Highlights
- Hike to remote villages tucked in the Batad and Bangaan rice terraces
- Witness the hanging coffins, caverns, and waterfalls of Echo Valley
- Connect with Ifugao locals in their homes
- Watch artisan woodworkers practice their craft
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Manila, Transfer to Banaue | Banaue |
| Day 2 | Bangaan Terraces Tour, Transfer to Sagada | Sagada |
| Day 3 | Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley, Bomod-ok Waterfall Hike | Sagada |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Baguio, Tour of Baguio Cathedral & Tam Awan Village | Baguio |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Manila, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Transfer to Banaue
Welcome to the Philippines! You'll land in the capital of Manila, located on the archipelago's largest island of Luzon. Here your driver will be waiting to take you on the epic, eight-hour drive north into Luzon's lush and little-visited interior. Your destination is the province of Ifugao, situated high in the Cordillera Mountains and home to the Indigenous Ifugao people. The roads into this remote region can be rough, so travel times can vary, but your driver will make plenty of stops en route, and the journey will be worth it when you arrive in the enchanting, mist-shrouded village of Banaue.
Home to the UNESCO-listed Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces, the rich cultural traditions of Ifugao are woven into the landscapes, carved into the steep mountain valleys by hand over 2,000 years ago. Tomorrow you'll head out into this "Eighth Wonder of the World" to explore these amphitheaters of agriculture on foot. For now, settle into your accommodation and get some rest after the day's travel.
Day 2: Bangaan Terraces Tour, Transfer to Sagada
Wipe the sleep from your eyes—today is your first full day exploring the rice terraces! Lace up your walking shoes and join your driver for the short trip from Banaue to the start of today's trailhead. Here, you'll set out on foot to explore the wonders of Bangaan, one of the five UNESCO-listed rice terraces in the Cordillera Mountains. Your hike takes you past emerald steps and panoramic viewpoints to reach the remote village of Bangaan, where you'll spend some time meeting the resident Ifugao people, learning about their distinctive thatched homes, and visiting the wet market where local life is centered.
After your return hike, you'll say your goodbyes to Banaue and transfer 3.5 hours northwest to your accommodations in Sagada. This mountain village is surrounded by more lush mountain valleys and rice terraces but is best known for its popular limestone caves and waterfalls and the famed hanging coffin traditions of its Indigenous Igorot people.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley, Bomod-ok Waterfall Hike
Start today with a hearty breakfast—you'll be hitting the trail again this morning for a three-hour hike into Sagada's Echo Valley. Along the way, you'll pass the historic St. Mary's Episcopal Church, founded by early 20th-century Anglican missionaries, before the trail ducks under a canopy of pine trees. Continue beneath sheer limestone cliffs and past intriguing natural caverns until the famous hanging coffins come into view. The Igorot tribes of the region have been burying their dead in this unique ritual for over 1,000 years—believing that the higher they are, the closer they'll be to heaven.
You'll have time after your long trek to rest back at the hotel and enjoy lunch, before embarking on another adventure to the nearby Bomod-ok Waterfall. Along the trail, you'll spy the beautiful village Fidelisan, tucked among the rice terraces and seemingly nestled in the mountain's shadow. Translating to "Big Falls," Bomod-ok is a 197-foot (60 m) cascade that plummets from its rocky precipice and offers a refreshing natural pool at its base to cool off after your exertions. Return to Sagada later in the afternoon, where you'll have the remainder of the day free to explore the village at your leisure.
Day 4: Transfer to Baguio, Tour of Baguio Cathedral & Tam Awan Village
Kick off the day with a 5.5-hour private transfer south to Baguio, known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." Originally founded as a hill station by the United States at the turn of the century, today this bustling university and resort town is a popular destination to escape the heat of Manila. Upon arrival, you'll get the grand tour, including a walk through Burnham Park, where locals stroll among manicured gardens and paddle rowboats along the tranquil lagoon.
Continue to Mines View Park for views over the surrounding countryside from its lofty setting, then stop at Camp John Hay, the remains of a former US military facility. Today it's a posh resort, where you can tour the treetops on its Skywalk, step into a butterfly sanctuary, or join a rappelling adventure. The Baguio Cathedral is up next, punctuating the city with its stately spires and iconic stained-glass rose window. Your last stop of the day is at the Tam Awan Village, where you'll see homes constructed in both the Ifugao and Kalinga style, and pick up handcrafted souvenirs from local woodworkers and the Saint Louis Filigree Shop.
Day 5: Transfer to Manila, Depart
It's your final day in the Philippines, and time to head back to the country's happy frenzy of a capital, Manila, for your flight. It's a 4.5-hour drive before you're at the airport and waving goodbye to the Philippines from the skies. Safe travels!
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