The Cordillera Administrative Region is home to the Cordillera Central mountain range. Mountain trails, cultural sites and regional traditions shape what there is to discover in this region. A variety of landscapes and experiences sit side by side: from the trails on Mount Pulag to the art and culture of Benguet and cuisine deeply rooted in Isnag traditions.
Mountain Landscapes and Trails
At 2,926 meters above sea level, Mount Pulag in Benguet is the highest mountain on Luzon. Its four major trails are the Ambangeg Trail, Akiki Trail, Tawangan Trail and Ambaguio Trail. Mount Ulap, also in Benguet, is a hiking destination with scenic trails, rolling grasslands, pine forests and views of the Cordillera mountain ranges. The two mountains offer different points of interest: Mount Pulag is known for its elevation and named trails, while Mount Ulap is known for the landscape features and views mentioned above.
The Chico River in Kalinga is another notable destination in the region and a major white-water rafting destination. In the same province, Balbalasang Tourism Village is an ecovillage within the Banao Protected Landscape. This landscape was formerly known as Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park. The current designation and former name refer to different periods; the village itself is situated within the protected landscape.
Cultural Sites and Living Traditions
In Kiangan, Ifugao, the National Museum Cordillera combines an ethnographic collection with a significant site in cultural history. The museum is located in the historic Kiangan (World War II) Memorial Shrine Compound in the town center and also serves as a site museum for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras. Guided tours and lectures are part of its visitor program. A visit can therefore bring together both ethnographic subjects and the history of the rice terraces.
Another cultural tradition is the art of batok tattooing, which is still practiced in Kalinga by Apo Whang-Od and her apprentices. In Baguio, Tam-awan Village shares Cordilleran heritage through art, history and indigenous traditions, with exhibitions, workshops and performances. The private BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet, houses the extensive art collection of Benedicto Cabrera, also known as BenCab, the Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts.
In La Trinidad, Benguet, StoBoSa is a hillside art installation created by painting selected houses in Stonehill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap. The work thus spans several named locations rather than being confined to a single building. Those interested in public art will find here a different way to engage with regional culture than at a museum or cultural site.
City Life, Parks and Events
Baguio offers two distinct park experiences at Burnham Park and the Baguio Botanical Garden. Visitors can walk, cycle and go boating on the artificial lake at Burnham Park. The Botanical Garden is a landscaped park featuring a wide range of native and ornamental plants, themed gardens and cultural displays inspired by Cordilleran heritage. The lake activities and the garden’s plant collections offer different points of focus, without requiring a single, fixed itinerary.
Events and leisure activities also complement cultural discoveries. The Adivay Festival takes place annually in Benguet and includes street dancing, cultural performances, agricultural and trade fairs, and community events. Panagbenga is Baguio City’s flower festival and includes lively street performances. In Benguet, Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events offers, among other things, a Glass Walk, trade and exhibition facilities, an open-air theater, and a range of entertainment and outdoor activities.
Cuisine and Seasonal Experiences
Apayao cuisine is deeply rooted in Isnag traditions. Its distinctive features include bold, spicy flavors and the use of fresh bamboo tubes for cooking. This culinary tradition adds a distinct perspective on local food culture to Cordillera’s landscape and cultural offerings.
In La Trinidad, strawberry picking is a particularly popular activity for visitors to Benguet. It is seasonal; the right time can vary by farm and season. If you plan to visit, check with the farm in advance to find out what is available. This way, the seasonal limitation remains part of your planning rather than being treated as an activity available year-round.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Benguet, Banaue, Sagada, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Central Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Caraga.
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