Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano on the island of Luzon and sits at the intersection boundary of three provinces: Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It last erupted on June 15, 1991 displacing the indigenous community of Aeta, the primary residents of the volcano. Today, it attracts huge number tourists to witness its incredible beauty.
HOW TO GO TO MT. PINATUBO
The first step of this adventure is to book with a DTI accredited travel agency. There are numerous of them on Facebook with different package offers from ₱ 3,149- ₱3,699. For Baguio and North Luzon travelers, you can check out Miles Away Escapes. They offer round trip van transfer, 4×4 Adventure Ride, tour guides, and tourism fees.
**Foreign nationals are required to secure Visit Clearance because entering the jump off point mandates passing through Falcon and Condor Gates of the Philippine Air Force. It is advised to book one month in advance with your chosen agency so they will have time to process your permit.
THE JOURNEY
The adventure starts with a 4×4 off road adventure ride at 4 a.m at the jump off point in Capas, Tarlac. It is a 20 kilometer dusty, rocky and bumpy ride to Botolan, Zambales so make sure to wear cap, mask and sunglasses to protect yourself from massive dust. Along the way you will have a stop at some sceneries. One of them is a strip of mountains with rock formation made from lahar due to the 1991 eruption and the other one is what they call Tobleron Mountain because it mimics the shape of Tobleron chocolate.
After more than an hour ride you will start to hike a 3 kilometer trail to the volcano crater. The climb is minor with only Level 2 difficulty therefore beginners can completely keep up. The trek is composed of soil, rocky path and some rivers. It is advisable to wear hiking sandals. You will also meet indigenous Aeta children both during the ride and hike. Some will ask candies while others will just greet you. It is a custom to give them small gifts such as candies which is optional but I highly recommend to give them sandwich.
THE VOLCANO CRATER
The crater is believed to be 450 acres wide and 600 meters deep. It is highly acidic so, swimming is common sense prohibited. Aside from its stunning beauty there are many viewing areas where you can look and appreciate the scenic landscape and also to take pictures. There are concrete table and chairs available for picnic. All travel agencies offer drone shots for their visitors which is ideal for its massive landmass.
ITINERARY
Pick up or meet up time depends on where you are coming from. Manila usually at 12 midnight to 2 a.m while Baguio usually at 11:30 p.m.
- 3:00 a.m: Arrival at Capas, Tarlac (Checking of IDs to enter the jump off point through military gates)
- 4:00 a.m: Start at jump off (Prepare for the 4×4 ride)
- 4:30 a.m: Start off road 4×4 ride
- 5:30-6:00 a.m: Arrival in Botolan, Zambales
- 6:30 a.m: Start hike to the crater
- 8:00-10:00: Arrival at the crater (depending on the speed)
- 10:00-12:00 noon: Activity Hours (picnic, picture taking and drone shots)
- 12:00 noon: hike back to 4×4 parking
- 1:00-2:00: 4×4 off road ride back to Capas, Tarlac
- 2:00-3:00: Eat, Shower and Rest
- 4:00: Back to Manila or Baguio
**This depends on how fast or slow your pace and your travel agency’s schedule.
COST
Travel Agencies usually charge ₱3,149 (Manila) – ₱3,699 (Baguio) depending on where you are based.
These packages include:
- Roundtrip van transfers
- 4×4 Off-road Adventure ride
- Guide Fee
- Climb Permit Processing
- Visit Clearance (Foreign Nationals)
- Solo drone shots
Exclusions:
- Toilet Fee: ₱ 10- ₱ 20
- Shower Fee: ₱ 50
- Food and Water
- Guide Tip (optional)
- Additional Drone Shots: ₱150- ₱300
MY THOUGHTS
I personally recommend this for those who are starting out in traveling since the hike is quite easy. Since most of travel agencies accept joiners, expect some lagging especially if your travel mates are not the same speed as you. The place is great and the locals are nice. I had a conversation with our guide and he told me that there are around 700 Aeta working as guides. During the peak season, they can work once a week and off peak only once a month. If they are not guiding visitors they work in farms. So visiting Mt. Pinatubo is also one way of supporting them. As for the cost, it used to be ₱2,700- ₱3,200 but due to the fuel increase, travel agencies have to raise their prices.
Just Go Abby 