Philippines13 days
North Luzon: Mountain Villages, Coastal Drives & Island Reserves — 13 Days
From Banaue rice terraces through Sagada, Vigan, and La Union to Hundred Islands National Park
This 13-day route traces the spine of northern Luzon overland, moving between mountain villages, colonial towns, and coastal reserves. The journey begins in the Cordillera region — Banaue's Ifugao rice terraces and Sagada's hanging coffins — then descends to Vigan, a UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town with cobblestone streets and period architecture. The route continues along the northwestern coast through La Union's beaches toward Hundred Islands National Park and Bolinao. Travel occurs primarily by public jeepney, bus, and coach, with overnight transfers and free time built into the itinerary for unstructured exploration. Accommodation ranges from two- to three-star hotels and inns; an English-speaking coordinator travels with the group from Manila, and local guides accompany activities in each region.
Highlights
- Walking through Ifugao villages in Banaue (approximately 2-3 hours on foot across terraced landscape; moderate difficulty) and viewing rice terraces from vantage points at cloud level
- Viewing hanging coffins of ancient Ifugao people suspended on cliff faces near Sagada (included)
- Traversing the Mountain Trail by public bus from Sagada to Baguio
- Walking cobblestone streets and colonial architecture in Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage town (self-guided or with regional guide; 2-3 hours)
- Optional horse-drawn carriage tour through Vigan's Spanish colonial quarter
- Surfing at La Union beaches on the northwestern coast (included beach access; equipment rental available locally)
- Island-hopping within Hundred Islands National Park with picnic lunch on an island (full day; lunch included)
- Two free days at Bolinao for beach walks, swimming, and local seafood (unscheduled time; meals and activities at own expense)
Day by day
1Manila to Banaue — Pasig Cruise & Overnight Coach TransferPasig River · public coach station
An optional tour of central Manila includes a Pasig River cruise with views of the surrounding urban landscape. In the evening, transfer to the public coach station for an overnight journey northward to Banaue in the Cordillera region.
2Arrival in Banaue via Dalton PassDalton Pass · hotel
The overnight coach descends through Dalton Pass, offering views of mountain terrain and settled areas along the route. Early arrival allows time to check in at the hotel and acclimate to the region.
3Banaue: Ifugao Villages & Rice TerracesIfugao villages · rice terraces
A jeepney journey leads to Ifugao villages set in surrounding valleys. Walking routes wind through settled areas and agricultural land, revealing rice terraces that descend the mountainsides. At this elevation, clouds often drift below, creating a singular perspective where landscape extends above and below simultaneously.
4Sagada: Hanging Coffins & Ancient Burial SitesBanaue to Sagada · cliff faces near Sagada
Public jeepney transport connects Banaue to Sagada, a settlement in the northern Cordillera known for its historical burial practices. The primary site involves walking to cliff faces where wooden coffins containing mummified remains have been suspended on the rock wall for centuries — an ancient Ifugao practice preserved in the landscape.
5Sagada to Baguio via Mountain TrailSagada to Baguio
A public bus travels southward from Sagada along a mountain route toward Baguio, the former summer capital of the Philippines. The drive crosses varied terrain and passes through different elevation zones.
6Baguio to Vigan — Coastal Road & Colonial TownBaguio to Vigan · Vigan
Travel continues southwestward by coach along the coastal road toward Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Ilocos Sur province. The town center preserves Spanish colonial architecture — low stone structures, narrow streets with uneven cobblestones, and period facades dating from centuries of Spanish occupation.
7Vigan — Colonial Architecture & Self-Guided ExplorationVigan
An optional tour of Vigan uses horse-drawn carriages to move through the town's narrow streets and colonial quarter, with walking sections to examine specific buildings and street views. Alternatively, independent exploration of the town's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture is available.
8Vigan to La Union — Coastal Beach StopLa Union · a coastal beach settlement in La Union province
An overnight stop at a coastal beach settlement in La Union province provides access to the northwestern Pacific shoreline. The beach offers conditions suitable for surfing.
9La Union to Alaminos — Coastal Drive to Hundred IslandsLa Union to Alaminos
Drive northward along the northwestern coast to Alaminos, gateway to Hundred Islands National Park, the Philippines' first national park and a protected marine reserve.
10Hundred Islands National Park — Island-Hopping & BolinaoHundred Islands National Park · Bolinao · one of the islands
An optional island-hopping excursion departs from the park headquarters by boat, visiting multiple islands within the reserve and including a picnic lunch on one of the islands. The itinerary then transfers to Bolinao, a coastal settlement south of the park known for beach access and local marine restaurants.
11Bolinao — Free DayBolinao
An unscheduled day at Bolinao allows for walking along the beach, swimming, or dining at local seafood establishments.
12Bolinao to ManilaBolinao to Manila
Drive back to Manila from Bolinao.
13Bolinao to Manila — Return DriveBolinao to Manila
The return journey to Manila occurs by coach or private transfer, concluding the 13-day route.
Included
- Accommodations (2 to 3 star hotels/inns) as indicated / Meal as indicated
- private transfer on arrival and departure in Manila
- services of local
- English-speaking guide
- fully escorted by English-speaking coordinator
- from Manila
- use of public transportation (jeepneys or vans as applicable)
- A separated multilingual guide from Manila can be provided at extra cost.