Haiti is certainly one of the poorest countries in the world, but it also holds some of the world’s most exciting and untapped adventure resources. With tropical weather conditions, fascinating historical sites, exotic geography, and thousands of miles of unexplored singletrack, this mountainous country has huge potential for adventure sports.

The Pearl of the Antilles

The very name Haiti means “mountainous”.

Ancient Arawak indians who inhabited the land before the arrival of Columbus referred to their land as the land of mountains. Columbus himself said that Haiti’s harbours were the most beautiful and inviting that he had ever seen. Today’s Haitians have a saying: “Deye mon gain mon” – “Behind the mountains there are more mountains.”

Why is biking in Haiti so great?

Transportation in Haiti is primarily by foot. People walk everywhere – from village to village, town to town, over mountains, across rivers – everywhere. Consequently, Haiti has one of the most extensive and developed networks of singletrack footpaths in the world.

It’s a wonder that these mountains with their miles of man-made singletrack and footpaths aren’t overrun by tourists, rabid for the thrill of challenging mountain after mountain.

But that means more unspoilt adventure rides for us, the intrepid explorers, who dare go where no two-wheeled beast has gone before.

Country Facts

Population

• 7 million

Capital

• Port-au-Prince

Official Languages

• French
• Haitian Creole
• English and Spanish are also commonly spoken.

Currency

• Haitian Gourde
• 1 US Dollar = about 42 Gourdes

Average annual income

• US $460

Major Exports

• Light manufactures
• Coffee
• Oils
• Mangoes
• Citrus