AREA AND LOCATION

The region has an area of 18,294 square kilometers. It is bounded on the

northeast by Cagayan Province, on the south by Pangasinan and Nueva
Vizcaya; on the east by Isabela; and on the west by Ilocos Norte, Ilocos
Sur and La Union.
GEOGRAPHIC PROFILE
The region is predominantly mountainous, with towering peaks,
plateaus and valleys. The climate is dry from November to April and
rainy for the rest of the year. The weather is cool throughout the year,
specially in the months from November to February.
PEOPLE
The mountains of the Cordillera are home to the hardy people who had
resisted the two most protracted periods of colonization in Philippine
history – the seven major ethnolinguistic tribes of the North (Ibaloi,
Kankanay, Bontoc, Kalinga, Ifugao, Itneg, and Tingguian). In their
mountain fastnesses, these people still practice the age-old art of
terracing the rice fields and have reserved important indigenous cultural
forms and traditions despite increasing contact with lowland and urban
culture.
POLITICAL PROFILE
The region is composed of six provinces: Abra, Apayao, Benguet,
Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. Baguio City, the summer
capital of the Philippines, is located in Benguet.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Cordillera Administrative Region is accessible by land and by air.
However, due to its mountainous landscape, transportation between and
provinces, municipalities, and barangays could be difficult. The region
can be entered from the west through the Ilocos Region via Kennon
Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Road . From the east can be
reached via Tuguegarao in Cagayan Province. Ifugao is accessible via
Nueva Vizcaya through the municipality of Bagabag.
Abra
Capital: Bangued
ABRA NATIONAL MUSEUM (Tayum)
This museum houses a collection of coins and paper money as well as a
large collection of Philippine gold artifacts and prehistoric pottery.
ABRA RIVER (Large part of the province of
Abra)
Originating from the Cordillera Mountains and flowing down to Ilocos
Sur, Abra River is an ideal place for swimming and fishing. It serves as
the converging point of all the rivers and streams in the nearby
provinces and is one of the largest in the area.
BANGUED CHURCH (Bangued)
Constructed in 1722, it is one of the oldest churches in the area
showcasing the craftmanship of the people who originally built it and of
those who had rebuilt it over the years.
GABRIELA SILANG MONUMENT
(Pidigan)
This monument was built to commemorate Gabriela Silang, who led the
Ilokano resistant against the Spaniards in 1763 after the death of her
husband Diego Silang. Today, her monument stands at the town plaza of
Pidigan to remind everyone of the heroism of people who fought for the
freedom of the country.
KIMKIMAY LAKE (Taguib, Villaviciosa)
Legend says that beneath this lake lies a village that was sunk by the
gods as punishment for its inhabitants. The lake is a favorite among
picnickers and is an ideal place for swimming and fishing.
LIBTEC UNDERGROUND RIVER (Libtec,
Dolores)
Believed to be inhabited by mysterious water creatures, this river is
located inside a cave and surrounded by extruding stalagmites, making
it both beautiful and eerie.
PROVINCIAL CAPITOL (Bangued)
A three-storey building housing the provincial government, the capitol
is situated in a cool atmosphere surrounded by trees. Nearby is the
provincial library.
TANGADAN TUNNEL (Tangadan)
This 40-meter tunnel along the Abra, Ilocos Sur National Road is a
poular lanmark welcoming the province’s visitors.
TUGOT NI ANGALO “footprints of Angalo”
(Kabayuran, San Quintin)
Claimed to be the real footprints of the legendary giant Angalo, who is
the “Adam” in Abra mythology, the monument, which is 15 meters
long, 5 meters wide and 10 feet deep, is very conspicuous even from a
distance.
VICTORIA (CASAMATA) NATIONAL
PARK (Bangued)
Located on top of a hill overlooking the town of Bagued and the nearby
municipalities, the national park has a shrine of the blessed mother
cradling the infant Jesus, and a swimming pool built near a water
reservoir.
Apayao
Capital: Cabugao
AGAMATA NATIONAL PARK AND
WILDLIFE SANTUARY (Calanasan)
This is a delaminated forestland straddling the Ilocos Norte-Apayao
boundary. It is a natural site with no tourist facilities but is ideal for
hiking, camping, nature tripping, and bird watching.
APAYAO RIVER (Large parts of Apayao)
Highly regarded by the locals as unpolluted and pristine, this river
traverses six Apayao municipalities and can be navigated by motor boat.
