Cagayan Valley

Despite being among the hottest destinations in the country, the province of Cagayan Valley, located in the northeastern corner of the Philippines, has much to offer the curious traveler.

The presence of numerous centuries-old churches in the province bears significant testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Exploring caves, trekking, mountain climbing – these are just a few of the many activities that will quench your thirst for excitement and adventure.

Cagayan is also proud of its stunning waterfalls, long stretches of sandy beaches, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered.

How to Get There: There are daily flights from Manila to Tuguegarao City, which take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Alternatively, you can reach Cagayan by land, which takes about 12 hours by bus. Victory Liner, a bus company, operates daily trips from Manila to Cagayan and back.

ST. HYACINTH CHURCH

Tuguegarao City is where your heritage tour begins, starting with a visit to St. Hyacinth Church, one of the many centuries-old churches scattered across the province of Cagayan. While it may be considered younger than the St. Peter and Paul Cathedrals, St. Hyacinth Church is still ancient, dating back over a century. It was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century and served as a silent witness to the war between the Filipinos and Americans in 1899.

How to Get There: You can easily reach the church via tricycle from any point in Tuguegarao City.

ST. PETER AND PAUL CATHEDRAL
Built during the Spanish era, the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is considered one of the grandest cathedrals in Cagayan Valley. Construction began in 1761 and was completed six years later, in 1767. The cathedral, with its white walls, is a masterpiece in itself and is among the oldest structures in Cagayan that have survived the colonial period. A photo of the cathedral even appears in the Rome Basilica.

How to Get There: The cathedral is located on Rizal Street and can also be accessed via tricycle from various points in Tuguegarao City.

BASILICA MINORE OF OUR LADY OF PIAT
The miraculous 407-year-old image of the Black Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Piat, is said to have originated from Macau and was brought to the province to convert the locals to Christianity.

Today, the Basilica is a sanctuary of the Christian faith, with hundreds of thousands of devotees flocking to Cagayan, venerating the image of the revered saint, who is one of the most adored figures among Filipino Catholics.

How to Get There: The Basilica is only a 30-minute ride from Tuguegarao. Various forms of transportation, including vans, are available heading in that direction.

BUNTUN BRIDGE
Buntun Bridge, stretching 1,124 kilometers, offers a breathtaking view of the Cagayan River. This bridge is known as the second-longest bridge in the country, connecting the provinces of Cagayan and Kalinga. If you cross the bridge in the evening, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing panoramic view of the sunset over the river.

How to Get There: You can access the bridge via tricycle from Tuguegarao City. It’s only a 10-minute ride from the city center.

CALLAO CAVE
In Peñablanca, both local and foreign tourists are drawn to the stunning Callao Cave. If you climb up the 190 steps, you can explore the seven chambers of the cave. Each chamber displays various and impressive rock formations created by the limestone rocks and stones. The locals have turned one of these chambers into a prayer hall, which is beautifully lit from the numerous crevices within the cave. Callao Cave is considered a sacred ground as it is where the remains of the Callao Man, believed to be the ancestors of the Filipino people, were discovered.

How to Get There: From the market square of Don Domingo in Tuguegarao, take a public jeepney bound for Peñablanca.

PORTABAGA FALLS
Portabaga Falls, among the tallest waterfalls in Cagayan Province, is located in Sta. Praxedes. These picturesque falls have a total height of about 12 meters and are divided into three cascades. The natural reservoirs have been transformed into well-maintained swimming pools surrounded by lush vegetation. A plunge into the crystal-clear waters will instantly refresh your body and rejuvenate tired muscles.

How to Get There: There are buses that depart from Tuguegarao to Sta. Praxedes. However, if you’re coming from Laoag in Ilocos Norte, the bus ride usually takes about three and a half hours. From Sta. Praxedes, you can take a tricycle to the entrance of the falls, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

ANGUIB BEACH
Anguib Beach, with its pristine white sandy shores, is a hidden paradise in Sta. Ana. This secluded and beautiful stretch of beach offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy privacy and solitude. Unlike many popular beaches where it’s almost impossible not to encounter someone while strolling along the shore, Anguib Beach provides you with your own personal piece of paradise. With calm, crystal-clear waters in varying shades of blue, this kilometers-long beach offers stunning tropical scenery that you won’t soon forget. While there are no facilities or amenities on the island itself, you can rent tents if you plan to stay overnight. Just be sure to bring all the supplies you’ll need, as there are no stores on the island selling food or drinks.

NANGARAMOAN BEACH
Nangaramoan Beach is another hidden gem in Cagayan. This remote and beautiful beach features soft, velvety golden sand and is located in Sta. Ana. It’s easy to access, but the views you’ll experience here are unforgettable. Gaze out towards the horizon and be blessed with endless stretches of sand, sea, and sky. You can rent cottages or nipa huts for day trips, or opt for modest accommodations if you want to extend your stay and enjoy a longer vacation.

How to Get There: Airphil Express offers daily direct flights to Tuguegarao. From there, you can take buses and vans to Sta. Ana, which takes about 4 hours by land. Upon reaching Sta. Ana, a tricycle ride will take you to San Vicente Port. From there, you can rent motorized boats for a 25-second journey to the beaches.