is important for Hanoi on a diplomatic level, said Gould-Davies, the former ambassador.

“Perhaps for Vietnam it’s a matter of just showing that it’s able to maintain this very agile balance of its bamboo diplomacy,” he said. “Already in the course of a year they’ve hosted visits by the heads of state of the three most powerful countries in the world, which is pretty impressive.”

For Russia, the visit seems to have been more about optics, he said, as Moscow seeks to engage and influence other countries, particularly in the so-called Global South.

“Since the war began, Putin has not been able to travel much or very far, and he’s made very few trips beyond the countries of the former Soviet space,” he said.

Vietnam has remained neutral on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But neutrality is getting trickier,

South Korea’s spy agency says North shipped more than a million artillery shells to Russia

North Korea has sent more than a million artillery shells since August to Russia to help fuel its war on Ukraine, the South Korean spy agency says.

Nov. 1, 2023

Vietnam needs support from the U.S. to advance its economic ambitions and diversify its defense ties, Parameswaran said. “It has to carefully calibrate what it does with Russia in an environment of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow.”

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam totaled $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with the U.S.

Since the early 2000s, Russia has accounted for around 80% of Vietnam’s arms imports. This has been declining over the years due to Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. But to entirely wean itself off Russia will take time, Giang said.

Given Putin’s international isolation, Vietnam is doing the Russian leader a “huge favor and may expect favors in return,” Andrew Goledzinowski, the Australian ambassador to Vietnam, wrote on social media platform X.

“Vietnam will always act in Vietnam’s interests and not anyone else’s,” he wrote.

Ghosal writes for the Associated Press. AP writer David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.

More to Read

What’s known, and not known, about the partnership agreement signed by Russia and North Korea

June 20, 2024

Biden and Zelensky sign security deal as Ukraine’s leader questions how long unity will last

June 13, 2024

Armenia’s prime minister meets Putin in Moscow at time of tension between allies

May 9, 2024

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