The Cordillera: Banaue, Batad & Sagada – 6 Days
Day 1: Arrive in Manila – Overnight to Banaue
Welcome to the Philippines. Upon arrival, you’ll board an overnight bus and you make your way through winding mountain roads. When you wake you will meet your guide in Banaue, home to the famous rice terraces often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. This morning you will trek to Batad, a village within an amphitheatre of rice terraces. Hike amid ancient rice paddies as you work your way to the Tappiya waterfalls, before retiring for the evening in Batad.
Day 3: Visit Bontoc – Transfer to Sagada
Today you will hike out of Batad and then drive, taking the scenic road, to Sagada. Along the way, stop in Bontoc to learn about the customs of the indigenous people of the mountain region. Once in Sagada, you will have the opportunity for a quick overview tour of the village and its picturesque surroundings.
Day 5: Discover the Sumaguing Caves – Overnight to Manila
Saving the best for last, spend an exhilarating morning underground traversing a bizarrely beautiful cave system of Sumaguing.
In the afternoon, say goodbye to the Cordillera mountains and catch your overnight bus back to Manila.
Day 2: Hike to Batad
This morning you will trek to Batad, a village within an amphitheatre of rice terraces. Hike amid ancient rice paddies as you work your way to the Tappiya waterfalls, before retiring for the evening in Batad.
Day 4: Explore Sagada
Today is a full day of discovery, exploring Sagada’s many attractions. These include a sacred waterfall, the hanging coffins of Echo Valley, an underground river, and local handicrafts shops.
Day 6: Depart
You will arrive at the same bus station where the trip started very early in the morning. Depending on your departure details, you may wish to explore more of Manila before catching your return flight home.
Highlights
- Explore the famous Banaue Rice Terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao
- Meet indigenous people of the mountain region and learn their customs
- Spend the night in Batad—a village within a rice terrace amphitheatre
- Discover Sagada’s hanging coffins, displayed high on cliffs