Mount Pinatubo
Bundok Pinatubo
A turquoise crater lake formed after the great 1991 eruption, reached by 4x4 through a valley of volcanic ash followed by a hike.
Mount Pinatubo lies where Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales provinces meet. Its 1991 eruption was the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. The collapsed crater filled with water to form a brilliant green crater lake. The classic route begins at Santa Juliana in Capas, Tarlac. Visitors ride a 4x4 for about an hour across a volcanic ash valley known as the “lunar surface,” then hike for about 1–2 hours to reach the lake. Recent weather and safety management has led to changes or closures of the lake trail, so confirm with your tour operator or the local tourism office before setting out. Trips generally leave Manila before dawn. The drive takes about 3 hours, and the full trip lasts about 12 hours. The cost is about PHP 3,000–5,000 per person, including the 4x4.
Opening hours
Open in dry season; usually depart around 05:00–06:00 and descend in the afternoon
Nearby sights
- Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
- Mount Samat Shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan)
- Corregidor Island
- Binondo Chinatown
- Divisoria Market
- Fort Santiago
- Binondo Church
- Intramuros