Mount Pinatubo is one of the most famous volcanoes in the Philippines. Located about 100 km northwest of Manila, it is considered extinct, its sides covered with rainforest and inhabited by the Aetas.
The word pinatubo can mean “fertile place where crops can be grown”, or “grown”. There is a local oral tradition that suggests a popular memory of previous large eruptions. An ancient legend tells of Bacobaco, a terrible spirit of the sea, who could metamorphose into a huge turtle and throw fire out of his mouth.
Its largest eruption dates from June 1991, after 500 years of dormancy, one of the most violent on the planet in the twentieth century. It has caused great upheavals in the region, especially in terms of fauna and flora, a massive evacuation of the population, as well as a considerable loss of altitude of the mountain which now rises to 1486m.
It now serves as an asset for the region as it attracts numerous tourists eager to admire its crater lake.
To reach it, you must first embark from Capas, a small village at the foot of the volcano, in 1970s Land Cruisers that will take you to the beginning of the hiking trail in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This 4×4 stage is mandatory as there are no roads to access the area. To reach the summit and the crater lake, you need to hike for another 1.5 hours. The descent follows the same path back to the starting point. After climbing the mountain, you can relax and enjoy various activities offered on your return. On the way back, it is possible to stop by a lake.
Additionally, Mount Pinatubo is part of a chain of volcanoes that stretches along the west side of the island of Luzon, known as the Zambales Mountains. It stands at a height of 4,757 meters and is nestled exactly between Zambales and Pampanga, making it an ideal destination for weekend adventures such as hiking near Manila. You have the option to reach its starting point in Capas, Tarlac, just a few hours from the capital of the Philippines.
Have you ever climbed Mount Pinatubo? If not, feel free to contact us to plan your adventure.