Things to do in Cap-Haitien, Haiti

After three weeks of being married, my husband lost his grandmother. What a welcome to this thing called, “marriage.” We tied the knot on Saturday, October 7, 2017, and departed for our Europe honeymoon from October 8th- October 21st. After being back in the states for just three days, we received word that his grandmother had passed away on Wednesday, October 25th. She had attended our special day, and it was her last hoorah with the Dieujuste family. It became known to us the funeral would take place the following weekend November 3-5th in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. We were supposed to be attending our line brothers’ destination wedding in Jamaica, but instead, we had to go to Haiti to pay our last respects to the matriarch of the Dieujuste family. The passing of his grandmother inspired me to write this blog. Not only did she reside there, but also this is where my husband’s family is from. Therefore, I want to share what the city Cap-Haitien has to offer you. Just from Citadelle Laferriere, to Lakay Restaurant, Monument de Vertieres and San Souci Palace let’s just say “Au-Cap” is the place to visit whenever you make a stop to Haiti.

Cap-Haitien, Haiti is the second largest city and the capital of Northern Haiti. This city offers great attractions for tourists and is a simple reach from the Dominican Republic but a distance away from Port au Prince. After visiting the major attractions of the Citadelle and San Souci Palace, I set out things to do in Cap-Haitien. Cap Haitien is a pleasant place. The streets are always busy, the narrow streets and the building of different styles. During the weekdays, you will get a glimpse as you walk around to see the people of the town and especially the school kids. Many will have bright uniforms, which contrasts beautifully with their skin. The girls with matching ribbons, bands and socks, which look stunning. Everywhere in the city there is a lot of activity and people going about their own business. In the three times, I have visited the town it has been a pleasure.

The Sans Souci Palace

After touring Citadelle, you will be let go at the top area for the Sans Souci Palace. We went through a fence, and our guide described what the palace would have been like in its prime. The Sans-Souci Palace is a palace in the town of Milot, Nord, located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of the Citadelle, and 13 kilometers southwest of the Three Bays Protected Area. I will not give a long history lesson, but I would urge you next time you are in Cap-Haitien make it a goal to visit this site and research the history of Sans Souci. You will not regret it!

Battle of Veritieres

Haiti celebrates Battle of Vertieres Day on the 18th of November. This is a public holiday that commemorates the last grand battle in the Second War for Haitian Independence. It was fought against the French and won by the Haitian rebel forces in the year 1803. You can take a quick photo-op here, it is typically quiet, and you will find residents up top studying or reading a book in the surrounding area.

Lakay Restaurant

After a long day, visitors should eat at Lakay Restaurant. This Caribbean restaurant is a favorite hangout for tourist and locals as well. The bright yellow building cannot be missed, and it is located across the street from the Oceanside. Lakay restaurant is a beautiful balance between casual and chill.

Labadee

A location I have yet to visit, but it is on the bucket list, it is both a beach and port located on the north side of Cap Haitien. This spot is oriented for tourists who love to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean views. I cannot wait to vacation this spot shortly. I can see it now!

Citadelle Laferriere

Buying a ticket for Citadelle

Upon arrival, you can purchase your ticket at the office with US dollars. Normally, we would not get a “guide” to a place like this, because we like to read up and go all alone. Upon arrival, it will seem as if the guide will find you rather than the other way around. The “merchants” will quickly begin approaching you to purchase items to go up with mountain or souvenirs.

At the ticket office, for each service, the cost is listed. The admission cost is separate, and you can add guide or tour to your entrance fee. This fee covers both Citadelle and Sans Souci Palace. The guide will explain during the duration of the trip up to Citadelle that he does not receive the entire fee, but that the money collected is divided between the guides. The majority of the time this is their way of lobbying for a tip, and if it is not hefty, enough they may complain and ask for more.

Climbing up to Citadelle

I would suggest you explore the Citadelle first then visiting San Souci. However, the Citadelle Laferriere is a mountaintop fortress on the summit of the Bonnet a L’eveque mountain with an elevation of 3000 feet. The trail to the top is 7 miles (11 kilometers) long across a steep uphill mountain. It is walkable if you are keen but the road is tough. About three-quarters of the way up from the parking lot, visitors must complete the final portion on horseback or on foot. Starting in Milot is almost entirely uphill. There are two other options to get uphill which are with a motorcycle and horse. Both have their own pros and cons in my opinion. A motorcycle is quicker. However, the journey is much more robust. A horse ride is slower, but the guide will stay with you the entire time. In addition to, stop for water breaks with the horses. However, the horse can go all the way to the top, whereas the last three km of the trail is closed to vehicular traffic.

I prefer the horse ride up for the scenic route rather than the motorcycle. Often as well, the motorcycles will break down, and you will need to wait for your guide. With the horse ride up, it can be a tough one for the horse. Their huffs may slip from time to time and depending on the horse you get he or she may cooperate or attempt to do their own thing. With the sun shining, you will be lucky to get some breeze so that the heat won’t be that terrible. The trail is not recommended for kids, but with plenty of water, it may be doable.

The Citadelle

Once you reach the mountaintop, the climb will be well worth it. As I approach the Citadelle, the fortress is massive, and you cannot help but be amazed by the architecture. You must read the story behind this fortress. It will bring great understanding to Haiti’s history and the site itself.

Exploring Citadelle

Our guide took us on tour beginning with the rear entrance. There are many different defensive aspects to the fortress. At the rear, there are cannon balls piled up, waiting for an attacker that never came. We soon were inside, climbing stair after stair. We explored various rooms and a mural depicting the life of Henry Christophe. Following this, climbing onto the roof of one of the buildings. However, the views from the top were fantastic. Finally, we wrap up the tour with the front of Citadelle. It was time to head back down. The horse was waiting for our ride back down. The trip down wasn’t as bad but be prepared to be sore from the thighs down.

Next time you want to take a trip to Haiti, think of Au Cap, and I promise you will not regret it.