Wildlife and fishes populate its banks.
MOUNT SOLO (Pudtol)
The highest peak in Apayao, it offers lush greenery and scenic sites
along its slopes. It is good site for camping, nature tripping, and
mountaineering.
SPANISH CHURCH (Brgy. Mataguisa,
Pudtol)
This unnamed edifice is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the
Philippines
Benguet
Capital: La Trinidad
BAGUIO CATHEDRAL (Baguio City)
One of the many religious landmarks that dot in the city, its pinkish hue
rise above the skyline.
BALATOC MINES (Balatoc, Itogon)
These old mines ceased operation when the minerals in the area were
depleted. The site, complete with the still functioning equipment, was
transformed into a tourist destination that offers visitors a chance to go
deep inside the mine tunnels.
BURNHAM PARK (Baguio City)
Named after the city’s master planner Daniel Burnham, this park is the
traditional venue of the city’s numerous festivities. Its man-made lagoon
is usually filled with boating excursionists. Bikers, promenaders, and
skaters delight in the park’s wide area.
CAMP JOHN HAY (Baguio City)
Formerly the rest and recreation center of the united States Armed
Forces in the Philippines, Camp John Hay was turned over to the
Filipinos when the Americans left the country in the early 90’s. It has
since been renamed Club John Hay.
MINES VIEW PARK (Baguio City)
The park is now known as a shopper’s haven, where you can load up on
the province’s bounties: handwoven jackets and blankets, silver
knickknacks and jewelry, and various jams and preserves. Guests should
also check out the breathtaking view of the mining sites on the
nountains fronting the park.
MT. PULAG (Kabayan)
Mt. Pulag is the highest mountain in Luzon. Reaching more than 9,600
feet, one can literally walk beyond the clouds. The interesting features
of the mountain are the lake, the mossy forests at the middle elevation,
and the wide expanse of grassland made of dwarf bamboos at the peak
area.
NATIONAL MUSUEM (Kabayan)
The main focus of this particular museum is a collection of Ibaloi
artcrafts, including well-preserved mummies which, unlike the
mummies in Egypt that are wrapped in gauze and are laid out in a
straight position, are garbed only in their traditional clothing and are in
a sitting or squatting position.
PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY
MUSEUM (Loakan, Baguio City)
The Philippine Military Academy is the premier training ground for
young Filipinos who want to excel in a military career. Aside from its
interesting military-oriented structures, it also houses important relics
such as cultural artifacts of the Cordilleras.
Ifugao
Capital: Lagawe
BANAUE RICE TERRACES (Banaue)
Banaue is one of the most well-known areas in the Philippines primarily
because of the numerous rice terraces that were carved on the mountain
slopes by the Ifugaos as far back as 2,000 years ago. It is said that these
steps seem to reach up to the heavens. When linked, the steps would
reach about halfway around the globe. Aside from the rice terraces, one
may also appreciate the culture of the Ifugaos, which has remained
intact after so many years of contact with different cultures.
BANGAAN VILLAGE (Banaue)
This village, which seems to be located inside a huge bowl, offers a
panoramic view of the rice terraces.
BATAD VILLAGE (Banaue)
This is another good place from which to view the rice terraces, which
here are formed like seats in an amphitheater.
HAPAO VILLAGE (Hungduan)
Affords some of the oldest rice terraces in the area, as well as a view of
some of the most scenic landscapes.
MILLION DOLLAR HILL (Kiangan)
A hill named during World War II when the Allied armies spent million
of dollars worth of bombs and ammunitions to annihilate the enemies in
the area.
MOUNT AMUYAO (Between the boundary
of Banaue and Mayoyao)
Rising 2,702 meters (8,865 feet) above sea level, Mount Amuyao is the
8th highest peak in the Philippines. Its summit provides a breathtaking
panorama of Mountain Province, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Ifugao.
MOUNT ANAPAWON (Centrally located in
Ifugao)
Considered the best camping site in the province, this peak provides a
panoramic view of the Hungduan municipality and low-lying
municipalities of Lagawe and Kiangan as well as the rice terraces of
Hingyon.
MOUNT NAPULAWAN (Hungduan)
This site, with its thick tropical rain forest and its rare flora, is ideal for
mountaineering.
