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CAR Ifugao

Province of Ifugao

Ifugao is one of the province in the Philippines situated in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the island of Luzon. The province of Ifugao is home to the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Philippines' most iconic landmarks. The province is known for its rich indigenous culture, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Visitors can experience centuries-old traditions while exploring its scenic landscapes.

Aguinaldo

Aguinaldo is known for its highland landscapes, traditional Ifugao culture, and extensive forest areas. Much of the municipality is mountainous, with rice terraces, rivers, and small farming communities spread across the slopes. Its quiet setting offers a glimpse of rural life in the Cordillera.

Alfonso Lista

Alfonso Lista (Potia)

Alfonso Lista is known for the Maris Wetlands, an important birdwatching site where visitors can see egrets, herons, and migratory birds. The town also has the 1,000 Steps Eco Park, which offers panoramic views and sea-of-clouds views during cooler months. Its lower elevation and wide agricultural lands give it a landscape that differs from much of the surrounding highlands.

Asipulo

Asipulo is known for its forests, waterfalls, caves, and traditional rice terraces that reflect the long farming traditions of the Ifugao people. The area offers quiet trails and mountain scenery for travelers looking for less crowded nature destinations. Steep hills and forested valleys cover much of the municipality.

Photo by Omri D. Cohen

Banaue

Banaue is famous for the Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces, with the Batad and Bangaan clusters included in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. The terraces were built and maintained by generations of Ifugao farmers and remain a living cultural landscape. Mountain villages, waterfalls, and traditional Ifugao homes add to Banaue's appeal as one of the Philippines' best-known highland destinations.

Hingyon

Hingyon is known for its traditional Ifugao rice terraces, including the Cababuyan and Mompolia terrace areas. Its terraces are recognized as part of the proposed extension of the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, although they are not currently part of the World Heritage inscription. Steep mountains and narrow valleys give Hingyon a striking highland landscape.

Hungduan

Hungduan is famous for its spider-web-shaped rice terraces, with the Hungduan cluster included in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. The Hapao Rice Terraces and nearby hot springs are also popular places to explore. Its mountain trails, forests, and traditional villages offer a quieter side of Ifugao.

Kiangan

Kiangan is known for the Nagacadan Rice Terraces, one of the five clusters included in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. It is also historically important as the place where Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered in 1945, ending Japanese resistance in the Philippines. The town is surrounded by mountain terraces, forests, and traditional Ifugao villages.

Lagawe

Lagawe is the provincial capital and serves as an important center for government, trade, and transport. The town is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and traditional farming communities, with rice terraces found in its higher areas. Its central location makes it a practical starting point for exploring the surrounding highlands.

Lamut

Lamut is known for its fertile lowland farms and its location along the Lamut River, making agriculture an important part of local life. It is also home to Ifugao State University and serves as an important gateway into the highlands. The landscape combines broad river valleys with surrounding forested mountains.

Mayoyao

Mayoyao is famous for the Mayoyao Central Rice Terraces, one of the five clusters included in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. The terraces are distinctive for their traditional Ifugao houses and granaries standing among the rice fields. Ancient farming traditions, mountain villages, and steep green slopes give Mayoyao a strong cultural identity.

Tinoc

Tinoc is known for the Ahin Rice Terraces, traditional Kalanguya communities, and rugged mountain scenery. The Ahin terraces are being considered as part of a proposed extension to the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, but are not currently a World Heritage Site. Its high elevation, forests, waterfalls, and cool climate make Tinoc well suited for mountain and nature trips.