Cagayan Valley can be explored through very different experiences: sheer limestone walls along the river, hikes through waterways, trails through Kalanguya communities, as well as crafts and ecclesiastical heritage. When planning a stay, you can first consider whether you primarily want to see landscapes, spend time outdoors, or learn about the culture and local products. The places also differ in whether a hike, a glimpse of local crafts, or a museum visit is the main focus.
Nature Between Rivers and Waterfalls
Governor’s Rapids in Maddela, Quirino, is an outdoor attraction with towering sheer limestone walls along the Cagayan River. These walls frame the Sierra Madre mountain range and shape the river landscape. At Ganano Falls in Quirino, the route involves hiking through rivers and streams. At Imugan Waterfalls in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, visitors can hike along streams and rivers that flow down from the waterfalls. The two waterfall destinations therefore combine a nature experience with a hike; Governor’s Rapids, by contrast, is known for its striking limestone walls along the river.
If you plan to include these outdoor experiences, bear in mind that trail conditions can change, and check the current situation before setting out. This will help you decide whether to focus on viewing a river landscape or hiking a trail to waterfalls.
Hiking Trails and Paragliding
The trails on Mt. Ugu in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, pass through Kalanguya Indigenous communities. The focus is therefore not only on the terrain, but also on the communities along the trails. This is different from the waterfall hikes and gives you another way to take your interests into account when planning your trip.
Nueva Vizcaya Paragliding offers pilot training and tandem flights for passengers. Alongside hiking, it offers two distinct activities: pilot training and tandem flights. Check local operating conditions before your trip if you plan to include this experience.
Crafts and Heritage
At the Fossilized Flower Village in Barangay Gamis, Quirino, visitors can experience the craftsmanship behind the well-known fossilized flowers and make flowers themselves from simple leaves. So the focus here is not only on viewing a finished piece: you can also try the craft yourself. This sets the experience apart from hiking and makes it a cultural alternative for travelers interested in crafts.
Dupax del Sur Church in Nueva Vizcaya has a museum with centuries-old ecclesiastical artifacts. Here, the focus is on ecclesiastical heritage rather than a hands-on activity. As access to the museum may change, check before your visit.
Fruit Spreads from Nueva Vizcaya
At Imugan Mountain Fresh Factory in Nueva Vizcaya, visitors can watch jams and spreads being made from wild berries and other fruits. They can also buy shelf-stable fruit spreads. This combines a glimpse of the production process with the opportunity to take home a product, making the visit different from both a museum visit and a hike. As visitor arrangements may change, find out in advance how a visit is organized.
Discover more destinations: Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Santa Ana, Santiago City, Basco, Soccsksargen, Caraga, Central Visayas.
For the overarching travel overview: Philippines.