 KALINGA
Capital: Tabuk
BALBALASANG-BALBALAN
NATIONAL PARK (Balbalan)
This area was declared a national park on June 17, 1972 by RA 6463.
The park, which is located near the boundary of Abra, is traversed by
numerous rivers with clean, clear waters.
CHICO DAM (Calanasan, Tabuk)
Constructed by the National Irrigation Administration, it is supposed to
be one of the largest dams in Southeast Asia.
MABILONG WEAVER’S VILLAGE
(Lubuagan)
This is the center of the ethnic weaving industry in the province. One
can see how the ethnic designs are made and how the colors are mixed.
The village is along the road and one can buy souvenirs right from the
weavers.
MOUNT VINARATAN (Dacalan, Southeast
of Tanudan)
Legend says that Kabunyan, the legendary god of the Kalingas, hunted
in the mountain range. He could not hear the barking of his hunting
dogs because of the deafening songs of the bird.
MT. MATING-OY DINAYAO “SLEEPING
BEAUTY” (Tinglayan and Tanudan)
This mountain range, which separates the two municipalities of
Tinglayan and Tanudan, is said to be shaped like a woman’s body
stretched out facing the sky.
NANENG CATHOLIC CHURCH (Tabuk)
This church is one of the oldest churches in the Cordilleras, known for
its beautiful architecture. Today it serves as a retirement home for local
priests.
PADCHARAO LAKE (Pasil)
Rising approximately 1,800 to 2,000 meters above sea level, this one-
hectare lake is full of Japanese eels. Its name is derived from the plant
called charao in the Pasil dialect, which abounds in the lake.
PASIL NATURAL DAM (Dangtalan, Pasil)
Formed after the mountainside eroded numerous years ago, this area is
ideal for boating and picnicking during the summer months.
RICE TERRACES (Brgy. Tulgao East,
Tinglayan)
These are best viewed from the National Highway Road, where one can
also get a sprawling view of the different barangays of Tinglayan.
ULALIM FESTIVAL “KALINGA DAY”
(Kalinga)
This annual celebration showcases the cultural dances and customary
traditions of the Kalinga folk. It is held every February 13 to 16.
Mountain Province
Capital: Bontoc
AGRICULTURAL STONE CALENDAR
(Gueday, Besao)
This calendar is made of two huge rocks situated side by side, leaving a
crevice at the middle of where the rays of the sun pass through only
once a year. This event heralds the start of the planting season and is
celebrated by the local folk every September 30.
ALAB PETROGLYPH (Alab, Bontoc)
A huge rock with bows and arrows and human beings etched on its
surface. The etchings of human beings are believed to be images of
warriors buried in the Ganga Cave at the foot of the mountain where the
rock stands.
BESAO SUNSET (Besao)
A spectacular view of the sunset with its warm glowing rays.
BONTOC VILLAGE MUSEUM (Bontoc)
This museum houses various ancient artifacts and other indigenous
items.
HANGING COFFINS (Sagada, Mountain
Province)
The people of Sagada have a unique tradition. Instead of burying their
departed family members, their coffins which are usually made of pine
trunks, are hung on cliff sides.
LOMIYANG CAVE (Sagada)
A big cave where piles of coffins of the town’s ancestors are kept.
MABALOTBOT OIL LAKE (Mabalotbot,
Paracelis)
A magnificent lake whose waters shimmer, specially on starry nights.
The shimmering effect is believed to be caused by pools of oil coming
out of the lake itself.
MAINIT HOT SPRINGS (Mainit, Bontoc)
One of the outstanding natural attractions in Bontoc, renowned for its
warm waters.
PAGAN GOD FOOTPRINTS (Palikut Aso
Bontoc)
In Bontoc there is a large stone with footprints believed to be that of
Lumauig, the pagan god of the Igorots. Nearby is a stone resembling a
sleeping dog.
SUMAGING CAVE (Sagada, Mountain
Province)
Sumaging, or Big Cave, is a major tourist attraction in the area. It is a
large cave system that one can explore with the aid of the local guides.
Cold water flows in many parts of the cave so one should expect to get
wet during this great adventure.
TRADITIONAL ATO “DAP-AY” (Province-
wide)
These rooms not only serve as sleeping quarters for the folks and for
male teenagers but also as a venue for traditional rites and village
cultural affairs. Usually built with cogon grass as roofing and stones as
walls.