Tour Notes Haiti – Land of Mountains Tour Duration – 12 Days

Tour Rating Fitness ●●●○○ | Off the Beaten Track ●●●●○ | Culture ●●●●○ | History ●●●●○ | Wildlife ●○○○○ Tour Pace - Relaxed Tour Highlights

Citadelle Henry Christophe and the Palace of Sans Souci The stunning waterfalls of Bassins Bleu View an authentic vodou ceremony A slice of the authentic Caribbean that is difficult to find elsewhere

Tour Map - Haiti – Land of Mountains

Tour Essentials Accommodation: Comfortable hotels Included Meals: Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary. Group Size: 12 Start Point: Port au Prince End Point: Cap Haitian Transport: Minibus or 4WD, internal flights, boat, horses (if required) Countries: Haiti

Haiti – Land of Mountains Occupying half of the island of Hispaniola, Haiti is an economically impoverished but culturally rich state that has borne a weight of negative preconceptions far in excess of its size for decades. Port-au-Prince’s sclerotic traffic and its teeming shanty of Cité Soleil assault the senses but there’s more than just chaos. The beautiful town of Jacmel, the remarkable UNESCO sites of Henri Christophe’s palace and fortress at Cap-Haïtien, along with the tranquil coast of Port Salut and Cormier Plage tell a different story. The dictator Papa Doc Duvalier and his cabal have long gone. The earthquake of 2010 was a catastrophe for Port-au-Prince but much of the country wasn’t ever directly affected. The UN stabilisation force withdrew in 2017. It’s time at last to go beyond the headlines and see for yourself. Haiti is a surprising place. Tour itinerary notes While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day itinerary as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built in. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and on occasions alternative accommodation, of a similar standard to that named below, will be used. Tour Guide Our guides are a key strength, chosen for their knowledge of and passion for the areas in which they work. All of our guides are carefully hand-picked, and are not just passing through these countries, but are usually locally born. Unlike some companies it should be noted we do not send a guide or tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations in the UK as we have every confidence in our locally appointed representative who is responsible for operating the tour on our behalf. Where possible you will have the same guide throughout your trip but on occasions it may be necessary to change the guide at one or more points during the tour.

Itinerary Day 1 (Thursday) – Port au Prince Arrive in Port-au-Prince and transfer to hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore independently. A group briefing is planned for 6.00pm. Overnight Le Plaza or similar. Port au Prince Haiti’s capital is a bustling, lively town that can sometimes seem intimidating to first time visitors. However, beneath its brash veneer lies a town with a thriving arts scene and interesting historic monuments that can keep you busy for many days. It’s also a great place to get to grips with the local culture, with places such as the Iron Market throwing you headlong into the commercial life of Haiti and offering an introduction to Haiti’s belief in Vodou. Its streets are alive with vendors of all manner of goods and the city’s artistic heritage is evident in the open air galleries and workshops that can be found on the Grand Rue, where sculptors bend and smash scrap metal into innovative designs. Port au Prince is one of the best places in the country to see the distinctive ‘gingerbread houses’, graceful buildings dating back to the 19th century and reminiscent of a bygone era. Port au Prince became the capital of the French colony of St Domingue in 1770, and then became capital of newly independent Haiti in 1804. It consists today of Port au Prince proper, and the more affluent suburb of Petion-ville, originally constructed as an alternative to the capital but long since absorbed. Since the earthquake in 2010, Petion-ville has emerged as the commercial capital of Haiti. There is no denying that Port au Prince is chaotic and can be challenging, but it offers an intriguing snapshot of modern Haitian life and is essential to understanding the country itself. Day 2 (Friday) – Barbancourt Distillery and Cité Soleil* This morning we visit the landmark of Barbancourt Rum Distillery. The distillery was founded in 1862 and its rum is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest, and certainly one of Haiti’s most recognisable exports.

Later, we head to the maelstrom of the Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince’s largest ‘shanty town’, home to an estimated 400,000 people and formerly a no-go area for tourists and police. Thankfully, things have changed. Accompanied by a local resident we’ll see community projects that continue to regenerate the area and improve the lives of those who live here. Overnight Le Plaza or similar. (B) Please note: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises against all but essential travel to the Cité Soleil area of Port-au-Prince. Those not wishing to visit may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel. Day 3 (Saturday) – Port Au Prince and Vodou Ceremony Today there’s a tour of the city’s historic areas followed by a visit to an authentic vodou ceremony, a blend of West African voodoo religion unique to Haiti. Later in the afternoon we drive into the mountains surrounding Port-au-Prince to the village of Furcy. We take a walking tour of the village, and enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air. Overnight Le Plaza or similar. (B) Vodou in Haiti Vodou is everywhere and nowhere in the Haiti, a spiritual system infusing everything from medicine and agriculture to cosmology and arts. The creation of the descendants of African slaves who were brought to Haiti (then called Saint-Domingue) and converted by Roman Catholic missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries, Vodou shares much with Christianity. The Christian God is understood as the creator of the world, who created spirits to help govern humanity and the natural world. But Vodou departs from Christianity in how it views the cosmos as there is no heaven or hell in Vodou. Humans are simply spirits who inhabit the visible world in a physical body. Other spiritual forces populate the unseen world. The ancestors are also part of that spirit world, and can guide their children through dreams and signs. All these spirits dwell in a mythic land called Ginen, a cosmic Africa. Historically, Vodou has been an emancipatory faith that enslaved people turned to when they were brutalised and for that reason, French slave owners considered Vodou a threat and that is why it has been grossly misrepresented by white colonists and Haitian political and spiritual leaders alike. Day 4 (Sunday) – Port-au-Prince - Lake Azuéi – Port-au-Prince This morning we drive to Lake Azuéi, Haiti’s largest lake, also known as Etang Saumâtre, located 29km from Port-au-Prince on the border with the Dominican Republic. We meet an environmental specialist who will explain habitat and water management projects in the area. There’s an opportunity to take a boat onto the lake and see fish cages, as well as time for a swim. Kayaks are available for hire at an extra charge. We

