Day Trek at Mount Pinatubo

I've always wanted to see Mt. Pinatubo. After all those planned trips that never pushed through, I was getting eager and impatient to see its famed crater lake. Finally my friends decided to push through with the plan.

Mount Pinatubo is an active staratovolcano located on the island of Luzon, near the tri - point of the Philippines province of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It is located in the Cabusilan Mountains separating the west coast of Luzon from the central plains.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake in July 1990 which struck 100 kilometers northeast of Pinatubo is said to be the catalyst of the volcano's awakening. Tremors shook the surrounding area in mid-March 1991.

The volcano's eruption in June 1991 caused the destruction of billions of pesos' worth in economic and property damage and the loss of 847 lives. Aside from the massive damage to the Philippine economy, the eruption also had world-spanning ramifications.

An opportunity to relish the peace and quiet of the 2.5 km jewel blue Crater Lake of Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales.

crater

The Capas trail is the easiest route to Pinatubo from the base, and it takes around three hours to reach the summit.

one of the signages

It was a one-hour 4x4 ride to the jump-off point and that alone was an experience. The scenery was unlike anything I've seen before and the panoramic views of the lahar river beds, grasslands, streams, canyons and mountains made a surreal combination.

 This route continues directly to the Crater Lake with the highest elevation of around 1400 meters above sea level. The safest and best time to scale the mountain is during the summer months of December to April. The trip is exhilarating-crossing rivers, jumping from small cliffs and over creeks, truly a different kind of experience!

For your safety and convenience, we include a local guide service, they know the current safest route to take while trekking. It is hot during the summer months since the ashes are reflecting the rays of the sun so bring sun block lotions and proper climbing gear. Make the trek early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the noon heat.

Reaching the peak invigorates my mind and body. The emerald water is freezing yet irresistibly tempting to tired trekkers.

Son plus de plaisir dans les Philippines en raison de Mt. Pinatubo!

 Way Point:

The best route to take to go Mt. Pinatubo trekking is the Capas trail in Tarlac province. So first you have to go to Tarlac. If you are coming from Manila, take a bus to Lingayen or Dagupan (places in Pangasinan province) and get off at Capas, Tarlac Then take a jeepney to Patlin, and from there take a tricycle to Barangay Sta. Juliana. At Sta. Juliana, you can hire guides.