Let's go to Jacmel
 South
of Port-au-Prince, the southern peninsula comprises many beautiful
cities. One of them, Jacmel is a quiet city but full of charm.
Its population is estimated at 15,000. The city has not changed
much since the late 19th century. It has mansions
were built in the New Orleans Style by wealthy merchants of
the city. The city’ s name derives from an Indian word which
means “rich land”. Jacmel is one of Haiti’s prettiest cities
with a natural charm. The Manoir Alexandre, now a guesthouse
offers one of the best views of the city from its upper veranda
facing south. The main square is very busy and while seating
at the Hotel de la Place restaurant for lunch, you
can enjoyed your surrounding, the Victorian architecture of
the city. The port of Jacmel is the country’s prettiest and
was a booming coffee port during the late 19th
century. On Rue Seymour, a little below the Manoir
Alexandre, you will find an old residence which is now
turned into an art gallery called Salubria-Brictson.
If you like art, you can visit the owner’s worldwide art collection
at Salubria-Brictson gallery. There are more small
galleries and handicraft stores on Rue Commerce near
the beach by the entrance of La Jacmelienne. The city’s
handicraft specialties are the following: boxes, trays, and
other objects painted in bright colors. During the carnival
season, people come from different city to have fun. The
carnival at Jacmel is organized in a unique way and the decorations
are superb. It is about the one carnival that has kept its
original Haitian flavor.
 While
at Jacmel, why not go to the beach and enjoy its fine white-sands
beaches. To name a few, you can go to The Cyvadier Plage
that offers rooms with balcony and meals. It is a quiet hotel.
Phone 288-3323.Raymond Les Bains that is located just before
another city named Cayes-Jacmel is at about 15 km from Jacmel.
It is a public beach and has no facilities except for public showers.
Past the city at a place call Ti-Mouillage you will find
two public beaches. There is a basic restaurant at one and the
other one offers small beach homes for rent.
If you are up for more excitement
visit Bassin Bleu which is located into the hills
about 12 km west of Jacmel. Bassin Bleu is a series of natural
waterfalls. If you are a good swimmer you can jump for a cool one.
It takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours of walk or horse riding
up those hills, if you do not have a car. . A four-wheel drive
is strongly advised for that road. However, it would only take
you up ¾ of the road. You will definitely need a guide but always
agree on a price in advance and deal with one person. Depends on
how high you reach, a rope may even be necessary. Once you are up
there you may enjoy the excellent views of Jacmel Bay that
will leave you speechless.
At night, you can check out the Yaquimo
Nightclub & Restaurant. They serve fairly good food, and
the atmosphere is good with live bands.
Sleeping
La
Jacmelienne is a hotel restaurant located right on the beach.
Enjoy the sea view from all of its rooms. The hotel
includes a pool, fans no AC phone 288-3451.
Hotel
de la Place offers rooms
and their restaurant serves reasonable food. Phone 288-2832.
How To Get There
From Port-au Prince, buses leave from the station Jacmel in Dessalines.
From Jacmel buses leave from the gas station at the junction of Portail Leogane
and Avenue De La Liberté.
*The International code is 011 and Haiti's country
code is (509)
|
