Into the Heart of La Selle: Discover the “La Visite” National Park and the Majestic Pine Forest of Haiti
Founded in 1983 in the La Selle mountain range, the “La Visite” National Park extends over a vast basin sloping towards the Caribbean Sea, between the peaks of Morne d’Enfer (1900 m) and Morne Kaderneau (2155 m). With its fascinating geological heritage including fossils, sinkholes, and caves carved into the Karst, this park bears witness to all of Haiti’s geological history.
Covering around 5000 hectares, the “La Visite” National Park harbors a diversity of plant communities, such as grassy savannahs, pine forests, and deciduous forests. This unique natural environment provides a sanctuary for nearly 300 plant species, 36 of which are endemic, as well as numerous amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and a rich avian fauna, particularly enriched by migratory birds from North America. The Haitian government has implemented an “ecotourism” program in collaboration with the local residents who settled in the region in the 1950s during the onset of pine forest exploitation. These residents mainly sustain themselves through rudimentary agriculture.
The “La Visite” National Park offers gently rolling landscapes, ideal for less experienced hikers. Its summit reaches an altitude of 2200 meters, and the lodge is situated at 1800 meters. The topography resembles the French Massif Central. The park is primarily covered by an extensive forest mass composed of a Haitian endemic species, the Western Pine. You’ll discover numerous natural wonders such as caves, underground pools, and magnificent karst landscapes. Moreover, from certain points in the park, you’ll enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the distant Jacmel valley.
Among the points of interest to explore, the Pichon waterfall is an essential stop. To reach it, you’ll embark on a six-hour circuit, passing through several localities such as Croix-des-Bouquets, Lake Azueï, Fond Parisien, and Fonds Verrettes, before taking a dangerous and winding road to the Pine Forest. The Pichon waterfall is nestled within this majestic forest, offering an impressive spectacle with more than 10 waterfalls cascading down the mountain slopes.
The Pine Forest reserve is the largest in Haiti and one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Covering the eastern part of the La Selle massif, south of Malpasse and near the Dominican border, this forest is home to a variety of pine trees unique to Cuba and the Dominican Republic, the Western Pine (pini occidentalis), an endemic species of Hispaniola island. Its history was marked by logging during the presidency of Louis Borno between 1923 and 1930. However, thanks to protective measures taken by the government, the Pine Forest is now preserved and has undergone reforestation efforts since the 1980s.
If you’re a nature and adventure lover, there are numerous hiking opportunities in this vast forest, although they are not well-marked. Your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Cul de Sac plain and its azure-blue lakes, and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea.
To reach the Pine Forest from Port-au-Prince, allow about 2 hours and 30 minutes of travel time. You can also take tap-taps (local transportation) that will lead you to the village near the Pine Forest. Comfortable cabins are available for accommodation, although the amenities are still basic. For more information on prices and services, you can contact the SPNS Parks Service and ask for agronomist Claude at 401 7378 or 250 0867.
Explore Haiti’s natural wealth through these wonderful gems, the “La Visite” National Park and the majestic Pine Forest. These magical places promise unforgettable adventures within the island’s preserved nature. Seize this opportunity to experience moments of wonder and discovery amidst Haiti’s natural treasures.
