Pick one or more of our tours and discover the most exciting Caribbean island!
Fort Drouet – Saut D’eau
Get ready for an exciting four-wheel ATV adventure you will never forget! Your guide will lead you through country roads and trails, in the central areas of Haiti. Our first stop, deep in the countryside, is Fort Drouet, a magnificent fortification built to defend Haiti from the French assailants in 1804. Our second stop leads us to a natural waterfall, where you will be able to go for a dip is the fresh, cool waters! Get some speed, get dirty and discover the beauty of the island and the uniqueness of its culture! A dynamic way to experience Haiti!
*NOTE: Only individuals in reasonable physical health can participate in this activity. Pregnant women and clients under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicants are not allowed to partake in this activity.
PARENTS NEED TO SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER FOR UNDERAGE PARTICIPANTS.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: II
AGE REQUIREMENT: 10 years and over (as passenger - driver´s license required for drivers)
INCLUDED: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, ATV, helmet, 2 bottles of water per person.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Appropriate clothing (-You will get muddy!), sneakers, wet shoes, bathing suit, towel, sunglasses or goggles, bandana (to cover your face), sunscreen, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 5 persons MAXIMUM: 5 persons
DURATION: 3 hours
Haiti Rum Route – La Plaine du Cul de Sac
The farming of sugarcane and it’s by-products, is intrinsically linked to the history and culture of Haiti. The Barbancourt Rum Distillery in Damien, having been established in 1862, is one of Haiti’s oldest companies and the rum produced here is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The visit of the installations includes a tasting of fine rum. (In season November-June.) The Sugarcane Museum in Tabarre offers an in-depth insight into the processing of this popular plant throughout the centuries. There are also several other museum pavilions dedicated to Haitian history and musical heritage. Lunch is served at “Le Relai de Chateaublond” and is accompanied by a tasting of so-called “trempés” - white rum, infused with fragrant leaves, fruits or roots, purported to have multiple health benefits. At the Noailles Artist Commune, local artists re-imagine scrap metal into real works of art, showcasing the ingenuity of the Haitian people.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, entry fees, rum tasting, “trempés” tasting, English-speaking tour guide.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals and beverages.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
FREQUENCY: Monday through Friday. Closed on public holidays.
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 50 persons
DEPARTURE: 8:30 a.m. ARRIVAL: 5:30 p.m.
Historic Haiti – Sans Souci & Citadelle Henry
The mountaintop fortress of Citadelle Henry, in northern Haiti, is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere and arguably the country’s most important historic site. Officially called The National History Park Citadelle, Sans Souci, Ramier, 20,000 workers laboured in its construction between the years 1806 and 1820, during the reign of Henry Christophe - an influential leader of the successful slave rebellion that led to independence from France, who later became the self-appointed king of the northern region of new state of Haiti. In order to visit this icon of Haitian independence and UNESCO World Heritage Site, we need to board a plane at the Port-au-Prince Airport headed for Cap-Haïtien. After a 25 min. flight, we continue by bus on to Milot where we visit the circular Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church and the ruins of the Sans Souci Royal Palace, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey continues up a steep mountain road towards the looming citadel. The ascent can be done on foot (about 45 min. trek) or on horseback (about 30 min. with a horse attendant’s assistance). The massively grand Citadelle was built to house 5,000 people and exhibits an impressive collection of canons from the 18th and 19th centuries. From the high point of the fortress,
the view of the surrounding landscape is endless - in fact, it reaches all the way to the neighbouring Dominican Republic. We descend the
same way we came up, upon which lunch is served in the Lakou Lakay Cultural Center. The return flight takes us back to Port-au-Prince and
bus transfer to the Hotel.
*NOTE: Only individuals in reasonable physical health can participate in this activity. Pregnant women and clients under the influence of alcohol
or any other intoxicants are not allowed to partake in this activity.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: II-III
INCLUDED: Roundtrip air fare, ground transportation, entry fees, horse rental, English-speaking tour guide.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals and beverages.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Passport, long pants and long-sleeved shirt, hiking boots or running shoes, hat, sunscreen, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
FREQUENCY: Saturdays Only
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 19 persons
DEPARTURE: 5:30 a.m. ARRIVAL: 5:30 p.m.
Jacmel & Bassin Bleu
Jacmel, a town that lies nested in a stunning bay along the distant Caribbean coastline, is a place where past and present seem to harmoniously mesh. The town has played an important role in the country’s history, but it is also the cradle of poets, musicians, artists, painters, novelists and intellectuals. Bassin Bleu (Blue Lagoon), lies about 40 minutes driving distance from Jacmel, along a road that offers splendid views of the bay and the town. From Grand-Fond, we continue on foot for about 15 minutes, before arriving at the Bassin Bleu waterfall. The cascading waters form three lagoons, of which Bassin - Clair (Clear Lagoon) is the most spectacular, but also the most difficult to reach - it is necessary to climb up a small ladder and climb down the other side with the help of a rope. The reward: an unforgettable plunge into the blue waters of the lagoon.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: III
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, lunch, beverages, snack.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Light and comfortable clothing, hiking boots or running shoes, wet shoes, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: 10 years and over
MINIMUM: 10 persons MAXIMUM: 18 persons
DEPARTURE: 6:00 a.m. ARRIVAL: 7:30 p.m.
