MT. PINATUBO TOUR ITINERARY
This is a rough itinerary based on a weekday tour. On a Saturday we will depart earlier. Times vary depending on traffic, how long clients take to do the hike and time spent at the Crater Lake. If clients decide to visit Capas National Shrine you will obviously return to Manila later
4.00 am
Filipino Travel Center provides a private pick up from your house or hotel in Metro Manila. The drive in an air-conditioned minivan will take approximately 2.5 hours. You can have a quick stop along the way for a coffee break but you must remember that it is important that we arrive on time. For more photographs of the minivans please click here
6:30 – 7.00 am
Once you have arrived at Pinatubo Spa Town – your driver will register your names with the local authorities and transfer you to a waiting 4×4 jeep to take you across Crow Valley. Please note that this can take some time so please be patient. There is an opportunity for a toilet break and it is safe to keep all your valuables locked inside the minivan.
7:30 am
Depart for Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake in an old 4×4 jeep. The journey across Crow Valley is bumpy, dusty and without air-conditioning or seat belts but it is lots of fun and a great adventure. The terrain is moon-like with grey sands, small streams and parched vegetation. You will pass by herds of cattle and locals Aeta riding carabao on their way to work. We remind our clients that if you feel uncomfortable with the speed please ask the driver to slow down – they sometimes get carried away.
8:30 am
After a rough one hour ride across Crow valley you will reach the start of the trekking point. The hike is roughly 5.5 km (2 hours walking) each way with a total ascent of 300 metres. The terrain is relatively flat until the last 20 minutes where you ascend to the rim of the Crater Lake. After a rough one hour ride across Crow valley you will reach the start of the trekking point. The hike is roughly 5.5 km (2 hours walking) each way with a total ascent of 300 metres. The terrain is relatively flat until the last 20 minutes where you ascend to the rim of the Crater Lake.
SHORTER HIKE: Please note that there is also an option for a shorter hike in the summer months when the riverbed is dry. The 4×4 jeeps will travel further up Crow Valley to a drop off station. You will walk the last 20-30 minutes on a single trail to the Crater Lake.
10:30 am
Your first sighting of the Crater Lake is absolutely stunning; you will immediately notice the bright turquoise waters which are surrounded by the volcano’s huge crater walls. Head down to the lake, relax and enjoy the sunshine. Unfortunately swimming is no longer allowed in the lake.
11:30 am
Begin trek back down the mountain and then start the 4×4 Jeep trip back across Crow Valley.
2:30 pm
Arrive back at the registry office at Sta. Juliana. Begin the return journey back to Manila. We recommend an (optional extra) stop at Capas National Shrine. The Capas National Shrine is a memorial to the Filipino and American soldiers who died in Camp O’Donnell at the end of the Bataan Death March in WW2. It is a fitting end for a great day out.
4:30 pm
Begin the return journey back to Manila. We recommend an (optional extra) stop at Capas National Shrine. The Capas National Shrine is a memorial to the Filipino and American soldiers who died in Camp O’Donnell at the end of the Bataan Death March in WW2. It is a fitting end for a great day out.
Lunch:
We recommend you bring your own packed breakfast and drinks to keep you hydrated for the hike. For lunch you can stop at a restaurant along the way for lunch. Showers and a toilet break can be had at Alvin’s Place for a minimal fee.
