Trip to Banaue and the Rice Terraces for 4 days

(0 Reviews)

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, you will discover a place unlike any other in the world. Banaue is renowned for its rice terraces, which are ancient steps carved into the mountains by the Igorot tribe that resides in the north. The culture of the Igorots has endured to this day and is characterized by rituals rooted in their mystical beliefs, which gave rise to the unique and practical engineering of these terraces.

The terraces, built at high elevations in the cool and rugged mountains, make walking on the gravel paths feel like a journey to hidden realms. Many travelers who come to explore these cool paths refuse to leave due to their mystical beliefs, stemming from a 2,000-year-old understanding and the belief that these are steps to paradise.

In addition to the famous Banaue rice terraces, which have earned a place of honor on the UNESCO list, you will encounter rice terraces in Batad, Mayoyao, Hapao, and Kiangan. Their vibrant green color is most pronounced in April and May.

It is advisable to bring:

Additional snacks for the journey, a camera, warm clothing, and a lightweight raincoat, extra water, and a smile!

What’s included in the Banaue trip:

Air-conditioned transportation from Manila to Banaue and back, with a dedicated driver and fuel and toll expenses included in the itinerary
A guide for various tours
Accommodation at a hotel in Banaue or similar in standard rooms (upgrade options to deluxe rooms are available)
Tours as mentioned in the itinerary in Banaue and Sagada
Daily breakfast
Pick up from your hotel or residence in Manila and return there

**There is an option to arrive by flight and return by flight, which reduces costs somewhat and, of course, shortens the travel time to and from Banaue…

From Cauayan Airport, it’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Banaue, assuming no road repairs or unexpected traffic jams.
From Tuguegarao Airport, it’s about a five to six-hour drive, again assuming no road repairs or unexpected traffic jams.

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

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

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 traffic jams that are common in Manila. The journey will take approximately 8-10 hours until you reach Banaue. Along the way, you can stop to rest and capture the breathtaking views of the Philippines. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy some free time in the charming town of Banaue. There will be a brief meeting with the guide to explain the plan for the next day.

2

Day 2

After breakfast, you will be picked up by a jeepney, which is a public transportation vehicle commonly used in Philippine cities and resembles the jeeps that the American military used. On this day, you will travel towards the Banaue Rice Terraces for an enjoyable tour of the rice terraces and villages. The stunning valley, rich in history and culture, will provide you with a fascinating visit as you navigate through the rice terraces in Banaue. A visit to the Banaue Rice Terraces is a leisurely tour that doesn't require long and strenuous walks. Along the way, you'll be able to see the rice terraces spread across Banaue and its surroundings, the villages on the route, and the viewpoint overlooking the terraces.

The journey to the Banaue Rice Terraces takes about an hour by jeepney, and at the end of the day, you will return to the town of Banaue for your overnight stay.

3

Day 3

After breakfast, you will embark on a visit to the Batad Rice Terraces, which is a trek that requires a bit more fitness. It's not an overly complicated trek, but it does require you to be reasonably fit because the descent to the steep and terraced village can be challenging. The trek to Batad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to see how the Ifugao people constructed the terraces in the stunning mountainous region, with the village of Batad at its center. On the way back from Batad village, you'll make a brief stop in the village of Bangaan for a short visit. This marks the end of a two-day journey through terraces and ancient villages that have been preserved for thousands of years and still maintain an ancient way of life despite the slow encroachment of modernity on our lives and theirs.

4

Day 4

After breakfast, you will embark on the journey back to Manila, which takes approximately 8-10 hours. You'll have the opportunity to stop for refreshments and rest during the journey.