Marchand Dessalines
It is known as the First Black Capital of the New World. Marchand Dessalines was the first town founded after the Haitian declaration of independence in 1804. The attraction in this town is a network of fortifications, built for defensive as well as offensive purposes. In total, there are six forts: Culbuté, Décidé, Doko, Madame, Innocent and Fin du Monde, the “End of The Wold” fort, so-called because of its location on the highest point of the hill, giving the impression that the entire world lies at its feet. Scattered across the town of Marchand Dessalines are sites of historical importance and pretty houses that used to belong to famous players in Haiti’s history, e.g. the tile-roofed house of Marie- Claire Heureuse Félicité (the Emperor’s spouse), the house of Charlotin Marcadieu, the graves of General Brutus, Colonel Gabart and Benoît Batraville, as well as the remains of Dessalines’ house and several caverns and pools of water.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, beverages, entry fees.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual wear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insectrepellent, hat, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase
of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 18 persons
DEPARTURE: 9:00 a.m. ARRIVAL: 12:00 noon
Port – Au – Prince City Tour & Mont Boutilliers
The city tour will take us through the areas of Port-au-Prince, that were severely affected by the earthquake in 2010, to the newly restored Iron Market, with its colourful selection of Haitian arts and crafts. Free time for shopping. We stop at the National Pantheon Museum (MUPANAH), where we immerse ourself in Haiti’s dramatic history, and continue on through the Bois Verna neighbourhood and its picturesque gingerbread houses of a bygone era. A stop at the main city square, “Le Champs de Mars”, with its numerous statues honouring
the heroes of Haiti independence, is a must. The drive takes us through Pétionville, a residential municipality within the greater Portau- Prince area. Since the earthquake, this part of town has become the heart of all upscale commercial activity in the capital. We reach the
Mount Boutilliers lookout point, at an altitude of 920m/3,000ft. Here, in the cool mountain air, the view of greater Port-au-Prince and La Gonave Island is breath-taking. Lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant. Brief stop at a local supermarket, where purchase of local products and access to ATM is available. The day would not be complete without a visit to a renowned Haitian art gallery.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entry fees.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals and beverages.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 50 persons
DEPARTURE: 7:30 a.m. ARRIVAL: 6:00 p.m.
Tam-Tam Show in Artibonite
There is no musical instruments that so resonates with the Haitian soul, as the powerful richness of the drum beat. In this 40-minute, family-friendly show, children and teenagers showcase the most captivating Haitian rhythms - a transcending experience taking you on a virtual journey through earth, fire and sound. A discovery of Haiti through the prism of its traditional musical heritage. A drum lesson takes place after the show and we end the evening with a delicious buffet dinner of traditional Haitian dishes in a house from the postcolonial era, while enjoying some live troubadour music. A US$2 per person donation will be collected towards community-specific youth projects is appreciated.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, dinner, beverages, entry fees.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual wear, hat, insect repellent, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 8 persons MAXIMUM: 18 persons
DEPARTURE: 3:00 p.m. ARRIVAL: 9:00 p.m.
The Bamboo Town of Marmelade
Marmelade is a town located in the Artibonite region, 30 km. fromGonaïves. Here you have the opportunity to experience life in a town strongly influenced by the growing of bamboo. “Casa Bambou” is a structure totally made out of bamboo, without the use of nails, wood, cement or other materials. The visit also takes you to see the hillside lake community called Beauche, as well as downtown Marmelade with its church and market. A guided visit of the plant nursery, the workshops producing bamboo furniture and the plant where bamboo juice is extracted is also part of the itinerary. You will also be treated to a little violin performance.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, lunch, beverages, snack.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual wear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 8 persons MAXIMUM: 18 persons
DEPARTURE: 8:00 a.m. ARRIVAL: 6:00 p.m.
The Cool Mountains of Kenscoff
Located about a 90 minute drive from the Hotel, we arrive to Pétionville, a residential municipality, within the greater Port-au-Prince area, at an
altitude of 400m/1,300ft above sea level. Since the earthquake in 2010, this part of town has become the heart of all upscale commercial
activity in the capital. Brief stop at a local supermarket, where purchase of local products and access to ATM is available. Once back on the road,
the trip will take us higher and higher on scenic mountains roads, through the newly developed areas of Pélérin (alt. 550m/1,800ft), Laboule (alt. 900m/2,950ft) and Thomassaint (alt. 1.200m/3,900ft), before arriving at the Baptist Haiti Mission’s crafts center and historical museum (alt. 1.300m/4,250ft) in Fermathe. After a short stop, we continue on to Kenscoff (alt. 1.500m/4,900ft). Due to a unique microclimate, this region is where most of the produce consumed in the capital of Port-au-Prince is farmed, and the surrounding hills exhibit the typical terraces of altitude farming. The ascent continues, finally reaching Morne Tranchant (alt. 1.850m/6,000ft), from where (weather permitting) we can take in the spectacular views of Haiti’s highest peaks in the La Selle (2.600m/8,530ft) and Parc La Visite (2.300m/7,500ft) mountain ranges. Here, a guided visit of the Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve will take us on a walk through shaded mountain trails to discover the variety of local and endemic species cultivated in a greenhouse experimental setting. With a little bit of luck, we will also discover some of the endemic and migratory bird species that nest in this area. A vegetarian picnic lunch, prepared with locally-grown, seasonal produce, will be served in the pleasant Wynne residence bamboo garden, while we have the opportunity to learn more about the mountain way-of-life and the ecological challenges faced by the locals.
