Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cordillera Mountains in the norther part of Luzon Island.
On this 5 day tour you will have the chance to visit the spectacular Banaue’s rice terraces, considered to be the “eighth wonder of the world” and learn about the unique burial rituals of Sagada.
Then you will witness the charm of Vigan, the most historical and romantic city in the Philippines, known for its ancient houses with flowers and cobbled narrow streets and calesas.
Most of all, you will feel the hospitality that Filipinos are famous for, with their warm welcome and thoughtfulness as you arrive.
Best time to see the rice terraces
The Ifugao rice terraces are incredible any time of the year, but they are at their best one to two months before harvest, when they become bright green before gradually turning gold.
In Banaue, the best viewing period is from June to July, while in Batad the fields are at their greenest from April to May and October to November.
Meet upon arrival at Cauayan airport and transfer for about 5 hours to Banaue.
Banaue is home to spectacular hand-carved rice terraces, also dubbed as the “eighth wonder of the world” by some. Over the centuries, thus, Ifugaos carved bearing whole mountain rice terraces which they proudly call “the heavenly stairs.”
Overnight at the Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel (basic accommodation)
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Batad Batad Terraces. Stop by the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the unique landscape and then head on a guided hike through the rice terraces.
The Batad Terraces that shaped as an amphitheatre were carved into the mountain by the Ifugao people. Batad is considered to be the most beautiful of the Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras, although it takes more effort to climb up the hill to view this amazing man-made wonder.
Visit the traditional Banga-an village that is nestled in a panoramic valley of rice terraces. Walk around the village, mingle with the friendly Ifugao people and visit a typical house to see their way of life.
Overnight at the Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel (basic accommodation)
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
After breakfast, you will be driven for about 3 hours to Sagada. Along the way, visit the Bontoc Museum that was founded by the Belgian sisters who were missionaries in that area for decades. The museum displays a collection of photos featuring the past of the Cordilleras and a variety of ancient tools used by the local people.
Arrive in Sagada and then head to the picturesque Echo Valley. Walk for about half an hour to get down to the coffins via the overgrown trail that runs by the cemetery, then descend into the subterranean caves used as a burial ground by the natives.
Overnight in Sagada at the Masferre Country Inn (basic accommodation)
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, you will be driven for about 5 hours to Vigan.
Vigan is well-preserved historical city with charming cobbled streets and unique architecture of the Spanish Philippines colonial era.
Upon arrival explore the main attractions and ride a horse-drawn carriage through the heart of the historic city center.
Overnight at the Luna Hotel or equivalent.
BREAKFAST
Morning at leisure in Vigan.
Transfer to Laoag Airport for your flight to your next destination
BREAKFAST
