Not for the weak and faint-hearted we offer a unique trekking adventure to see a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.

With stunning views and backdrops, the astounding rice terraces will take your breath away and leave you feeling mesmerized by these man-made creations! Traveling through Sagada, Bontoc, Banaue and Batad we will immerse ourselves in the Ifugao culture and traditions. A certain level of fitness is required to walk through Batad as it is only accessible by foot. Option to stay in Banaue if unable to walk down to Batad.

Nearby is Sagada in Mountain Province. Famous for its hanging coffins and limestone caves, this town is a must destination for backpackers. Spelunking, caving and rock climbing are among the many activities to do.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrival in Manila. Our driver will pick you and bring you to your hotel in Ortigas business district for check-in. You get your own room so you can relax and have more personal space in preparation for our exciting journey. The rest of the day is at your leisure. A group dinner awaits to welcome you to Manila.

Day 2
An early start after breakfast as we board our van to make our way to Banaue. Estimated travel is ten hours with breaks in between. Check-in to our hotel, a unique mountain lodge overlooking Banaue’s World Heritage Rice Terraces.

Day 3
After breakfast we drive to Banaue Viewpoint for picture taking and souvenir hunting. We go on a breathtaking trek to the Banaue Rice Terraces, the eighth wonder of the world. Like the rest of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, these are still in use today. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world. Optional visits to the Museum of Cordillera Sculpture and Banaue Museum.

Day 4
A visit to the most breathtaking among the rice terraces is Batad, carved along the steep side of a mountain looking more like a giant amphitheatre. The trek is a one and a half hour jeepney ride up to Saddle Point, where we will start going down to the village, which takes another one and a half hour. The village is amazing and well-preserved for many years. Another half an hour brings us to Tappiyah Waterfalls, where we could go for a swim. General level of fitness is required. Duration is 8-10 hours.

Day 5
After breakfast you have a chance to explore the surrounding area or simply sit and relax. The rest of the morning is at your leisure.
Afterwards we drive to Sagada, a remote mountain town in under 6 hours.
Lonely Planet describes Sagada as "Sitting among mist-shrouded mountains, it is the closest thing the Philippines has to a Southeast Asian backpacker mecca, yet it's possible to find tranquility along its many hiking trails and adrenalin-pumping adventure in the depths of its caves. There's a mystical element to this former refuge of dictatorship-fleeing intelligensia: the centuries-old coffins high up along limestone cliffs, since traditionally the spirits of the dead liked to be close to the sky."

Day 6
Sleep in day. A cultural tour is planned to visit the Ganduyan museum, St. Mary's Church, Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins and Sagada Weaving before lunch. Optional spelunking adventure in Sumaguing Cave for the thrill seekers after the tour.

Day 7
It will be a very early start as we head to Kiltepan Viewpoint, a spot famed for the amazing view of sunrise in Sagada, as it rises behind the mountains of Cordillera and over the horizon of sea of clouds. This is a great opportunity to experience the spirituality of the place as we sit in silence for meditation. We then come back to the hotel for our breakfast. An optional two-hour trek to Bomod-ok Falls if you still have energy left. Rest of the day is free.

Day 8
It is time to say goodbye to the Rice Terraces after an early check-out as we head back to Manila in our private air-conditioned van. Estimated travel is ten hours with breaks in between. Check-in to hotel in Ortigas business district. You get your own room so you can relax and have more personal space after an action-packed trip.

Day 9
Departure from Manila. Extension is possible at your own expense.
 
Minimum 4 persons per trip.
 
Please note that some changes may occur in our itinerary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little or no notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time.
 
Accommodations in the mountains are basic and simple yet clean and homey. Vegetarian options are available but limited.