A 4-day trip to Banaue

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A trip to Banaue

4 amazing days!

Background about the “Eighth Wonder of the World”

In the mountain province, you will find the eighth wonder of the world. In this region of the Philippines, there is a place like no other on Earth. Banaue is famous for its rice terraces, which are ancient steps carved into the mountains by the Igorot tribe who reside in the north. The culture of the Igorots has been preserved to this day and is characterized by ceremonies rooted in their unique traditions. It was through these traditions that the technology of creating these terraces, which serve both artistic and practical purposes, was developed many years ago.

Rice Terraces from the Ancient World

The terraces are built at the height of the mountains, where it is cool and serene, and walking on the terraces feels like a journey from hidden worlds. Many travelers who come to trek on the cool paths refuse to leave due to their mystical belief, stemming from the understanding of the 2000-year-old mystery and the belief that these are steps to paradise.

In addition to the Banaue rice terraces, which have earned their place on UNESCO’s list of honored sites, we will encounter the rice terraces of Batad, Mayoyao, Paoay, and Kiangan. Their color is a lush green in April-May. We offer several options for trekking in the rice terraces, and the available options are listed below: >> Batad Rice Terraces – Click here

>> Directions to Banaue – Click here for various options

It is advisable to bring:

Additional snacks for the road, camera, warm clothing, a lightweight raincoat just in case, extra water, and a smile!

What does a trip to Banaue include:

Air-conditioned transportation from Manila and back to Manila, with a dedicated driver and fuel and toll expenses included in the itinerary.
A guide for various trips.
Accommodation in a hotel in Banaue or equivalent in standard rooms (upgrades to deluxe rooms are available).
Daily breakfast.
Pickup from your hotel or place of residence in Manila and return transportation.

** There is an option to arrive by flight and return by flight, which reduces costs somewhat and, of course, shortens the travel time to Banaue and back to Manila… From the Cauayan Airport, it’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Banaue, assuming there are no road repairs or unexpected traffic jams. From the Tuguegarao Airport, it’s about a five to six-hour drive, again assuming there are no road repairs or unexpected traffic jams.

The trip to Banaue is suitable for individuals and groups of all sizes.

We occasionally organize group tours that spontaneous travelers can join. If there are no group tours departing, we can arrange private tours for anyone interested.

** Low-Cost Package – Overnight Bus to Banaue:

Travel to Banaue by overnight bus and return from Banaue by overnight bus
Guide for the various tours listed in the itinerary
Accommodation in a local guesthouse (clean, hot water)
Jeepney for tours in Banaue and transportation in Sagada
Daily breakfast
Various taxes included in the tours listed in the itinerary

Prices for the Banaue and Sagada package with arrival by bus and the shortened itinerary are:

1

Day 1

Departure from Manila between 6-8 in the morning, depending on your preference and the time you want to leave. It is advisable to leave early to avoid Manila's traffic. The journey will take 8-10 hours until you reach Banaue. Along the way, you can stop to refresh and capture the amazing landscapes of the Philippines. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy free time in the charming town of Banaue. You may also have a brief meeting with the guide for an explanation of the activities planned for the following day.

2

Day 2

After breakfast, you will be picked up by a jeepney, which is a public transportation vehicle commonly used in the Philippines and resembles the jeeps once used by the American military. On this day, you have two options to choose from: A. Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces, which is an easier and less strenuous trip that doesn't require long and difficult hikes. Along the way, you can see the rice terraces spread across Banaue and its surroundings, visit some villages, and enjoy viewpoints overlooking the terraces. B. Visit the Batad Rice Terraces, which is a trip that requires a bit more physical fitness. It's not a very complicated trek, but it involves descending a steep and graded path to reach the village of Batad. The trek to Batad offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to witness how the Ifugao people constructed the terraces in the stunning mountainous region at the center of which lies the village of Batad.

The journey to Batad takes about an hour and a half by jeepney, followed by an additional hour of walking to reach the village. The return journey takes the same amount of time. At the end of the day, you will return to the town of Banaue for your overnight stay. There is an option to stay an additional night in Batad, where you can stay in very basic guesthouses. This option is highly recommended for nature and culture enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the local experience.

3

Day 3

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a journey to the town of Sagada. The journey takes about two and a half hours, and upon arrival, you will be joined by a local guide to explore the town of Sagada. You will visit the hanging coffins, explore the burial caves, and if you're looking for an unforgettable experience, you can take a tour of Sumaguing Cave or one of the other connecting caves. Please remember to exercise caution when exploring these caves. Walk slowly to prevent slipping, and be mindful not to damage the cave environment.

4

Day 4

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Manila, which takes approximately 8-10 hours. You can make stops along the way for rest and refreshment during the journey. Photo gallery from Banaue: