Riceterraces and Ricegods in Cordiellas

This is a trip for those who want to explore exiting culture and a beautiful nature. The Philippines are mostly known for white beaches and diving, but in the north part of the country you will find a landscape not expected in a tropical country. We will take you to the dramatic mountains of Cordilleras in Luzon. We travel to Baguio, the big city in the mountains, in which most philippinos wished they had a summer house. From Baguio we continue to Sagada, a small mountain village known for its grand nature, caves and culture. We also visit Banaue, home of the Ifugao people. The Ifugaos have been carving out rice terraces from the mountains for centuries. The terraces are on the UNESCO world heritage list, and it is hard to believe that the oldest ones are more then 2000 years.

Day 1 Arrival in Manila

Our tour leader will meet up with you at our hotel in Manila. Manila is a city of contrast. It is almost like somebody tried to squeeze everything there is, in one city. If you arrive early we recommend that you spend the day trying to get to know the city a little bit more. When the sun sets you will find the most beautiful sunset at the "Manila Baywalk". Close by you will also find many small restaurants, entertainment and music. We will have a welcome dinner later in the evening.

Day 2-3 Baguio the mountain city

In the morning we will take the bus Baguio. This trip takes about 7 h. Baguio is a city surrounded by mighty mountains. Baguio is, with its cool climate, summer city no 1 in the Philippines. We will spend the afternoon and evening here and have dinner together at a famous local restaurant. Day 3 we make a tour around the city. Among other things we will visit a fantastic view point and the local market. At the market you can try and buy the local strawberry wine or why not shop for a knitted hat which people in the mountains use when it gets cold.

Day 4 To Sagada along the beautiful Halsema Highway

Early in the morning we head off with a local bus to Sagada. The trip will take about 7 hours. We travel along Halsema Highway, one of the most spectacular roads in Asia. The road winds through the mountains, offering a fantastic scenery. We will stop for lunch along the way. Sagada is a small town located 1477 meters over sea level. The city is mostly known for its Hanging coffins, but Sagada offers so much more. You can visit fantastic caves, go hiking in the beautiful mountains or visit traditional markets and weavings.

Day 5-6 Sagada

Day 5 we will be accompanied by our local guide to Eco Valley, a valley surrounded by steep mountains, which used to be a place for burial not to long a go. Here you will still find wooden coffins hanging from the cliffs. We walk along small trails and enjoy the tranquillity and nature. After lunch we will take a short walk to a small waterfall. If you like you can take a cool bath. Day 6 is free for your own activities. If you have the guts you can go caving or if not so brave just visit a cave. You could also hire a guide who takes you on a longer hike to a big waterfall. Those who want to can walk around in this beautiful and peaceful place and visit the weavers. There is also a small museum worth a visit. In the museum you will find old photos showing the place a long time ago.

Day 7 Going north to Banaue and the rice terraces

After breakfast we will go by bus and jeepney to Banaue. This little village is situated in the mountain area of Cordillera. The area around Banaue is known for its magnificent rice terraces, some located 1500 meters above sea level. For more than 2000 years the Ifugao people carved the terraces out of the mountains. The terraces are sometimes called the eighth wonder of the world, and they are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the afternoon of our arrival you will have the opportunity to visit the Banaue viewpoint.

Day 8 Hiking to the beautiful village Batad

We meet up with our local guides and after an early breakfast we will take a jeepney to the picturesque village Bangaan. Bangaan is also the starting point for our hike to Batad. We will hike through the scenic countryside for about 2-3 hours before reaching Batad. Batad is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. It is surrounded by rice terraces and mountains covered in rainforest. You will get the feeling of being in an amphitheatre. In Batad you can still find traditional Ifugao houses. In the afternoon the opportunity will be given to take a walk to a beautiful waterfall with our guide. We will stay in a charming but simple lodge in Batad

Day 9 Going back to Banaue

After a 2-hour hike we will reach the road where a jeepney will pick us up and take us back to Banaue. If you would like more of an adventure going back to Banaue you can let our local guide take you back through the more distant village of Cambulo. The hike from Batad to Cambulo, takes approximately 3 hours. You will walk through rainforest and on rice terraces. When reaching Cambulo a short stop will be made before continuing for another 3 hours until reaching the road where you will be picked up. We stay the night in Banaue.

Day 10 Banaue

We spend the day in Banaue. Those who like can take a walk to the small village of Taam-An or just walk around in the village and relax. You might also shop for presents or souvenirs in some of the small shops. Around dinner we take the night bus back to Manila. We will arrive in Manila in the middle of the night. We are picked up and will go straight to our hotel for a good nights sleep.

Dag 11 Manila

After a late breakfast we take a tour to the Chinese cemetery and Intramuros, two of the most famous places in Manila. In the afternoon and evening you have time for some last minute shopping in some of the big modern shoppingmalls. In the evening we will have dinner together in a nice, genuine Filipino restaurant.

Day 12 Going home

Going home. If you want to extend your holliday in the Philippines we can help you with planning and bookings.