Philippines: Cordillera Highlands to Coral Coast — 15 Days
Manila, Mayoyao, Banaue, Sagada, Baguio, and a Philippine beach destination across 15 days
This 15-day circuit moves through two distinct geographic registers of the northern Philippines: the mountain provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region and the coastal lowlands to the south. The first half of the trip is anchored by the Ifugao rice terraces — at Mayoyao and Batad — both part of the UNESCO-inscribed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a system of hand-carved agricultural terracing. Between these sites, the route passes through Bontoc, Sagada, Bauko, and Atok before descending to Baguio City. The second half transitions to a beach destination for three days of open time before a return to Manila for departure. Manila itself receives two days of attention: the historic walled district of Intramuros on day two, and a final overnight on day fourteen. Treks in the mountain section are moderate, typically two to three hours on foot, suited to travellers comfortable with uneven terrain at altitude. Domestic flights connect Manila to Cauayan in the north and Manila to the beach destination in the south.
Highlights
- Trekking the UNESCO-inscribed Mayoyao Rice Terraces, hand-carved by the Ifugao people
- Trekking the Batad Rice Terraces amphitheater near Banaue, one of the best-preserved terrace clusters in the Cordilleras
- Walking tour of Sagada's Echo Valley and the cliff-face hanging coffins, a burial practice of the Kankana-ey people
- Tour of Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church and Museum, and Distilleria Limtuaco within Intramuros, Manila's historic walled city
- Visit to Bontoc Museum, documenting the material culture and history of Cordillera communities
- Stop at Atok Flower Farm in Benguet province, a commercial cut-flower growing area at high elevation
- Forest bathing walk in Baguio — a slow, guided nature walk lasting 20 to 40 minutes through pine forest
- Sunset at Mirador Hill, Baguio, with views across the city at elevation
- Three days of open beach time at a Philippine coastal destination, with optional water activities
Day by day
1Arrival in ManilaManila
Arrival in Manila with transfer to a city hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled and available for rest or independent exploration.
2Intramuros: Colonial Manila's Fortresses and ChurchesFort Santiago · Casa Manila · San Agustin Church · Distilleria Limtuaco
After breakfast, visit Intramuros, Manila's walled historic core. Tour Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and San Agustin Church—the Philippines' oldest stone church. Visit Distilleria Limtuaco before returning to the hotel for lunch.
3Manila to Mayoyao via Cauayan: Mountain Approachhotel in Mayoyao · Manila airport · Manila to Cauayan · Cauayan to Mayoyao
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Cauayan in Isabela province. On arrival, the group boards ground transport for the drive to Mayoyao — approximately 91.3 km and two to three hours through mountain roads. Check-in at the hotel in Mayoyao for an overnight stay.
4Mayoyao Rice Terraces Trek and Drive to BanaueMayoyao Rice Terraces · hotel in Banaue · Mayoyao to Banaue
The day begins early with coffee and a light snack before a two-to-three-hour trek across the Mayoyao Rice Terraces. These terraces are part of the UNESCO-inscribed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, constructed by the Ifugao people and maintained as a living agricultural system. After the trek, the group returns to the hotel for breakfast, then drives approximately 45 km — around two hours — to Banaue. Check-in at the hotel in Banaue.
5Batad Rice Terraces Trek near BanaueBatad Rice Terraces
The day begins early with coffee and a light snack before the trek to the Batad Rice Terraces, a UNESCO-listed amphitheater-shaped cluster frequently described as among the most intact terrace formations in the Philippines. The trek takes approximately two and a half to three hours. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, the remainder of the day is unscheduled.
6Banaue to Bauko via Bontoc Museum, Sagada's Echo Valley & Hanging CoffinsBauko · Bontoc Museum · Sagada's Echo Valley
After breakfast, the group departs Banaue and drives approximately 61 km — two to two and a half hours — to Bontoc. The Bontoc Museum provides an overview of Cordillera indigenous cultures, with collections covering tools, textiles, and the region's distinct ethnic groups. The drive then continues approximately 31.5 km (one hour) to Sagada, where lunch is taken at a local restaurant on own account. The afternoon includes a walking tour of Echo Valley and its hanging coffins — wooden caskets fixed to the cliff face above the valley floor, a burial tradition of the Kankana-ey people of Sagada. The final leg of the day covers approximately 50 km (two hours) to Bauko, where dinner and overnight accommodation are arranged.
7Bauko to Atok: Mountain Farm Stop and Flower Farm VisitBauko to Atok · local farm in Bauko · Atok Flower Farm
After breakfast, the drive from Bauko to Atok in Benguet province covers approximately 46 km and takes around one and a half hours along mountain roads through pine forest. A stop at a local farm in Bauko provides an opportunity to observe farming practices and sample fresh produce. Lunch is taken en route. In the afternoon, the group visits the Atok Flower Farm, a commercial cut-flower growing operation at high elevation in Benguet. Dinner and overnight stay in Atok.
8Atok to Baguio: City Tour, Burnham Park & Sunset at Mirador HillBurnham Park · Mirador Hill · The Mansion · Wright Park · Baguio Cathedral · Session Road · Atok to Baguio City
After breakfast, the group travels approximately 50 km — around two hours — from Atok down to Baguio City. Lunch is at a local restaurant before the afternoon city tour: The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine president; Wright Park, the adjacent green space; Baguio Cathedral on the edge of Session Road; and Session Road itself, the city's main commercial artery. The day closes with time at Burnham Park and a sunset viewing at Mirador Hill, accompanied by tea and snacks. Overnight in Baguio.
9Baguio Forest Bathing, Then Drive to ManilaManila · pine forest · hotel · Baguio to Manila
The morning begins with a forest bathing session — a slow, guided walk through pine forest lasting 20 to 40 minutes, a practice focused on unhurried sensory attention to natural surroundings. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, checkout follows at 11:30 AM. The drive back to Manila covers approximately 250 km and takes four and a half to five hours, with lunch taken en route. Overnight stay in Manila.
10Manila to Beach Destination: Coastal Transferbeach destination · domestic airport in Manila · the resort
Transfer to the domestic airport in Manila for a flight to the beach destination. On arrival, the group proceeds to the resort for check-in. The remainder of the day is available for rest and independent use.
11Beach Destination: Leisure Daysthe hotel · the beaches · the beach resort
Breakfast at the hotel, then spend your days at leisure soaking up the sun and exploring the beaches. Optional activities available. Overnight at the beach resort.
14Beach Destination to Manila: Return TransferBeach Destination · Manila
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Manila. On arrival, transfer to the city hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled. Overnight stay in Manila.
15Manila: Airport Transfer for Departurethe hotel · the airport
Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to the airport for onward international departure.
Included
- Tours, transfers, hotel accommodations, and meals are included as indicated in the tour outline
Not included
- Domestic flight
- Manila / Cauayan
- Manila / Beach Destination / Manila
- Rates are available upon request
- Arrangements not specified
Activities: Active to Challenging: Walking; Trekking; Short Hikes