Discover the Cordillera and the two-thousand years old rice terraces (B2B 2026)

Upon arrival in Manila airport (NAIA), your driver will be waiting for you outside the corresponding terminal, to take you to your hotel: Hotel Benilde Maison de La Salle

A hundred years in the history, De La Salle University aims to connect faith and education in the service of society while staying motivated by the founder's charism, and aspires to be atop learner-centered research.To also help and support working students, the University broadened its reach by offering evening classes through The College of Career Development, a DLSU academic unit. Numerous years after the establishment of DLSU system, the community college was renamed De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde.

In 1999, in order to respond to the demands of the hospitality sector for a really top-notch hospitality education. The College of Saint Benilde's Hotel & Restaurant Institution Management established a hotel school which was initially opened as CSB Hotel and continuously gave quality programs and practiced the hotel business and education. Following the years, The CSB Hotel was renamed Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle in 2014 and most recently spinned off into a full commercial operation under a new management group.

Manila is the bustling capital of the Philippines, making it the center of commerce, culture, and government in the entire country. It also serves as the gateway for local and international travelers, with its major airport terminals and busy seaports serving many trips from within and outside of the country.

Before anything, it is essential to know that Manila can mean two ways. First, it can mean the City of Manila, which is made up of 16 administrative districts. It is also referred to as “Old Manila” by many locals. Second, Manila may mean the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila, made up of several cities such as Manila City, Makati, Quezon City, Pasay, and Taguig, among others.

Depending on your time of arrival, we will take you to Intramuros for a unique visit of the walled city, you will either ride a bamboo bicycle called bambike to discover the ancient city built by the spaniards or, if you don't mind walking, a traditional tour of Intramuros. Either way, you will have an unforgettable experience.

If you haven't had the time to visit Intramuros yesterday, you will go around this morning. Then, around 11:30am, your driver will pick you up and take you to Bacolor to visit the church which is half buried in lahar. On September 3, 1995, lahar flow from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo which erupted on June 15, 1991, buried the church to half its 12-metre (39 ft) height, prompting more than 50,000 town residents to evacuate to safer grounds in resettlement areas. Near the façade of the parish church is a museum on the history of the church. It also contains paintings of the Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

Then, you will head to Alvin’s Guesthouse, in Capas, at the foot of Mt Pinatubo. Alvin welcomes you in his guesthouse and offers day tours around the volcano and its unique and desert landscapes.

You will take an early breakfast at dawn, around 5am and set off to conquer Mount Pinatubo. You will get in Land cruisers from the 70s to reach the trail in about an hour and a half. Using a 4x4 is mandatory since there is no road to access it. To reach the summit and the crater lake, you will have to walk for another hour and a half. The descent will be done by the same way to return to the guesthouse where a lunch will be served to you, you can also take a shower.

After lunch, you will hit the road again and head to Baguio. It takes about 5 hours to reach the summer capital of the Philippines, about 1500 meters above sea level. The last 20kms are a mountain road with many bends and a panoramic view of the valley. When you arrive in Baguio, you will check in the Elizabeth Hotel. Comfortable, it is in a quiet area and offers a pleasant view.

Striking, warm Mediterranean interiors combined with the fresh and cool atmosphere of the City of Pines are what makes this boutique hotel so unique. Just a stone's throw away from attractions such as Wright Park, The Mansion, and Mines View, etc...

You will leave at 8am and take the famous Halsema Road, which offers majestic landscapes. Before leaving Baguio, you will stop by the Public Market. It is an amazing and fascinating place. You can find all thecrops and crafts from the Cordillera. All the agricultural and artisanal products of the region converge there. It is a dizzying and very colorful maze. At the border of Baguio, just before taking the Halsema, you will go through La Trinidad, a district that is worth a stop, do not hesitate to go down from the vehicle to take some pictures of this place which is strangely reminiscent of Brazilian favellas. In the same time, take this chance to observe the jeepneys passing by.

Then, you will be heading to Sagada, which is 1450 meters above sea level, in Mountain Province. You will go through the highest point of the Philippine Highway System, 2254 meters above sea level and will start seeing rice terraces, peaks and deep valleys of the Cordillera.

