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National Pine Forest

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Forest
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National Pine Forest (Haiti)

Weather…

The Forêt des Pins National Park is one of Haiti's largest remaining forested areas, located in the southeastern Chaîne de la Selle mountains. The forest is renowned for its stands of the Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis), which thrives in the cooler elevations above 1,500 meters. This ecosystem is invaluable to Haiti's water cycle, acting as a natural sponge that feeds numerous rivers essential for irrigating the surrounding lowlands. Tragically, the park is under massive threat from illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and forest fires. Only fragments remain of what were once vast, contiguous forests. International conservation projects are working to ensure the survival of this unique coniferous habitat through reforestation efforts and strict protection of its core zones.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232425262626272727262524
Rain mm191726406441386645766229

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The area is usually reached via winding mountain roads leading into the La Selle region. Hiring a local driver with a 4x4 is highly recommended for navigation.
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Best season
The dry season, typically from November to March, has the most reliable travel conditions. Heavy rains can make mountain paths impassable at other times.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape is characterized by steep mountain slopes and dirt trails beneath the pine canopy. Hiking requires good balance and stamina at altitude.
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What to bring
Bring sturdy hiking boots, warm layers for the cooler mountain air, and plenty of drinking water. Sun protection and insect repellent are also essential.
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Parking
Vehicles are typically left at designated trailheads or nearby village clearings before venturing deeper. Always secure valuables when leaving your car.
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Safety
Altitude sickness is a possibility, so acclimatize slowly and stay hydrated. Stick to established paths as remote areas can be disorienting.
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Time needed
Most visitors spend a half to a full day exploring the main trails. A complete trek across the region often requires a multi-day expedition.

Geography

Coordinates
18.30000, -71.95000

Facts

  • Established in 1937.
  • Home to the endemic Pinus occidentalis.
  • Highest points reach over 2,000 meters.
  • Most vital watershed in southeastern Haiti.
  • Annual temperatures often drop below 10°C.
  • Only about 10% of the primary forest remains.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Forêt des Pins ReserveForêt des Pins Reserve<1 km · EExplore →
Forêt des PinsForêt des Pins2 km · SEExplore →
Étang SaumâtreÉtang Saumâtre12 km · SEExplore →
JimaníJimaní13 km · NEExplore →
Trou d'Eau MountainsTrou d'Eau Mountains18 km · EExplore →
Trou Caïman WetlandTrou Caïman Wetland20 km · SEExplore →
Thomazeau Agro-industryThomazeau Agro-industry21 km · SEExplore →
Morne des CommissairesMorne des Commissaires22 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from December to March is the best time for hiking.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?
Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to unpaved mountain roads.
Are there camping facilities?
Basic camping is allowed, but you must bring your own equipment.
What is the weather like at night?
Due to the altitude, nights can be quite chilly, often dropping below 10°C.
What trees grow here?
The park is primarily famous for its endemic Pinus occidentalis pine trees.
National Pine Forest: where is it located?
National Pine Forest is located in Haiti.
National Pine Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
National Pine Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Forêt des Pins National Park is one of Haiti's largest remaining forested areas, located in the southeastern Chaîne de la Selle mountains.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Jimaní — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Jimaní
An important border town on the shores of Lake Enriquillo.
Pedernales — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Pedernales
A border town in the extreme southwest, near pristine beaches.
🗺️
Hondo Valle
A mountain municipality in the Elías Piña province.
Postrer Río — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Postrer Río
A mountain municipality in Independencia province.
Bassin Zim — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Bassin Zim
A spectacular 20-meter waterfall and sacred caves located near Hinche in a lush setting.
Comendador — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Comendador
The capital of Elías Piña province, on the border with Haiti.
Los Ríos — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Los Ríos
A municipality in Baoruco province, at the foot of the Sierra de Neiba.

History & landmarks

Saut-d&#39;Eau — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Saut-d'Eau
Sacred waterfall and pilgrimage site for many Haitians.
Bahía de las Águilas — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Bahía de las Águilas
A remote beach in the southwest known for its pristine nature.
Place Saint-Pierre — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Place Saint-Pierre
Central square in Pétion-Ville.
Fort Ogé — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Fort Ogé
Fortification near Port-au-Prince.

Nature

Étang Saumâtre — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Étang Saumâtre
The largest lake in Haiti, home to many bird species.
Lake Enriquillo — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Lake Enriquillo
The largest lake in the Caribbean, known for its saltwater crocodiles.

More places

Forêt des Pins Reserve — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Forêt des Pins Reserve
A protected pine forest area that provides habitat for many local animals.
🗺️
Morne des Commissaires
A mountain massif in the Chaîne de la Selle, known for its cool climate and agricultural use.
Morne La Visite — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Morne La Visite
A high peak in La Visite National Park, the centerpiece of an important pine forest ecosystem.
Jacmel Children&#39;s Paradise — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Jacmel Children's Paradise
A modern playground in Jacmel.
🗺️
Jacmel Ecological Farm
A farm that shows children sustainable agriculture.
Port of Jacmel — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Port of Jacmel
Cultural and port city.
Jacmel Valley — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Jacmel Valley
A valley surrounding the city of Jacmel, crossed by rivers that flow into the Caribbean Sea.
Bassin-Bleu Children&#39;s Paradise — National Pine Forest (Haiti)
Bassin-Bleu Children's Paradise
A natural basin popular with families.