Trek into the stairways of your imagination into an ancient rice culture carved out of the Cordillera mountains hugging the walls of a valley as far as the eyes can see, the Banaue rice terraces serve as a monument to the ancient engineering skills of the Ifugao tribes of Northern Philippines.
Breathtaking rice terraces with trails leading to the magnificent caves of Sagada will also enchant you, then it’s on to a winding mountain highway with panoramic views going towards the cool mountain city of Baguio, or the summer capital.
Tour Duration: 5D/4N
Pick up time: 03:00 AM or earlier
Highlights:
1. Drive up the Cordillera Mountains into Banaue.
2. Panoramic view of World’s famous Rice Terraces at the viewpoint.
3. Optional: Batad, Bangaan, and Hapao.
4. Overnight stay in Sagada for optional Cave Spelunking and Hanging Coffin visit.
5. Visit the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City.
DAY 1 – MANILA-BANAUE
03:00 AM - Departing Manila for Banaue via TPLEX highway, Nueva Ecija, and Nueva Vizcaya. Catch more sleep in our vans with reclining seats as we take you there. Wake up for breakfast (own expense) at Solano then drive up into the Cordillera mountains into Banaue.
There is a stopover at a scenic lookout point called Dalton Pass. It has a historical WWII Battle that took place there. It’s the meeting point of two great mountain ranges. There is also an optional stop over at the General Yamashita Surrender Site at Kiangan. Late afternoon arrival into Banaue.
Overnight in Banaue.
DAY 2 – BANAUE OPTIONAL TOURS
A. BATAD: With a good physical level expect some rough narrow tracks that can be achieved in a short time. Marvel at the Batad amphitheater terraces from the village view point and see a 2000 year old terrace that climbs up a mountain side up to a 70 degree angle.
TAPPIYA WATERFALLS: after Batad there can be a long hike to see a 70 meter fall. A natural pool is formed at its bottom suitable for a cool swim (properly attired) It’s a further trek from Batad for a total of 3 hours.
B. BANGA-AN VILLAGE: Instead of Batad, Banga-an showcases a typical Ifugao community. After viewing the terraces from the roadside, stone steps lead downward to this village through the terraced slopes. You are rewarded with spectacular views of this village and its surrounding rice terraces close up.
C. HAPAO: This tour is considered to be more like a road side rice terraces tour going the opposite direction of Batad. It includes a short walk down into rice paddies along the road side. There are scenic views of rice terraces too.
Return to Banaue for overnight.
DAY 3 – BANAUE – SAGADA
Depart for Sagada after breakfast it will be a 3 hour drive towards picturesque sceneries with a stopover at the view point (4800 feet) then onto the Bayyo rice terraces then a stopover at the Bontoc Tribal Museum with artifacts and unique pictures of the Bontoc tribes. At Sagada there are ancient burial cliffs of mummified bodies at Sugong Eco-valley. You can hire a local English speaking guide and visit these sights together with the Lumiyang burial cave which houses more than 100 coffins stacked up in the entrance. Many of them have images carved on them to symbolize fertility and long life. You then enter the Sumaging cave known for its rock formations and impressive stalactite chambers. If there is still time you may visit Lake Danum or Bumod-ok falls.
Overnight in Sagada.
Day 4 – SAGADA – BAGUIO
After an early breakfast you will depart for Baguio (6 hours). It will be a journey through a winding highway of the Cordillera Highland crossing several mountains going south towards Baguio City.
There will be a stopover at the former highest point Philippine highway (7, 400 ft.) in ATOK, Halsema Highway (146 kms.) is steeped in culture and natural resources making it a haven for tourists and seekers of adventure or; simply peaceful immersion viewing rice and vegetable terraces, picturesque waterfalls and snaky rivers. A cool climate awaits those who want to explore the cordilleras.
Enjoy a different kind of scenery upon arrival in Baguio (5,000 ft.) The summer capital has famed tourist attractions such us the Mansion House, The Philippine Military Academy, Mines View Park, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay and many more. Your overnight stay will be at a better kind of accommodation in this City of Pines.
Overnight in Baguio.
DAY 5 – BAGUIO-MANILA
After breakfast there’s a chance to enjoy the city of Pines with more sightseeing then proceed to the Kennon road (40 km.) going down to the lowlands and on to Manila, taking the T-PLEX Expressway. Meal stop can be done along the way.
NOTE: Timing and itinerary is subject to change due to weather, traffic conditions and unforeseen circumstances
Hotel pickup and drop off
The comfort of an air-conditioned leather 2 to 9-seater coach
Two (2) nights accommodation in Banaue
One (1) night accommodation in Sagada
One (1) night accommodation in Baguio
Daily breakfast
Fuel, toll fees, and parking fees
Passenger insurance while on board
Services of an English Speaking Guide/Driver
Personal expenses
Other services made directly with our tour operator
Tips or gratuities
Meals
Optional tours in Banaue, Sagada, and Baguio
Full payment must be settled upon confirmation.
Booking confirmation will be sent upon receipt of payment.
Additional convenience fee for non-cash transactions including online payments.
Booking must be done at least 10 days prior to date of tour.
All tours include pick up and drop off from the hotel of origin using air-conditioned vehicle and guided in English.
Please be at hotel lobby or concierge area at least 10 minutes before pick up time and present the tour voucher to the tour coordinator.
This is a seat-in coach basis tour. Please follow pick up schedules as there is a possibility that others may join the tour.
Private tours can be arranged for an additional charge.
Cancellations must be done 5 days prior to date of tour.
NO REFUND FOR NO-SHOW OR ON-THE-SPOT CANCELLATIONS.
Activities done beyond the scope of the itinerary are no longer the responsibility of the tour operator
Please take note that timing and itinerary is subject to change due to weather, traffic conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Management reserves the right to rebook to another date due to force majeure and bad weather conditions.
No exchange or refund, in full or in part, will be given for any unused portion or part of the tour or services.
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