return to Port-au-Prince later in the afternoon. Overnight Le Plaza or similar. (BL) Day 5 (Monday) – Jacmel and Bassins Bleu Leaving the capital, we drive across the mountains to the former coffee port of Jacmel. We explore some of this beautiful town’s most interesting sights, including the old coffee warehouses built in New Orleans-style, the cathedral, and the port itself. Afterwards we drive to the pools and waterfalls of Bassin-Bleu. Overnight Hotel Cyvadier or similar. (B) Jacmel Jacmel is a quiet city full of charm that dates back to 1698, when it was founded by French colonists. The city’s name derives from an Indian word which means ‘rich land’. By the end of the 18th century it had become a wealthy port, primarily through the trade in coffee which came to be so important for Haiti. The town also hosted the famous South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar in the early 19th century. Jacmel retains traces of its former glory and a tangible link with history that can be grasped when walking around its picturesque old quarter, with graceful old mansions and merchant’s warehouses giving a taste of Haiti’s yesteryear. It also has a thriving arts scene, and is a great place to wander around and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Day 6 (Tuesday) – Route du Café and Port Salut This morning we leave the hotel and begin a tour of the Route du Cafe.. Jacmel is a well known coffee growing area and you will get a chance to see the coffee making industry in the region. After lunch (not included) we travel out to the Highway and get the local tourist bus (not private) down to Aux Cayes, in the South of Haiti. Once we arrive at Aux Cayes we get a ride to Port Salut and settle in to our hotel just 2 minutes away from the lovely long beach. Overnight at Le Rayn Vert (B) Day 7 (Wednesday) - Marie Jeanne Caves and Aux Coteaux Today we drive to the Marie Jeanne Caves, an underground cave system with interesting rock formations. Afterwards we continue to Coteaux and the ‘500 Marches de la Médaille Miraculeuse’, literally ‘500 Steps to the Miraculous Medal’, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s a fairly steep walk up the steps but those who make the ascent are rewarded by excellent views. Overnight Le Rayn Vert. (B) Day 8 (Thursday) – Travel to Cap Haitian After breakfast, we will take a taxi back to Aux Cayes to board the 10am return bus to Port au Prince. On arrival in Port au Prince, we travel to the airport for or flight up to Cap Haitian, where we will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at Hotel Roi de Christophe (B) Day 9 (Friday) - La Citadelle La Ferriere and the Palace of Sans Souci Today we visit the country’s most incredible site – the vast Citadelle, an imposing fortress built atop a mountain to resist a French invasion that never came. We take a gentle horse ride (led by handlers) or walk to the top and explore the site with a local guide. We also visit the palace of Sans Souci situated below the Citadelle and dating back to the same time. Lunch is taken at a local community restaurant before we return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Roi de Christophe (BL) La Citadelle La Ferriere Dramatically situated on top of a mountain, the Citadelle is the largest fortress in the western hemisphere and was built by Henri Christophe, one of the leaders of the slave revolution. Taking 20,000 men 15 years to build, it formed part of a system of fortifications constructed to defend Haiti against the French, who were expected to attack after the revolution to retake their colony. The Citadelle was designed with storerooms to hold enough food and water for 5,000 defenders for up to one year. The fortress included palace quarters for the king and his family, in the event that they needed to take refuge within its walls. With its numerous cannons, passageways and chambers, the Citadelle deserves thorough explorations and offers superb views for miles around. Day 10 (Saturday) – Cap Haitian After breakfast we take a walking tour of Cap-Haïtien, exploring its wealth of well-preserved French colonial architecture. During and after the Haitian Revolution many craftsmen from Cap-Haïtien fled to French-controlled New Orleans, now the USA. As a result, the two cities share many similar architectural styles. Especially notable are the ‘gingerbread houses’ lining the city's older streets. On our return to Cap-Haïtien we drive to a beautiful beach location outside town. Overnight at Cormier Plage. (BD) Day 11 (Sunday) – Cormier Plage A relaxing day by the beach. The hotel has tennis courts for the more energetic or maybe you would prefer to lie in one of the hammocks and listen to the waves crashing on the beach. There are no plans for today so you are free to fill your final day in Haiti as you please. Overnight at Cormier Plage (BD)