For dinner, we recommend the Log Cabin, a small restaurant with a fireplace.

The village of Sagada offers several points of interest:
- A traditional weaving workshop with wooden looms and an interesting collection of bags, clothes, rugs and blankets featuring the designs of the Igorot tribes
- The Masferré restaurant presents a series of old photographs of the Igorot and their way of life.
- Each and every inn gives you a chance to taste delicacies in a rural atmosphere.

The adventure begins! After breakfast, you will visit Lumiang Cave and Echo Valley where you can admire the hanging coffins, an ancient funeral tradition found in different places in Asia. We will also guide you to the underground river. A memorable experience in the Philippines.

On the way back, we recommend the Yogurt House for lunch, an excellent restaurant, renowned, for its homemade yogurts, obviously. After lunch, we will leave Sagada and head to Banaue. On the way, you will make a stop in the Bontoc museum to see more and understand about the Igorot tribes. Bontoc Museum is a small establishment, but its collection of artifacts and photographs and its small reconstructed Ifugao village in the garden make it a perfect introduction to the traditions of the tribes from the Mountain Province and the Ifugao country. The tour lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

You will then take the mountain road to reach Banaue, 1200m above sea level. You will make a few stops to enjoy the view on the rice terraces, before checking in Tam-an Hotel. 

The rice terraces of Batad are undoubtedly the most beautiful and the most spectacular of all the Cordillera and Asia, they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.

From Banaue, you will take either a tricycle or a jeepney at 8am to reach the saddle of Batad and the parking a little lower where the road ends. You will have no other choice bu to go on on foot, just like the locals, to the terraces, with your guide.

After a break in a small inn on the hillside, you will proceed to the village of Batad, accessible only on foot, walking on the retaining walls of the terraces. You can, if you wish and if the path is accessible, go to the Tappiya waterfalls. On the way back, you will enjoy the panorama of the amphitheater. Batad gives the appearance of a place out of time, with its traditional Ifugao houses and the rites kept alive by the locals. 

The local guides are extremely courteous and helpful. You are in Batad, very far from the hectic life of the big cities. Here, life goes on slowly and desires are subject to a beautiful but harsh nature. Today, you can have your lunch in Hillside Inn or have a picnic in the middle of the terraces

Tonight, you will sleep in Hillside Inn, surrounded by the terraces and the view of the amphitheater. Don't miss the sunrise in the morning!

In the morning, if you’re up for another 3-hour hike through the rice terraces, you’ll leave right after breakfast and head to Bangaan, a small village also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If not, you’ll return to the saddle of Batad, where your jeepney will be waiting to take you back to Banaue.

Once in Banaue, you’ll collect your luggage and continue your journey to La Union, where you’ll stay for 2 nights. You should arrive in the afternoon or evening, depending on the road conditions. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation.

La Union is a charming coastal province known for its beaches, surf spots, and laid-back vibe. It’s an ideal place to relax, explore local culture, and enjoy the scenic coastline.

During your stay, you can explore the beaches, visit local cafes, or try surfing. The area also has vibrant local markets, quaint boutiques, and seaside restaurants, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

Enjoy a relaxing free morning in La Union to unwind and take in the coastal vibes. You can stroll along the beach, sip coffee at a seaside café, or simply lounge by the shore and soak up the sun.

In the afternoon, get ready for some fun on the waves with a one-hour surfing lesson. Whether it’s your first time or you’re brushing up on your skills, a local instructor will guide you through the basics and help you catch your first wave in the Surfing Capital of the North.

After your time in La Union, you’ll board your private vehicle for the drive back to Manila. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route as you make your way to the capital.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Belmont Hotel Manila, a modern and comfortable retreat in the heart of the city. Take the evening to unwind, explore nearby dining options, or simply relax at the hotel and reflect on your memorable journey.

Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will come and pick you up from your hotel to send you to the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) at the corresponding terminal (kindly provide your flight number to ensure he will bring you to the right terminal as there are 4 of them) for your onward flight.

In the meantime, you can take this opportunity to wander along the avenues of Makati, the business district, do not hesitate to take the underground pedestrian passages in which you can admire some beautifully painted walls.