4Days / 3Nights Private Rice Terraces Off the Beaten Track

Itinerary

Day 1 – Manila – Cauayan Airport – Mayoyao

10:00 am – Our driver/guide will pick you up at Cauayan airport and then we drive via Alicia to Mayoyao in 2-3 hours along the very scenic roads with deep cliffs along the side when approaching our destination. Underway there are a few scenic lookout points before arriving around 1-2 pm in Mayoyao where we stay overnight in Helen’s place. After Lunch we will tour the area and enjoy the Mayoyao rice terraces and have a panoramic view of the villages. The Apfo’ or are domed-shaped Burial Tombs, found only in Mayoyao and use to house the bodies of the town’s ancient warrior and elite. General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial army in the Philippines was captured here on August 1945 and brought to Kiangan where he surrendered before he was taken to Baguio City where is formal surrender was staged, tried for war crimes and hanged in Los Baños in 1946.

Day 2 – Mayoyao – Batad Village – Banaue

08:00 am – We have an early breakfast and then we depart for Batad which is a 2 hour drive. We will make (photo) stop at the Bangaan rice terraces. Our driver will arrange a local guide and drop you at the Batad saddle and the rest of the distance is on foot using a mountain trail, takes only a 30 minutes hike to Batad viewpoint (*). The trip to Barangay Batad in Banaue, to witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft. At Batad viewpoint you can take your lunch while enjoying the scenery.

(*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and narrow mountain trails with steep irregular terrain, usually under a hot sun) and should you wish to trek for three further demanding hours we can offer you in Batad:

a) the Tappiya waterfall after Batad. With a phenomenal 70 meter fall in rainy season and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim (dress conservatively),  Tappiya waterfall is a unique location in the area.

b) Banga-an Village instead of Batad. Banga-an Village showcases a typical Ifugao community. Wet weather causes damage so the steps need constant renovation. You are rewarded with spectacular views.

Day 3 – Banaue- Sagada

After breakfast in the hotel, we start the day with a 2.5 hours ride (one way) to picturesque Sagada with its ancient burial caves and mummified bodies at Sugong & Echo Valley.

Under guidance of a local English speaking guide you will glimpse Lumiang Burial Cave which houses more than 100 coffins are stacked in the entrance. The oldest around 500 years old. Many of them have images of lizards carved on them which are symbol of fertility and long life. Visit Bontoc’s Tribal Museum with artifacts and unique pictures from the mountain tribes.

We then enter the impressive Sumaguing Cave, known for it’s rock formation and impressive chambers. In the afternoon (optional and when time allows) we visit the Bomod-ok waterfalls. The track to the waterfalls takes a total of 3 hours. Overnight in Masferre guesthouse.

Day 4 – Sagada – Manila

Leave at 07:00 am after breakfast going to Baguio in 5 hours where you may take your lunch at Camp John Hay Manor Hotel. After lunch we proceed to Manila where we will arrive at approximately 18:30 pm depending on the weather and traffic conditions.