Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 8:00 AM – Begin your adventure by checking in at The Manor at Camp John Hay (Around PHP 6,000 per night). The hotel is cozy, with beautiful surroundings that give you that cool mountain vibe right from the start.
- 9:00 AM – Savor a delicious breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins (Approximately PHP 250). This iconic spot serves some delightful local dishes and pastries, perfect to fuel you up for the day.
- 10:30 AM – It’s time to have some fun outdoors at Burnham Park! Rent a bike for PHP 50 or try paddle boating for PHP 100 per hour. The park is lush and green, inviting you to explore.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – For lunch, head to The Good Taste (Approx. PHP 150). Enjoy hearty meals at budget-friendly prices, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- 1:30 PM – After lunch, visit the Botanical Garden and enjoy a peaceful walk among beautiful flowers and plants. This garden showcases local flora, and it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- 4:00 PM – Next, make your way to Wright Park for some horseback riding (Around PHP 200). It’s a fun experience, especially if you love animals and nature.
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Dinner is served at Ketchup Food Community (Approx. PHP 300). This place is vibrant, offering a variety of local dishes you would surely enjoy.
- 7:30 PM – Visit Mines View Park to capture breathtaking views of the mountains as the sun sets, painting the skies with beautiful colors.
- 8:30 PM – Before heading back to the hotel, check out the souvenir stalls for unique handmade crafts—you might find the perfect keepsake from your journey!
Day 2: Mountain Adventure
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 7:00 AM – Start your day with an early breakfast at Choco-Late de Batirol (Approx. PHP 200). Their hot chocolate is a must-try!
- 8:30 AM – Make your way to Mt. Yangbew for an exhilarating hiking adventure. An entrance fee of PHP 20 gives you access to stunning trails.
- 11:00 AM – Reach the summit and take in the mind-blowing views. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures to remember this moment!
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Forest House (Approx. PHP 400). The ambiance is wonderful, and the food is fantastic.
- 2:00 PM – Visit the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad. Entry is free, and you can purchase fresh strawberries to taste their sweetness right off the field!
- 4:00 PM – End your afternoon by exploring Tam-awan Village, an artist community showcasing local art and crafts (Entrance fee: PHP 50).
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at Oh My Gulay (Approx. PHP 300). This vegetarian restaurant has a lovely vibe and unique dishes.
- 7:30 PM – Check out the Baguio Night Market where you can find local foods and unique finds to take back home.
- 8:30 PM – After a busy day, return to your hotel to relax and recharge for another adventure.
Day 3: Eco-Tourism Day
Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast awaits you at The Morning After (Approx. PHP 250). Their menu offers a good selection for you to start your day right.
- 8:30 AM – Drive out to Mount Pulag for an unforgettable eco-tourism experience (Travel fee: PHP 300 for shuttle). Arrive early to enjoy the scenery.
- 11:00 AM – Begin the trek to the famous “sea of clouds.” This is a stunning sight that you won’t want to miss!
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant close to Mount Pulag (Approx. PHP 150). The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for a mid-day meal.
- 1:30 PM – Spend some time exploring the unique flora and fauna found in this rich ecological area.
- 4:00 PM – On your way back to Baguio City, stop by Ambuklao Dam to enjoy its picturesque views. It’s a great photo opportunity!
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Dinner is back at Good Taste (Approx. PHP 150). Their portions are generous, and the prices are unbeatable.
- 7:30 PM – Take an evening stroll at Burnham Park, where you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
- 8:30 PM – Return to your hotel, unwind and reflect on another fabulous day spent in nature.
Day 4: Cultural Immersion
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 8:00 AM – Enjoy breakfast at Little John’s (Approx. PHP 200). The food here is good, and it has a friendly atmosphere.
- 9:00 AM – Head back to Tam Awan Village. Take a guided tour of the fascinating art installations crafted by local artists.
- 11:00 AM – Make your way to the BenCab Museum (Entrance: PHP 100). It features an array of intricate artworks that highlight Filipino culture.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Grab quick lunch at Jollibee (Approx. PHP 150). A tasty and reliable choice for a fast meal!
- 1:30 PM – Visit the Philippine Military Academy, where you can explore the grounds and learn about the country’s military training program. Entrance is free.
- 4:00 PM – Stop by Baguio Cathedral and take some beautiful photos of its stunning architecture.
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at Food District (Approx. PHP 300), known for its variety of meals that cater to different tastes.
- 7:30 PM – If there’s one happening, enjoy a cultural show at the university. Check the schedule beforehand!
- 8:30 PM – Head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep after a day jam-packed with culture.
Day 5: Highlands and Scenery
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 8:00 AM – Savor breakfast at Rutabaga Cafe (Approx. PHP 200). Their menu is filled with healthy options that are delicious!
- 9:00 AM – Visit the famous La Trinidad Strawberry Farm to pick some fresh strawberries! It’s a lovely way to enjoy the fruit while surrounded by beautiful fields.
