North America
Mountain fortresses, painted cities and a fierce creative spirit.
Haiti was the first Black-led republic, and its history is written into the landscape. The Citadelle Laferrière crowns a peak above Milot beside the ruined Sans-Souci Palace, while Jacmel on the south coast is known for its papier-mâché carnival masks and faded colonial balconies. Inland, steep green mountains drop to turquoise pools such as Bassin Bleu, and offshore Île-à-Vache has quiet beaches.
Haitian painting, vodou-inspired sculpture and konpa music are world-class, and the food is bold: griot, pikliz and rice with black mushrooms. Travellers should check their government's current travel advice before planning, as security in and around Port-au-Prince has been seriously disrupted. Climate-wise, the dry months from December to March are the most comfortable, while late summer and autumn bring heavy rain and hurricane risk.
January, February, March, December.