Sud-Est Department: Culture, Coast and Nature

Sud-Est Department invites you to explore urban culture, waterscapes and natural areas as distinct highlights. Jacmel offers a historic cityscape and handicrafts; along the coast and near Belle-Anse, different landscapes shape the experience. When looking for a vacation rental, it is worth first deciding which of these experiences matters most for your trip.

Jacmel: Cityscape, Handicrafts and Carnival

Jacmel is the main town of Sud-Est Department. Its historic center was added to the UNESCO Tentative List as a cultural site on September 21, 2004. The city preserves its original layout and orthogonal street grid. Its distinctive topography encouraged unusual, stepped pedestrian streets. Remnants of the colonial defense system include La Petite Batterie and Fort Beliot. History is reflected both in individual named structures and in the layout of the city.

Handicrafts and Carnival also shape Jacmel. The papier-mâché technique is passed down from generation to generation and has found its greatest success in Haiti in Jacmel. In the center, shops, galleries and open workshops let visitors see papier-mâché art up close. Every year, Carnival brings artisans together with professional craft and folk-art associations. It is known for its creativity and exceptional originality, and attracts thousands of Haitians as well as tourists from around the world. Those interested in urban history, handicrafts and cultural traditions will find a clear focus for their trip here.

Waterscapes in the Wider Region

In the wider region, in southeastern Haiti, Bassin Bleu lies in the hills above Jacmel. Four cobalt-blue pools, linked by waterfalls, are named Cheval, Yes, Palmiste and Clair. Visitors can hike between the pools, swim in the cool water and jump from waterfalls. The combination of waterfalls, named pools and different activities offers a contrast to Jacmel’s streets and workshops. Current visitor arrangements have not been independently verified, so check the latest visiting conditions before you go.

Near Belle-Anse lies Lagon des Huîtres, a natural area and marine and terrestrial biodiversity reserve with about twenty lagoons. Parc National Naturel Lagon des Huîtres includes dry forest in the communes of Belle-Anse and Grand-Gosier, as well as part of their continental shelf. The park’s landscape also includes Cascade Pichon, Lagon des Huîtres and Grotte Canga. Cascade Pichon consists of about a dozen waterfalls, is fed by an underground lake and flows through three different pools. It is also associated with cultural and religious activities in honor of the spirit Symbie.

Highlands and Coast

La Visite National Park is another natural area. The highland park in southern Haiti encompasses several mountains. In Séguin, in the Marigot area of Sud-Est, pine forest and scattered fragments of broadleaf forest shape the landscape. La Visite is home to 17 frog species, 18 reptile species and 74 bird species. Those who want to focus their trip on highlands and forest landscapes will find a different natural highlight here than on the coast or in Jacmel.

Raymond-les-Bains is a beach in Sud-Est Department between Jacmel and Cayes-Jacmel. The beach slopes gently down to the water and has soft, smooth sand. Grilled fish is considered a local specialty there. The beach and its cuisine offer a distinct travel highlight alongside the forest and lagoon areas. When choosing a vacation rental, consider whether you would rather spend your time enjoying urban culture, coastal scenery or natural areas.

A Local Point of Reference in Marigot

The farmers’ market is a defining feature of Marigot; Saturday is considered market day. If you plan to visit the market, confirm the date locally before your trip. Specific local highlights like this can help you focus your accommodation search on the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Jacmel, Cotterelle, Ouest, Nord, Nippes, Artibonite Department, Grand'anse Department, Nord-Est Department.

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