Things To Do
in Boucan Carré
Boucan Carré is a rural commune in Haiti’s Artibonite Department, set in a lush valley shaped by the Artibonite River. The area is known for cacao farms, small family-run farms, and traditional Haitian agriculture. Life here moves at a relaxed pace with friendly locals, bright markets, and a strong sense of community.
Access is by road from Port-au-Prince, offering scenic countryside and hillside plantations that showcase inland Haiti’s character.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Boucan Carré and be greeted by friendly locals at the small town center. Stroll along dirt roads flanked by colorful houses and countryside vistas. Soak in the laid-back atmosphere as you settle into your guesthouse.
Enjoy your first Haitian lunch featuring griot and rice with pikliz. Join a village tour guide for an orientation around the community and visit a small school. Learn about the local agricultural practices and meet farmers tending to cassava and coffee plants.
Relax on a wooden veranda as the sun sets over the mountains. Share stories with fellow travelers and your host family over a light meal. Experience your first night under the clear Caribbean sky, filled with stars and the distant sounds of nature.
Start early with a hike to a nearby coffee plantation in the hills surrounding Boucan Carré. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you follow winding trails past native trees and flowering shrubs. Observe the cherry ripening on coffee plants alongside expert growers.
Participate in harvesting ripe coffee cherries and learn about the drying and roasting process from local farmers. Sample freshly brewed coffee cooked over an open flame and compare aromas. Understand the economic impact of coffee on the community’s livelihoods.
Return to town for a tasting session, sampling a variety of regional blends and single-origin brews. Discuss flavor profiles with a visiting barista who explains brewing techniques. Unwind by sharing a simple dinner of fried plantains and bean stew with new friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🚖Taxi or local transport (short ride) | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities
- Rich agricultural scenery and cacao culture
- Affordable travel in a rural Haitian town
- Limited nightlife and nightlife infrastructure
- Rural roads can be challenging during the rainy season
- Healthcare facilities are basic; plan for contingencies
- "Bonjou" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonswa" - Good evening
- "Tanpri" - Please
- "Mèsi" - Thank you
- "Kijan pou m ale... ?" - How do I get to... ?
- "Mwen pa konprann" - I don't understand
- "Èske ou ka ede mwen?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Boucan Carré
Visit one of these nice places.
Rows of cacao trees and early-morning light create long shadows and a verdant contrast ideal for landscape and agricultural photography.
River banks, small bridges, and rural scenes along the Artibonite offer tranquil water reflections and local life moments.
A colorful, busy setting with merchants, produce, and textiles; capture faces, textures, and everyday interactions.
Elevated viewpoints around the town provide dramatic silhouettes of the valley as the sun sinks.
Architectural details and the daily rhythm of town life around the church and central plaza make compelling documentary images.
Food in Boucan Carré
Boucan Carré Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple dish of rice cooked with red beans or black beans, often served with a savorous sauce and fried plantains.
Must-Try!
Seasoned, fried pork served with pikliz and rice; a common celebratory and everyday favorite.
Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce with vegetables, often enjoyed with rice or dumplings.
A platter of fried options such as pork, chicken, or gizzards, typically paired with plantains and pikliz.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market where locals buy produce, fresh fruit, spices, and cacao products; street vendors offer quick snacks like fried plantains, grilled corn, and coconut water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a warm greeting (bonjour/bonswa). Address elders with respect, and use a polite tone in all interactions.
Ask for permission when photographing people or private spaces; many locals appreciate a quick explanation of how the image will be used.
Wear modest clothing in rural areas, especially around religious sites. Avoid loud behavior and public displays of anger.
Safety
Tipping in Boucan Carré
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, consider 5–10% if no service charge is included. For guides and drivers, a small daily tip is customary.
Cash (HTG and USD) is widely used; credit cards are not commonly accepted in rural areas. Carry small denominations and exchange currency at banks or official exchanges when possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny days with lower humidity and pleasant temperatures; ideal for outdoor activities and photography. Roads are more passable, but carry water and light rain gear for occasional showers.
Higher humidity with frequent afternoon rain showers and potential tropical storms. Plan for flexible schedules, carry rain protection for gear, and be prepared for slower travel due to flooded or muddy roads.
Boucan Carré at Night
Hiking in Boucan Carré
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hillside route offering views over cacao terraces and the valley; moderate effort with rewarding panoramas.
Easy to moderate path along the river with opportunities to photograph water features and rural life; best with a guide.
Airports
How to reach Boucan Carré by plane.
Port-au-Prince’s main international gateway; used for international arrivals and major domestic connections. From PAP, road travel to Boucan Carré takes several hours depending on road conditions.
Northern gateway with international and domestic flights; longer overland journey to Boucan Carré but useful for combined itineraries along the north coast.
Smaller regional airport serving the Artibonite region; limited flights but closer than Port-au-Prince for some routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant in the region, with families engaged in cacao, rice, and vegetable farming; strong local networks and traditions.
Local craftsmen and market vendors who sustain the town’s economy through agriculture, crafts, and retail.
Young people who attend local schools or travel to nearby towns for work or further education.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Haiti; local teams and informal games are common at schools and community fields.
Widely played in towns and schools, with informal tournaments and pickup games in public spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Boucan Carré.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes rely on beans, rice, vegetables, and plantains. Ask for vegetarian versions without meat or pork, emphasize legume-based stews, and avoid smoky seasonings if sensitive to spice.