Luzon Cordillera Loop
Philippines
This highland loop links Luzon’s most dramatic mountain scenery, climbing from the rice terraces of Banaue into the cool Cordillera heartland before circling through Sagada, Baguio, and the northern foothills. It blends viewpoints, village culture, and long, scenic switchbacks.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Baguio City
Cool pine-lined streets and busy market roads make an easy launch into the highlands.
- Atok Sakura Terraces
Terraced slopes and mountain views open up above the cold-air farming towns.
- Bontoc
A rugged provincial hub where steep roads, river valleys, and Cordillera culture meet.
- Sagada
A cliffside mountain town with cool air, hanging coffins, and limestone trails.
- Banaue Rice Terraces
World-famous terraces wrap the hills in layered green and gold curves.
- Mayoyao Rice Terraces
Less crowded terraces and mountain bends give this stretch a quieter, wilder feel.
- Kiangan
A small valley town with heritage sites and a slower return toward the lowlands.
- Baler
The loop drops to the Pacific side, ending in a surf town with wide beaches and easy sea air.
Where to Eat
- Good Taste BaguioFilipino comfort food
Big portions and fast service make it a classic road-trip stop in the city. It is an easy place for a filling meal before climbing north.
- Cafe by the RuinsFilipino, Cordillera
A well-known Baguio restaurant for local dishes and mountain-grown ingredients. Good for a slower lunch or dinner before the highland drive.
- Hill StationFilipino, continental
A popular Baguio dining stop with a polished historic setting. It works well for a sit-down meal after a wet or winding section.
- Sagada BrewCafe, Filipino
A relaxed Sagada cafe for coffee, pastries, and light meals. It is a convenient break between cave visits and mountain walks.
- Good Shepherd Convent BaguioPastries, jams, local treats
A famous stop for ube jam, peanut brittle, and other take-home treats. Stock up here before heading deeper into the Cordillera.
Things to Do
- Mines View Parkviewpoint
Classic Baguio overlook with wide views of the old mining valleys. It is an easy first photo stop before the mountain switchbacks.
- Northern Blossom Flower Farmscenic farm
A hilltop flower farm near Atok with cool-climate blooms and sweeping terraces. The views are strongest on clear mornings.
- Echo Valley and Hanging Coffinscultural trail
A short but memorable Sagada walk through limestone cliffs and pine forest. The hanging coffins give a direct look at local burial traditions.
- Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpointviewpoint
One of the best places to see the terraces spilling down the mountainside. Stop early for the clearest light and fewer crowds.
- Baler Surf Beachbeach
A relaxing final stop where the mountains meet the Pacific. Walk the sand, watch surfers, or cool off after the long inland loop.
Travel advisory
Expect slow mountain driving on tight, winding roads, especially in wet weather and after landslides. Start early for Banaue and Sagada sections, and keep fuel topped up in smaller towns where stations can be sparse.