7 Days • 6 Nights
Banaue Rice Terraces & Northern Luzon
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll gaze over the vast amphitheatres of terraces at Banaue and the perfect ones at Batad, meet Ifugao communities, and continue to mystical Sagada with its hanging coffins, caves and pine-clad peaks. Colonial Vigan or the capital bookend the mountain adventure.
With comfortable lodges, expert guides and the mountain drives arranged, it is a rewarding, cultural side of the Philippines few travellers ever see.
Trip Highlights
- The ancient Banaue rice terraces, over 2,000 years old
- The perfect amphitheatre of terraces at Batad
- Ifugao mountain culture and villages
- Mystical Sagada and its hanging coffins
- The Sumaguing Cave and pine-clad peaks
- The Cordillera's cool mountain scenery
- A dramatic drive through northern Luzon
- A rare, cultural side of the Philippines
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner before heading to the mountains.
A scenic drive north into the Cordillera mountains to Banaue, with your first sweeping views of the ancient rice terraces at sunset.
Trek to the village of Batad for its perfect amphitheatre of rice terraces, one of the most beautiful sights in Asia, with a local lunch and an Ifugao village visit.
Drive the spectacular mountain road to Sagada, a mystical highland town of pine forests and caves, with an afternoon exploring its viewpoints.
Explore Sagada's famous hanging coffins in Echo Valley, the vast Sumaguing Cave and the pine-clad hills, immersing in its unique highland culture.
Drive south to Baguio, the cool 'Summer Capital', with its markets, gardens and pine-scented air.
Descend from the mountains for your transfer to Manila and your onward flight, with a final mountain breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private transfers and a private guide and driver throughout
- 1 night Manila, 2 nights Banaue, 2 nights Sagada, 1 night Baguio
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a local mountain lunch
- A guided visit to the Banaue and Batad rice terraces
- An Ifugao village experience
- Sagada's hanging coffins, Sumaguing Cave and viewpoints
- The scenic Cordillera mountain drives
- All entrance and local guide fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the Philippines
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Local environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees where not stated
- Optional activities and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months, and onward tickets are sometimes requested
- English everywhere: English is an official language and widely spoken, which makes the Philippines wonderfully easy to travel
- Currency: The currency is the Philippine Peso. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry cash for islands, markets, tricycles and the many small local fees
- Best season: The dry season (November to April) is ideal, with sunshine and calm seas; June to October is the wet, typhoon-prone season when some boat trips can be cancelled
- Island transfers: Getting between islands means domestic flights and boat (bangka) rides, all arranged for you but occasionally affected by weather or sea conditions
- Local fees: Islands and attractions charge small environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees payable in cash on the spot — keep small peso notes handy
- Sun & reef: The tropical sun is strong; bring high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard for snorkelling to protect both yourself and the coral
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present) and consider a waterproof bag for boat days. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and handy, though signal can be patchy on remote islands — a welcome excuse to unplug
- Tipping & power: Tipping is appreciated for good service. Power is 220V, usually with type A/B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as island-hopping lunches. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy the Philippines' fresh seafood and lively food scene.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, island-hopping boats and tours are arranged with local guides and boatmen, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days. We can confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from November to April offers the sunniest weather and calmest seas. June to October is wetter and typhoon-prone, so we favour the dry months for island trips.
Is island-hopping weather-dependent?
Boat trips depend on sea and weather conditions and can occasionally be rescheduled for safety. We build in flexibility and your guide will always make the best of the day.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, resorts and activities can all be tailored, and we can add Palawan, Boracay, Siargao or the rice terraces. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By short domestic flights between the main hubs and by boat (bangka) for island-hopping — all included and arranged for you.
How difficult is the trek to Batad?
It is a moderate walk of one to two hours each way on mountain paths and steps, with wonderful views. A reasonable level of fitness makes it very rewarding; guides set an easy pace.
Is northern Luzon cold?
The Cordillera is cool and can be chilly at night, especially in Sagada and Baguio, so bring a light jacket — a refreshing change from the tropical lowlands.
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