Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces has been called the eighth wonder of the world. Carved out of the hillside by the Ifugao people 2,000 years ago without the aid of machinery, it is still used for rice planting today. In 1995, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1997, the American Society of Civil Engineers honored this unique terrace landscape with the prestigious International Historic Civil Engineering landmark award.

The Banaue Rice Terraces stretch like stepping stones to the sky, covering more than 260 sq km of steep mountains - some reaching an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is considered one of mankind's greatest engineering feats. If the terraces were laid end to end, they would stretch half way around the world. Terraced fields with spiral beds, oak trees gnarled to perfection and mountain orchids are fascinating sidelights for travelers.  Banaue and the surrounding villages remain the best sight in the Cordilleras – and one of the best in the Philippines.

There are number of things to do around Banaue. You can visit several Ifugao villages, take some paths through the rice terraces, enjoy the panorama from Banaue View Point or take a refreshing dip in the water of the Guihon Natural Pool.  You can make a detour to the bronze smiths of Matanglag or visit the village of Poi-tan which has kept alive its tradition of wood-carving and weaving.