Home › Destinations › Kenscoff
Kenscoff, Ayiti - Things to Do in Kenscoff

Things to Do in Kenscoff

Kenscoff, Ayiti - Complete Travel Guide

Kenscoff is a picturesque mountain town located in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Haiti, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and bustle of the capital city. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet, this charming destination is renowned for its cool climate, stunning mountain vistas, and vibrant agricultural landscapes that produce some of Haiti's finest strawberries, flowers, and vegetables. The town serves as a gateway to Haiti's natural beauty, featuring lush pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced hillsides that showcase the country's agricultural heritage. Visitors are drawn to Kenscoff for its authentic rural atmosphere, opportunities for hiking and nature exploration, and the chance to experience traditional Haitian mountain culture away from the tourist crowds.

Top Things to Do in Kenscoff

Explore Saut-d'Eau Waterfall

Trek through scenic mountain trails to reach this spectacular waterfall that cascades down rocky cliffs surrounded by tropical vegetation. The site holds spiritual significance for locals and offers excellent photography opportunities with its pristine natural pools.

Booking Tip: Best visited during the dry season (November-April) when trails are more accessible. Hire a local guide for $15-25 USD for safety and cultural insights. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.

Visit Local Strawberry Farms

Tour the famous strawberry plantations that thrive in Kenscoff's cool mountain climate, learning about traditional farming methods and sampling fresh, locally-grown berries. Many farms also grow flowers and vegetables using sustainable practices passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Peak strawberry season is December-March. Contact farms directly or through local guides for tours costing $10-20 USD per person. Best visited in morning when berries are freshest.

Hike Through Pine Forest Trails

Discover extensive networks of hiking trails winding through fragrant pine forests that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant coastline. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable year-round hiking conditions.

Booking Tip: Trails are free to access, but hiring a local guide ($20-30 USD) is recommended for navigation and safety. Start early morning for best lighting and cooler temperatures. Bring layers as mountain weather can change quickly.

Experience Traditional Mountain Markets

Browse vibrant local markets where farmers from surrounding hills sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional foods. These authentic markets offer insight into rural Haitian life and opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs and local specialties.

Booking Tip: Markets are most active on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring small bills in Haitian gourdes for easier transactions. Prices are very reasonable - budget $5-15 USD for local crafts and produce.

Visit Historic Mountain Churches

Explore beautiful colonial-era churches and chapels scattered throughout the mountain communities, featuring unique architectural styles that blend European influences with local craftsmanship. These sacred sites offer peaceful reflection and cultural understanding.

Booking Tip: Churches welcome respectful visitors during non-service hours. Small donations (5-10 USD) are appreciated for maintenance. Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing inside.

Getting There

Kenscoff is located approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour drive southeast of Port-au-Prince via Route Nationale 2. The most reliable option is hiring a private driver or joining an organized tour, as the mountain roads can be challenging and require local knowledge. Tap-taps (shared taxis) run regularly from Port-au-Prince to Kenscoff for budget travelers, though the journey may take longer with multiple stops. The scenic drive offers spectacular views as you ascend into the mountains, passing through several small villages along the way.

Getting Around

Transportation within Kenscoff is primarily on foot or by motorcycle taxi (moto), which are readily available and inexpensive for short distances around town. Many attractions are within walking distance of the town center, though the mountainous terrain requires good physical condition. For longer excursions to waterfalls or remote farms, hiring a local guide with transportation is recommended. The compact nature of the town makes it very walkable, and the cooler mountain climate makes walking more comfortable than in coastal areas.

Where to Stay

Kenscoff Town Center
Furcy Village
Baptist Mountain
Fermathe Area
Boutilliers Road
Montagne Noire

Food & Dining

Kenscoff's dining scene centers around fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with many restaurants featuring produce grown in the surrounding mountains. Family-run establishments serve traditional Haitian mountain cuisine including fresh strawberry dishes, locally-caught freshwater fish, and hearty stews perfect for the cooler climate. Street food vendors offer grilled corn, fresh fruit juices, and local specialties at very affordable prices. Many guesthouses and small hotels provide home-cooked meals featuring organic vegetables and herbs grown on-site, offering an authentic taste of rural Haitian cooking.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Haiti

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

La Fresa Francesa

4.6 /5
(1507 reviews) 2

Le Boulevardier Restaurant

4.7 /5
(911 reviews)

Le Bouchon Du Grove

4.5 /5
(882 reviews) 3

Restaurant Le Surcouf

4.8 /5
(766 reviews) 3

Escargot Bistro

4.8 /5
(587 reviews) 2

Italy In The World-Wine Restaurant

4.5 /5
(538 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kenscoff is during the dry season from November through April, when rainfall is minimal and hiking trails are most accessible. The mountain location provides naturally cooler temperatures year-round, making it comfortable even during Haiti's hot summer months. December through March offers the additional benefit of strawberry season and clearer mountain views. The rainy season (May-October) brings lush green landscapes but can make some trails muddy and difficult to navigate, though the cooler mountain climate still makes it more pleasant than coastal areas during this period.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing as mountain temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially during winter months
Learn basic Creole phrases as English is less commonly spoken in rural mountain communities compared to Port-au-Prince
Pack cash in small denominations as ATMs are scarce and most transactions are cash-only in local currency

Explore Activities in Kenscoff