The joy of a trip to Haiti isn’t just in its white-sand beaches or its tropical climate, though it does have plenty of coastline and sunshine to enjoy. Instead, a visit to Haiti is a visit to an island nation that has overcome past trials to emerge as a growing tourist destination. See towering fortresses, explore colonial plantations and marvel at the majestic ruins of historic palaces.

The hub and capital of the country is Port-au-Prince, a bustling city filled with the sounds of Caribbean beats and vocal street vendors. The city also holds many of Haiti’s historic and cultural treasures. Stop by the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien to browse exhibits on Haiti’s history, view ceramics made by the indigenous population and see paintings by Haitian artists.

South of Port-au-Prince is Jacmel, a Spanish-founded city with beautiful buildings. Attend a service at the Cathédrale de St. Philippe et St. Jacques, a glistening white church close to an outdoor market. For a nature fix, head to Bassins Bleu, a series of picturesque waterfalls that drop down into blue pools.

To experience fascinating fortresses and ruins, head to the city of Cap-Haitien. From here, visit La Citadelle Henry, the largest fort in the Caribbean. Here you can view a large collection of cannons and artillery and climb the fortress walls for views across Cap-Haitien. Another nearby treasure is Sans Souci, which was once the palace for the king of Haiti. While only remnants remain standing, it is easy to get a sense of just how grand the palace must have been when in use.

Arrive into Port-au-Prince via flights from Miami or New York, as well as select destinations in Canada and France. If entering by land, take a direct bus from the Dominican Republic. The high season for tourism is from November through March, just after hurricane season ends. The weather during this period tends to be drier than the rest of the year.

Visit Haiti for a true off-the-beaten-track Caribbean adventure.