Mount Pinatubo Adventure Trek

We had no preparations whatsoever when we went to Capas, Tarlac for a full-day Mount Pinatubo trek last Saturday, thanks to Jen who planned and researched everything – from contacting the tour coordinator to hiring the van drivers. 

Each spent around 2,000 pesos for the entire adventure, including lunch, round trip transportation, tour guide fees, use of shower facility and a souvenir towel.

All of us wanted to reach the summit earlier than other trekkers so we left the entrance point at around 6:30AM. Our Pinatubo adventure started with a bumpy 4x4 ride from Spa Town, the trekkers’ meeting place, to the jump-off point after the ‘skyway’. This offroad journey lasted for about an hour. 

From there, we had to stroll and hike for another hour and a half to get to the Pinatubo crater, so just imagine how strenuous that was!

The hiking trail to Pinatubo crater is a combination of volcanic ash formation, big boulders, rocks and streams. There are some steep and rugged areas along the way, but I, surprisingly, didn’t have a hard time trekking it, even if I wasn’t wearing the appropriate shoes or sandals. My cheap tsinelas withstood the rough terrains and I was even among who were leading the pack. If not only for my bad stomach, I wouldn’t have beaten Direk, really! Haha.

The entire trek isn’t too difficult, especially if you make a few stops along the way to rest your feet and drink a lot of water. Hiking experience or certain fitness level is not necessary. If a couch potato like me could do it, so do you! But it's still very tiring. 

This is us after enduring the hike! Plakda. Haha.

After a seemingly endless walk, we finally reached the summit of Mt. Pinatubo! The contrast of jewel-blue lake, lahar formation and rugged mountains was just captivating.

How to Get to Mount Pinatubo

Since we're a big group, we hired a private van that would take us to Capas, Tarlac for the Mount Pinatubo trek.

Alternatively, you may opt to take a bus from Manila to Capas. Drop off point is McDo Capas Junction. From there, you can hire a tricycle to Sta. Juliana Tourism where you will register and arrange the 4×4 ride.