I’ve visited other Cordillera Rice Terraces celebrated as UNESCO Heritage Sites, such as Batad and Bangaan. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to add another one to the list this year? How about Mayoyao Rice Terraces?
It seems my wishes were granted when the TPB Philippines invited me to be part of the media team covering a community-based tourism workshop in Mayoyao, Ifugao.
Beyond the program coverage, we toured around Mayoyao, discovering its immense beauty. This included exploring the Mayoyao Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We departed Manila at night and traveled for approximately 8 hours to Banaue. After a pleasant breakfast at the Banaue Hotel, we proceeded to Mayoyao, a further 2-hour journey. On our first day, we visited a weaving community in the village of Banhal. The following day, we explored Tenogtog Falls and then the Mayoyao Rice Terraces.
Our local guide, Leandro, set our expectations, mentioning it would be a mostly manageable 2-hour trek through the vast Mayoyao rice terraces, with a focus on enjoying the surrounding nature. It was reassuring to know that most of our group, including the older participants, decided to join.
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Trek at Mayoyao Rice Terraces
At the beginning of our trek, we encountered a sign declaring the Mayoyao Rice Terraces as a UNESCO Heritage Site. These terraces, carved into the mountains of Ifugao for rice cultivation, stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the Mayoyao people in harmonizing agriculture with nature—a legacy we all must strive to preserve. These terraces are more than 2,000 years old. Imagine that.
Mayoyao is an untouched beauty, its remoteness fostering a deep connection with nature. Despite the hot sun, a cool breeze made the experience much better. The incredible natural surroundings made everything enjoyable.
Our first stop was a house in the middle of the vast terraces. Leandro, our guide, introduced us to the native house of Mayoyao. What impressed me was their efficient use of space. The lower part serves as the social space where the family spends most of their time, especially during summer, and also serves as the dining area.
Climbing inside, we found the sleeping area, which, despite being small, ingeniously includes a small partition above for storing rice and food. Leandro’s passionate explanation of Mayoyao culture highlighted his pride in their heritage.
Our guide, Leandro, sharing info about the native house.
Continuing our exploration, we noted a distinctive feature of the Mayoyao Rice Terraces: the prevalence of stone walls, believed to be more resistant to erosion than the mud walls commonly found in other terraces. The effort required to transport and shape these stones for terrace construction is unimaginable.
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the experience in the Mayoyao Rice Terraces. The trek was relaxed, with minimal steep climbs, mostly descending through the vast terraces. In such moments, it’s best to let go of worries and immerse in nature.
After a while, we reached our next stop—a Mayoyao family home where we enjoyed native snacks and the opportunity to interact with locals and hear more of Leandro’s stories about their culture.
He shared that nowadays many locals have built separate houses for their daughters’ privacy, leading to a mix of modern and traditional houses in the area.
Before we knew it, 2 hours had passed, a testament to the trek’s enjoyment with breaks for snacks and rest. We continued until we reached the end of the terraces, crossing a bridge before hiking up towards the main road.
The return was relaxed and enjoyable, as we didn’t need to backtrack to our starting point. Instead, we waited for vans back to Mayoyao town. In our case, we opted for a ride in a police vehicle instead of the provided van, which was an amusing experience. Given Mayoyao’s very low crime rate, the locals probably saw us as visitors rather than detainees. I hope so.
If you’re a nature enthusiast interested in learning about the rice culture of Mayoyao, Ifugao, I highly recommend this experience. Just coordinate with the Mayoyao Tourism Office to plan your visit. Here are their contact details.
Mayoyao Tourism Office
Facebook: Majestic Mayoyao
Email: mayoyaotourism@gmail.com
Mobile: 0906-9582204 / 0949-6640088
Mayoyao, Ifugao Travel Guide 2024
Mayoyao, nestled in Ifugao province, is a hidden gem offering a peek into rich culture and eye-catching landscapes, like its world-famous rice terraces recognized by UNESCO. Here’s a friendly guide to help you plan your trip.
How to Get to Mayoyao
You can travel to Mayoyao by land from Manila or Baguio, driving through quaint towns like Solano in Nueva Vizcaya and Santiago City in Isabela, along with Ifugao’s own Lagawe and Banaue. There are buses and vans available; their schedules depend on where you’re coming from. Once you arrive, the Mayoyao terminal is near the market and tricycle stands, making it easy to find your way around.
From Lagawe to Mayoyao
Bus Departure at 3:00 PM
Van Departure at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Departure from Santiago, Isabela to Mayoyao
7:00 AM – Van
8:00 AM – Bus
11:00 AM – Bus
1:00 PM – Van
3:00 PM – Bus
4:00 PM – Van
From Solano, Nueva Vizcaya to Mayoyao
8:00 AM
Where to Stay in Mayoyao
Whether you’re watching your wallet or looking for a little splurge, Mayoyao has something for everyone. You can stay in places like the Mayoyao Hostel and Viewpoint, with rooms for all types of travelers, or opt for cozier spots like the Mayoyao View Inn by the plaza. This is where we stayed and I must say that they have one of the most beautiful views with nice amenities too. I would love to come back to Mayoyao View Inn and just write and finish some writing backlogs there someday.
Things to Do and See
- Rice Terraces Viewing and Trekking – Don’t miss the stunning stone-walled rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several spots in town to get a fantastic view of these ancient marvels.
- Cultural Experiences -Immerse into local culture by learning weaving, traditional rice planting, or even staying in a classic Ifugao house. These activities give you a real sense of the local way of life.
- Nature Trails – Check out natural spots like Apfaw Mahencha Falls and Tenogtog Waterfalls for a dose of outdoor adventure.
Culture and Farming Practices
Mayoyao stands out for its eco-friendly and age-old farming techniques. The locals have an irrigation system and follow practices like crop rotation and using natural fertilizers, which helps preserve both their land and cultural traditions.
READ THE BLOG POST: APFO’OR: The Old Burial Tombs of Mayoyao, Ifugao
Interacting with the Locals and Guides
The people of Mayoyao are incredibly welcoming, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the Ifugao lifestyle. Whether it’s joining in on a festival or just everyday life, it’s a great way to learn and connect.
Mayoyao’s off-the-beaten-path vibe is perfect for those looking for adventure and a touch of the unexplored. Though getting there might be a little longer than other rice terraces, the unique cultural experiences, stunning views, and friendly locals are worth it.
More Mayoyao Blog Post
- TPB Philippines supports the weaving community of Mayoyao
- A’pfaw Mahencha Falls in Mayoyao, Ifugao
- Mt. Nagchajan Viewpoint in Mayoyao (Story & Guide)
- PINANG-ET: Tasty Native Snack of Mayoyao
- Khohang Garden in Mayoyao
- PIKAW: The Japanese Fish in Mayoyao
- Maura’s Cafe in Mayoyao, Ifugao (Review)
- PFAJAH: The Native Rice Wine of Mayoyao
- Tenogtog Falls in Mayoyao, Ifugao