Day 12 (Monday) – Cap Haitian Transfer to Cap Haitian airport for departure flight. Tour ends. (B)

Tour Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions: Arrival and departure transfers Domestic flight All accommodation Services of English speaking guide / tour leader Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary Excluded: International flights Any airport taxes Travel Insurance Visas Drinks

Important Information Foreign Government Travel Warnings We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the FCO Advise against all but essential travel to the Carrefour, Cite Soleil, Martissant and Bel Air neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince. Further information can be found on the FCO website here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/haiti Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or if would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident. It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government. Accommodation and Meals Hotel Check-in Times As a general rule most hotels will allow guests to check-in from 2pm. Please note that the price of your tour does not include guaranteed early check-in. Therefore please advise us if you would like to ensure that your room is available for an earlier arrival. This is particularly relevant on the first day of the tour and for early morning arrivals. One option is to pre-book and pay for an extra night at the beginning of your tour which will guarantee your accommodation is available irrespective of what time you arrive. Please contact us for information and costs. It should also be noted that on many of our tours we have set-aside Day 1 of the itinerary as an ‘arrival day’. For this reason and because tour participants are likely to be arriving at different times, and often from different countries, guided sightseeing or other activities are not included. If you are arriving early or before the start date of the tour and would like to organise some extra arrangements on a private basis please contact us.

Accommodation Rating At Undiscovered Destinations we know our travellers prefer to stay in comfortable, mid-range accommodation which meets our own exacting standards. With a few exceptions you can expect rooms to be en-suite, with private bathroom and when necessary air-conditioning will be provided. In general you will find your hotel has a restaurant and/or bar. We welcome solo travellers and single rooms will be allocated subject to the applicable tour supplement. Please note that on occasions you may not always be allocated a double or twin room, as some hotels have designated single rooms. These may be smaller in size. However, the supplement payable takes this into consideration. Food & Drinks The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch and dinner (D). Please note that lunch may be a picnic. Drinks are not included and will be payable locally in cash. Please note that service levels in Haiti are very low and meals and drinks may take longer than expected. Dietary Requirements If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. Vegetarian options may be limited. Budgeting for your Tour You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. Food The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more. Lunch £7.50 Dinner £15 Drink The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive. Bottle of Beer £1.20 Water £0.30 Tipping – Guide and Drivers Tipping is common practise in Haiti. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. A reasonable amount to tip would be between $20 to $40 for the guide, and slightly less for the driver. In restaurants it is usually 10% and do NOT put it on the credit card as they will never get it. Foreign Exchange ATM Availability: ATM machines can be found in Port au Prince, Jacmel and Cap Haitian but are rare or non-existent elsewhere Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: Cards are generally only acceptable in better hotels and restaurants Local Currency: Gourde (gde)

Recommended Currency for Exchange: US Dollars – have plenty of smaller value notes. Where to Exchange: Local supermarkets will exchange US Dollars for Gourde. Do not exchange too much at one time as it is difficult to change back and impossible once you have left the country. Your guide will advise you locally. Joining your Tour Flight Information Our advertised prices do not include the cost of international flights. Please contact us if you would like a quotation to book a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. You should note that if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, this may disqualify you from entering USA on an ESTA visa. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a free airport transfer, both on arrival and departure. In order that the transfer can be arranged please ensure that you advise us of your flight information once available. Please advise the date, time and flight number for your arrival/departure. If we have not been advised of this information at least 2 weeks before travel, then you will be required to make your own way to the hotel on Day 1 of your tour. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday. Visa Information Most nationalities, including the UK, US and EU nationalities, do not require a visa to enter Haiti. Please note however that upon arrival you will be given an entry card that you’ll need to hand in when you leave the country. Regulations can and do change and so we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy or consulate for the most up to date information. Please keep hold of the disembarkation card you will be handed on arrival as you will need it at departure. If travelling to and from Haiti via a third country (for example U.S.A.), please make sure that you meet all the visa requirements for that country. Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Vaccinations & Protection As with travel to most parts of the developing world, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a

visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. Anti-malaria medication may also be required and the use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Preparing for your tour Climate Haiti is warm all year round, with temperatures hovering around 30 ºC for most of the year. It does however experience a hurricane season, which should be avoided, generally from August to October. It can be quite a few degrees colder in the mountains, especially at night. Clothing When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy. We advise that you bring at least one pair of long cotton trousers for the ride up to the Citadelle. Equipment The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit. An anti-septic cream is also advisable for insect bites. A torch or headlight can come in useful. Footwear Comfortable closed trainers/ hoes/boots are recommended along with a pair of sandals and/or flip flops. If you are going to Bassins Bleu bring footwear that can go in the water. Luggage on tour Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. If you intend buying any of the excellent sculptures or paintings available in Haiti, you might want to consider bringing an extra bag. Electric Supply & Plugs Electrical supply is 110-120V/50-60 Hz and plugs usually have two vertical pins. Tour Itinerary Versions Please ensure that you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. You will be informed of any major changes to your tour but small changes may just be added to these tour notes. Notes updated 02/08/2018.