Baguio and the Cordilleras
Pine forests, cool mornings and strawberry taho, and the gateway to the mountain provinces of northern Luzon.
Quick answer
- What it is: Baguio, a city about 1,500 m up in the Cordillera mountains, long known as the Philippines' summer capital.
- The draw: cool weather, pine parks, markets, art and food, plus easy onward travel to the mountain provinces.
- Getting there: buses from Manila take roughly 4 to 6 hours; Clark is the nearest big airport.
- Festival: Panagbenga, the flower festival, fills the city every February.
- Beyond Baguio: Sagada, the Ifugao rice terraces and Mount Pulag.
Baguio sits about 1,500 m up in the pine-covered Cordillera mountains of northern Luzon. In the early 1900s the American colonial government planned it as a cool retreat from Manila, and it is still where Filipinos go to wear a jacket. Today it is a busy university city with a lively art scene, a big public market and some of the best cafés in the north.
Baguio is also the gateway to the Cordillera, the mountain provinces of rice terraces, pine ridges and Igorot culture further north.
Top things to do
- Row a boat on the lake at Burnham Park, the green centre of the city, named after its planner.
- Walk Session Road, Baguio’s main street of cafés and shops.
- See the art at BenCab Museum and Tam-awan Village, a reconstructed Cordillera village with artists’ studios.
- Catch the morning view at Mines View Park, then buy jam at the Good Shepherd Convent nearby.
- Pick strawberries in La Trinidad, just outside the city, in the cooler months.
- Go north to Sagada, the Ifugao rice terraces or Mount Pulag.
Areas to know
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Session Road and Burnham Park | The walkable centre, with cafés, the market and hotels |
| Camp John Hay | Pine forest, trails and resort hotels |
| Outer Baguio | Tam-awan Village, BenCab Museum and La Trinidad |
| The Cordillera | Sagada, Banaue, Batad and Kabayan for Mount Pulag |
When to go
November to April is the dry season; December to February is the coolest. February brings Panagbenga, the flower festival, with street parades and floats (book early). June to October is rainy, and landslides can close mountain roads. See our guide to typhoon season.
Getting there and around
Buses run from Manila (Cubao and Pasay) to Baguio in roughly 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic. Clark International Airport is the nearest big airport, around 3 hours away by road. In the city, walk the centre and use taxis or jeepneys beyond it. For Sagada and Banaue, take a bus or van from Baguio’s terminals. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Stay near Session Road or Burnham Park to walk to everything, or at Camp John Hay for quiet pine forest. In Sagada and Banaue, expect simple guesthouses and homestays.
What to eat
- Strawberry taho, soft tofu with strawberry syrup and sago pearls, sold on the street
- Ube jam and strawberry jam from the Good Shepherd Convent
- Pinikpikan, a traditional Cordillera chicken soup, in local restaurants
- Good coffee grown in the Cordillera highlands
Day trips and next stops
Continue north to Sagada for caves and hanging coffins, Banaue and Batad for rice terraces, or Kabayan for the Mount Pulag sea of clouds. Or head west and south to the La Union surf coast. See our La Union guide.
Bus schedules and road conditions change, especially in the rainy season. Check before you travel.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Why is Baguio called the summer capital?
The American colonial government planned it in the early 1900s, with help from the planner Daniel Burnham, as a cool mountain retreat from Manila's heat.
How cold does Baguio get?
Mornings are often around 15 to 18°C and can be colder from December to February. Bring a jacket.
Is Baguio busy?
Very, on weekends, holidays and during Panagbenga. Traffic in the centre can be heavy, so come midweek if you can.
Can I visit Sagada or Banaue from Baguio?
Yes. Buses and vans run to both, around 5 to 7 hours on winding mountain roads. Plan at least two nights in each.
What should I buy in Baguio?
Ube and strawberry jam, peanut brittle, woven textiles and woodcarvings.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