- 11:00 AM – Drive to the nearby Asin Hot Springs for a swim and to relax. Entrance is about PHP 80. Soaking in the warm springs is a healing experience.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at Pine Yard Cafe (Approx. PHP 250). They serve great dishes—and it’s a cozy place to recharge!
- 1:30 PM – Make a quick sightseeing stop at Bell Church, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
- 3:00 PM – Visit Tam-awan Village again, this time focusing on local artisan products. You might find unique items to take home!
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Dinner at Vigattin’s (Approx. PHP 300). Enjoy delicious local fare while soaking in the ambiance.
- 7:30 PM – Head to a nearby café for live local music; it’s a great way to wind down after a fruitful day.
- 8:30 PM – Take some time to relax and write in your travel journal, documenting the memories you’ve made.
Day 6: Adventure Awaits
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 8:00 AM – Have breakfast at Hawaiian Barbecue (Approx. PHP 250), known for its tasty dishes and a Hawaiin twist on Filipino flavors.
- 9:00 AM – For an adrenaline rush, ride the Wishing Well (Approx. PHP 200) for some fun thrills!
- 11:00 AM – Enjoy a scenic drive along the mountain roads, reveling in the beautiful views that surround you.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Grab a casual lunch at Chowking (Approx. PHP 150). Their dishes are perfect for a quick refuel.
- 1:30 PM – Explore Camp John Hay Eco-Trail, a great space for eco-tourism and seeing local wildlife.
- 4:30 PM – Relax at Burnham Lake once more, taking in the peaceful atmosphere around the water.
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Dinner at El Cielo (Approx. PHP 400). Treat yourself to a nice meal to celebrate your day of adventures.
- 7:30 PM – If there’s a local festival or event happening, enjoy the festivities for a truly immersive experience.
- 8:30 PM – Time to think about packing souvenirs from your awesome trip! It’s a fun way to remember all your adventures.
Day 7: Leisure Day
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 8:00 AM – Indulge in breakfast at Lucky’s Pancit (Approx. PHP 200) where the flavors burst with freshness and authenticity.
- 9:00 AM – Engage in a morning yoga session at your hotel to stretch and relax your body.
- 11:00 AM – Take a leisurely walk around Camp John Hay. The fresh mountain air and beautiful sights make for a perfect stroll.
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at The Tea House (Approx. PHP 300). This place is known for its delightful beverages and light meals.
- 1:30 PM – Get crafty by working on local craft projects. Many places offer classes or materials!
- 4:00 PM – Treat yourself to a spa session at your hotel’s wellness center (Approx. PHP 800). It’s a nice way to unwind and rejuvenate.
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – For dinner, choose Restaurant 350 (Approx. PHP 300). They have a wide variety of satisfying dishes!
- 7:30 PM – Spend a peaceful evening on your hotel balcony, enjoying the cool breeze and quiet atmosphere.
- 8:30 PM – Take a moment to reflect and plan for tomorrow’s journey home.
Day 8: Departure
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- 8:00 AM – Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel (included) and reminisce about the wonderful week.
- 9:00 AM – Go for some last-minute shopping at Upper Session Road, where you can find souvenirs to take home.
- 11:00 AM – Check-out from the hotel. Make sure you have all your belongings!
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- 12:00 PM – Stop for lunch at a roadside eatery on your way home (Approx. PHP 150). Enjoy the local flavors one more time!
- 1:30 PM – Capture beautiful views of the lush mountain scenery one last time before you leave.
- 3:00 PM – Begin your journey back to Manila with plenty of memories to cherish.
Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 6:00 PM – Arrive back in Manila, ready to share your stories.
- 7:00 PM – Have a relaxing dinner at home or a nearby restaurant to celebrate your trip.
- 8:30 PM – Take some time to unwind and reminisce about the fantastic experiences you’ve had in Baguio.
Summary
This 8-day itinerary to Baguio is designed for adventurers looking for nature, culture, and relaxation. Each day is planned with bustling morning, delightful afternoon, and restful evening activities to enhance your visit. There’s plenty to discover, from the scenic parks to exciting hiking trails, all while sampling the delicious local foods that Baguio has to offer. Estimated costs help with budget planning, and the suggested businesses provide unique and memorable experiences reflecting the city’s charm.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Baguio?
The ideal time to visit Baguio is during the cooler months from October to February. Visitors will find the weather pleasant, making it easier to explore the area.
How do I get to Baguio from Manila?
A comfortable option is to take a bus that travels directly from Manila to Baguio. The trip typically takes about 6-8 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Are there any entrance fees for parks and attractions?
Yes, various parks and attractions charge entrance fees. The fees are usually low, so it’s wise to carry some cash for these expenses.
What should I bring for hiking?
When hiking, always pack comfortable shoes, water, snacks, a light jacket for changing weather, and sunscreen. And don’t forget your camera to capture those incredible views!
Can I find vegetarian food in Baguio?
Absolutely! Baguio has a variety of restaurants and eateries catering to vegetarians, so there are many healthy meal options available.
