"Jacmel- The potential of Haiti" Top 5 Page for this destination Jacmel by marcoparco

Jacmel Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 63 photos

Personally I found the airport to be an attraction of it's own! Flying in from Port au Prince on a 13 seat plane was hard on the nerves but nonetheless provided us with some amazing views that I will never forget.....

We spent 2 days in Jacmel and Cayes Jacmel (somewhat of a getaway weekend). The last day we spent doing rehabilitation focused assessments in the city of Jacmel. I am told that this is probably one of the nicest areas in Haiti. We visited some beaches in the area and it felt like I was on a 5 star resort somewhere in Cuba. The sights were amazing and I often found myself wondering if I was in in the poor little country called Haiti. The living conditions were meagre as one could expect but for some reason, I could see and feel the potential of the people in this area of the country. A must see if you are travelling to Haiti. Especially if you are there during the last week of February! CARNIVAL!

The Bay in Jacmel

The bay of Jacmel. Where to start? Decades ago Jacmel flourished and used to be frequently visited by tourists! However with the continuous political instability, tourism and the economy in whole took a hit.
Jacmel was originally discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and property of the Spain until 1697. In the early 1700's it was then taken over and colonized by the French.
An interesting fact....Most buildings in Jacmel, and Haiti for that matter, are made out of cement or cinder block. Sometime in the 1800's Jacmel experienced a large fire that ripped across the city. The fire was devastating and not long after, wood construction was completely banned! It is said that today the rule is still in power....that is; no wood construction.

Centre-ville Jacmel

To the right you will find what used to be a flourishing city centre. It is obviously run-down however still one of the nicest areas in Haiti today.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The tempature, the sights, the people and the ocean.....
Cons:You are still in the poorest country in the western hemisphere
In a nutshell:An amazing spot that provides you with a great cultural experience!

Last visit to Jacmel: Feb 2006
Intro Updated May 2, 2006
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Reviews (7)

Art shop turned into Bar Nightlife (1)

After a fun day of visiting around town, most of the team members were tired and headed off to bed in the early evening.... more travel advice

Multiple art shops Things to Do (6)

Haiti is an art lovers paradise. From sculptures to paintings, Jacmel has many art shops. To many to list. I suggest... more travel advice

Coffee Warehouse Things to Do (6)

Located on Rue du Commerce this is one of the few active Coffee warehouses left in the area. Although coffee used to be... more travel advice

Le Florita Things to Do (6)

Originally built in 1888 for a rich businessman, this house provides visitors with the opportunity to step back in time.... more travel advice

Comments (3)

yumyum Apr 25, 2008 at 8:32 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page! But now I wonder why Haiti is actually so poor?!
vesna04 Aug 6, 2007 at 4:33 PM Report Abuse

And again, great page:)
Bwana_Brown May 3, 2006 at 11:21 AM Report Abuse

Great stuff Marc! Being able to get out for some Nightlife with the locals must have been quite an experience!! These old towns may be a bit run down, but they are always interesting!