*NOTE: Only individuals in reasonable physical health can participate in this activity. Pregnant women and clients under the influence of alcohol
or any other intoxicants are not allowed to partake in this activity.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: II
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, entry fees, English-speaking tour guide.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals and beverages.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Hiking boots or running shoes, long pants and shirt, light sweater, rain gear (as mountain weather can be unpredictable), local or US currency in small denominations for purchase
of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 50 persons
DEPARTURE: 7:30 a.m. ARRIVAL: 6:00 p.m.
Trekking – Piat Source & Watercress Fields
The trek starts in the village of Délugé, not far from the Hotel. Initially, the trail follows the banks of the Délugé River, before taking us through some traditional and inaccessible countryside villages, where we have the opportunity to interact with and get to know the local residents closer. The flora and fauna of this valley is abundant and diverse, as the river waters gush from the mountains and create a virtual oasis of green amidst the bare mountains. Eventually, having taken some breaks along the way, we arrive at the Piat Source at 900m/2,950ft of altitude. Here is where they farm watercress. The reward of the walk is a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools, surrounded by watercress fields, while savouring exotic fruits - a uniquely invigorating experience! We return to the Hotel by 4x4 vehicle, using a more accessible road than on the ascent, and arrive just in time for lunch! The tour may also be inverted, with the ascent in a 4x4 vehicle and the descent on foot (LEVEL II)
*NOTE: Only individuals in reasonable physical health can participate in this activity. Pregnant women and clients under the influence of alcohol
or any other intoxicants are not allowed to partake in this activity.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: II-III
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, local guide, entry fees, fresh fruit, beverages.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Shorts and T-shirt, hiking boots or running shoes, hat, sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, insect repellent, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 22 persons
DEPARTURE: (LEVEL III) 7:30 a.m. - (LEVEL II) 10:00 a.m.
ARRIVAL: (LEVEL III) 11:30 a.m. - (LEVEL II) 1:00 p.m.
Saut D’eau – Ville Bonheur Waterfalls & Lake Péligre
We depart inland, stopping on our way in Mirebalais for a short visit,before arriving at Lake Péligre with its beautiful, blue waters set among steep, arid mountains. This man-made lake captures the waters of the Artibonite River for irrigation of the surrounding plains and production of hydro-electric power. We then continue along the river until reaching Saut d’Eau - Ville Bonheur. This location exemplifies the blending of religious practices, namely Catholic and Voodoo, unique to Haiti. Believers state that the Virgin Mary appeared here in 1848 and since that day the town and the waterfalls attract devout disciples of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Patron Saint of the town and Erzulie the voodoo goddess of love. Pilgrims for all over Haiti and the world regularly come to worship here. Believers claim that immersion in the waterfalls bring good luck, and visitors are welcome to get in and get wet. Lunch is served at a nearby location. On the way back to the Hotel, the road passes through a wide variety of tropical mango plantations.
*NOTE: Only individuals in reasonable physical health can participate in this activity. Pregnant women and clients under the influence of alcohol
or any other intoxicants are not allowed to partake in this activity.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I-II
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entry fees.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals and beverages.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Wet shoes, towel, bathing suit, sunscreen, insect repellent, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and products.
MINIMUM: 6 persons MAXIMUM: 25 persons
DEPARTURE: 7:30 a.m. ARRIVAL: 5:30 p.m.
Voodoo Ceremony
The word voodoo designates a comprehensive mélange of beliefs and rituals of African origins. Voodoo is a rich and misunderstood religion of harmony between the living being and his/her surroundings. The fundamental aspect of the religion of voodoo, is its influence in the social life of the believers, especially in the peasant community. It is through voodoo that basic notions of life, society, harmony with nature, medicinal plants and culture in general are transmitted to the younger generations of Haitians. In the Haitian countryside, voodoo goes hand-in-hand with the imaginary and life in general. It is the vital force that underlies all Haitian art forms - be it painting, story-telling or music. You are invited the enter this mystical universe and witness some traditional voodoo rituals in a visually dazzling and musically mesmerising show.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: I
INCLUDED: Ground transportation, English-speaking tour guide, entry fee, dinner, soft drinks.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Casual dress wear (men - long pants and shirt; women - long pants or long skirt), insect repellent, local or US currency in small denominations for purchase of local crafts and
products.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: 16 years and over
MINIMUM: 8 persons MAXIMUM: 18 persons
DEPARTURE: 4:00 p.m. ARRIVAL: 10:00 p.m