• United States!

    United States: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Go Now!

    United States
    Explore the vast openness and wildlife found roaming in the western United States, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured) in North Dakota. Begin Your Journey!

  • Trinidad & Tobago!

    Trinidad & Tobago: Beautiful Coastline. Go Now!

    Trinidad & Tobago
    These Caribbean islands mix Indian, African, and European cultures alongside beautiful beaches. Go Now!

  • St. Kitts & Nevis!

    St. Kitts & Nevis: Nevis Island. Go Now!

    St. Kitts & Nevis
    This island nation mixes aspects of European, African, and Caribbean culture... not to mention incredible beaches. Go Now!

  • Honduras!

    Honduras: Children. Go Now!

    Honduras
    The original banana republic, Honduras has made a name for itself with the banana trade; however foreign influences have also vastly altered the culture. Go Now!

  • Mexico!

    Mexico: Sunrise over the mountains in Puerto Vallarta. Go Now!

    Mexico
    Although many people just go for the beaches, Mexico offers impressive mountain vistas (pictured in Puerto Vallarta), great food, and historic ruins that compete with the best in the world. Begin Your Journey!

  • Barbados!

    Barbados: Pier on the beach. Go Now!

    Barbados
    This Caribbean island has hints of British culture, but is wholly Caribbean as well. Explore Barbados!

Architecture of Haiti

WARNING: Safety is a concern in Haiti, please read this travel warning before going!

The architecture of Haiti is severely limited as no true buildings exist from the pre-Columbian times and building since have rarely lasted. The first settlers left little behind as most early architecture was made from wood or other local resources that have been lost to time. Additionally, due to hurricanes and earthquakes in the country much of their architecture has been destroyed over time.

Of the early architecture, the best preserved is in the town of Jacmel (or Yaquimel). This town has a historic heart that includes architecture from the Spanish and French, along with numerous local creole structures that better represent the people today. Although there was damage done to the city in the 2010 earthquake, Jacmel fared better than many other cities, including the capital of Port-au-Prince was leveled from the disaster.

In the early 1800s, just after receiving independence from France the Haitians developed an architectural style of their own. This is best represented in the Palace of Sans Souci (1810-1813), which is located in Milot.

Although modern building materials and techniques have been brought to Haiti, the country has not built many large skyscrapers or outrageously unique modern buildings. Most of the country's current buildings are built from this newer technology, but rarely has the financing to build these structures been available.

This page was last updated: November, 2012