IFUGAO HERITAGE TOUR

(4 days/ 3 nights)
Manila > Banaue > Sagada > Bontoc > Banaue > Manila
Departure: Thursdays

DESCRIPTION

A world set apart from the lowlands. This tour will take you to the world of the mountain tribes of the Northern part of the country.

Exhilarate the vastness of the Herculean strength of the ancient builder of the Banaue Rice Terraces and capture its people in their rich traditions and practices. The tour includes visits to Banaue, Bontoc and Sagada.

ITINERARY

Day 01. Manila > Banaue

Assembly and boarding at the Parking Area beside Aristocrat Restaurant corner San Andres St. (Near Malate Church), Manila from 0700H-0730H. Departure at exactly 0730H for Banaue via North Expressway. The gateway to Banaue is through the land locked provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya. Countryside setting such as rice fields surrounding the small towns and villages are common sight showing simplicity of living. In San Jose City, a short stop in a restaurant for lunch (on individual account).

Resume drive to Banaue, stop at Dalton Pass, a historical landmark at Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, passing by Bagabag, where picturesquemountains and rivers start to ascend to the Ifugao land. Late afternoon arrival in Banaue. Check-in at Banaue Hotel for accommodation.

Day 02. Banaue Rice Terraces > Village Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. At 0800H, departure by private local jeepney for the tour of the rice terraces and its villages. Proceed to Banga-an village, a traditional village nestled in a panoramic valley of terraces. A 20-minute walk in a descending trail permits a closer look of the Ifugao world. Walk around and mingle with the friendly natives and visit a typical home to see their way of life.

Stop for lunch (on individual account). Proceed to the viewpoint of the oldest Rice Terraces reclaimed as the "8th Wonder of the World" and estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. On the way back to the hotel, visit the museum. Dinner (on individual account). Overnight accommodation at Banaue Hotel.

Day 03. Sagada > Bontoc

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to visit the picturesque town of Sagada. (Subject to weather conditions) Stop and see their ancient burial caves with mummified coffins. Visit also the Bontoc Museum, founded by a Belgian Sister, which houses a varied collection of authentic artifacts and photos from the mountain tribes. Packed lunch on individual account. Watch a tribal show of songs and dances interpreting their culture and traditions in which some are still being practiced up to now. Return to Banaue. Dinner on individual account. Overnight at Banaue Hotel..

Day 04. Banaue Sidetrip > Manila

Breakfast at the hotel. At 0700H, leave Banaue for Manila taking the same route as day 01. In Ibulao, take a few minutes to deviate from the main road to Kiangan to visit the surrender site of Gen. Yamashita. Resume drive to Manila. In San Jose, Nueva Ecija, short stop for lunch (on individual account). Late afternoon arrival in Manila. (Expected time of arrival at 1830H). Drop-off at the same parking area