Top 12 Baguio Tours & Activities to Add to Your Travel Itinerary

12. Buy Souvenirs at the Ifugao Woodcarver’s Village 

The Ifugao Woodcarver’s Village stretches for 3 kilometers along Asin Road. It is one of the biggest hubs of Cordilleran artistry. Here, veteran and aspiring local woodcarvers showcase their craft.  

Here, you will witness artistry and skills that have been practiced and passed on from one generation to the next. Prepare to be amazed by wood carvings at the Ifugao Woodcarvers Village, from small trinkets like keychains to towering statues of Igorot tribesmen. You will also find religious icons, household items, furniture, and many more.

Indeed, the village is a must-visit because of the quality handcrafts highlighting the region’s indigenous aesthetics and rich cultural heritage. It’s a great place to immerse in the local culture and buy souvenirs. Not only will you bring a piece of the Cordillera home with you, but you will also be supporting the local woodcarving industry.

11. Witness Traditional Cordilleran Weaving at the Easter Weaving Room 

A Cordillera Heritage tour in Baguio won’t be complete if you don’t stop by the Easter Weaving Room. Established in 1909, the Easter Weaving Room is as old as Baguio itself. 

Visit the Easter Weaving Room for a chance to witness authentic traditional Cordilleran weaving. The Easter Weaving Room has a studio where you can watch weavers on the looms creating the intricate Montanosa cloth, a colorful hand-woven cloth unique to the region. 

You can also check out the Easter Weaving Room’s displays. They have a vast collection of excellently hand-woven crafts, such as decorative wall hangings, ethnic textiles, tablecloths, clothing accessories, religious garments, and more. They also make high-quality baskets and wood carvings. 

You can buy some of the items as a souvenir. The best part is, compared to other souvenir stores in Baguio, Easter Weaving Room products are of superior quality and, most of the time, even cheaper.

10. Drop by The Mansion 

Photo by Department of Tourism - Philippines

The Mansion is an iconic Baguio Landmark that you wouldn’t want to skip. It was built in 1908 to serve as the official summer residence of the U.S. Governors-General during the American occupation. Today, The Mansion is the President of the Philippines’ official summer palace.

The Mansion’s main building is inspired by the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It makes an elegant background for a photo opportunity. You can snap pictures in front of the ornate iron gate or by the beautifully manicured lawn. It’s no wonder the palace is one of the most photographed landmarks in Baguio. 

Although the main gate is open to the public, visitors are only allowed in The Mansion House Museum, where travelers can view presidential memorabilia. The Mansion is an excellent stopover on your Baguio sightseeing tour, whether you’re fond of architectural attractions, a history buff, or simply want a photo of the elegant landmark.

9. Go on a StoBoSa Tour in La Trinidad

Since you’ll be in Baguio, checking out the neighboring attractions is an excellent way to make the most of your Benguet escapade.  Go on a side trip to La Trinidad for a StoBoSa Tour.  

StoBoSa stands for Stonehill, Botiw-tiw, and Sadjap−the colorful hillside communities of La Trinidad.

Inspired by the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the local government collaborated with local artists to transform the shanty-covered hills into a life-sized art piece called the StoBoSa Hillside Homes Artwork.

Also known as the Colors of StoBoSa, it comprises 200 houses over 18,000 square meters. The colorful murals on the houses are conceptualized by Tam-Awan Village artists and executed by the locals. The expansive art piece and its vibrant hues will surely wow you. The hanging bridge leading to the community also provides a photo-worthy spot for travelers.  

The Colors of StoBoSa will capture your attention and entice you to stop and take photographs. 

8. Immerse in Filipino Artistry on a Bencab Museum Tour 

A Bencab Museum tour is a perfect opportunity to explore and deepen your appreciation for Filipino art. The Bencab Museum boasts galleries that feature contemporary art and the distinctive traditional aesthetic of the Cordillera Region. 

Named after the Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, the museum houses the National Artist’s masterpieces. There are also galleries dedicated to original Cordillera artworks such as sculptures, weapons, and paintings. One of the popular exhibits is BenCab’s bulol collection. Bulol is an Ifugao rice god figurine. You will also be fascinated by other exhibitions such as the Erotica Gallery and the thought-provoking works of several renowned Filipino contemporary artists at the Indigo Gallery. 

You will also get to commune with nature at the museum’s farm and garden eco-trail, which features the indigenous architecture of Ifugao, Kalinga, and Bontoc. Bencab Museum also has a restaurant, Cafe Sabel, which serves the Cabrera family recipes. 

7. Explore the region’s indigenous art forms on a Tam-awan Village Tour

Tam-Awan Village deserves a spot on your Baguio Itinerary. It’s a unique and immersive experience that gives you a glimpse of traditional Ifugao villages. Built by the Chanum Foundation, Tam-Awan Village showcases life-size models of native Ifugao huts as observed across the region. 

Visit Tam-Awan Village to learn more about the indigenous tribes and their way of living. The distinct architecture of the featured huts will captivate you. You can also go on a quick hike to several viewing decks in the village. If you’re not too interested in hiking, you can check out the art galleries in Tam-Awan Village or go to their café, where you can taste authentic Cordilleran dishes.

The village also has regular exhibitions to feature both local and visiting artists. Consider joining a Tam-awan village tour and register for any of their immersive workshops in drawing, oil painting, watercolor, and wood carving. 

6. Go Thrift-Shopping at the Baguio Night Market 

You will not want to skip the Baguio Night Market on your Baguio tour; after all, the city is a popular bargain shopping hotspot. From 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM, a part of Harrison Road transforms into a flea market overflowing with affordable merchandise.

Baguio Night Market is one of the best places to shop for ukay-ukay in the Philippines. Ukay-ukay is the Filipino term for surplus items from other countries and second-hand apparel such as clothes, bags, and footwear you can buy at bargained prices. 

You can find quality second-hand jackets, boots, clothes, and accessories for a fraction of their original price. If you’re lucky or have great thrift-shopping skills, you can even score one-of-a-kind vintage finds or items that are in mint condition. Truly, Baguio Night Market is a bargain-hunting haven for every thrifty fashionista.

5. Commune with Nature on a Baguio Botanical Garden Tour 

If you want to unwind during your Baguio tour, stop by the Baguio Botanical Garden.  The Botanical Garden is home to several towering pine trees and various other plants. The garden serves two purposes; as a hideaway from the crowds of Baguio and as a nursery for propagating flora that will eventually be replanted in the parks and gardens of Baguio.  

With such lush vegetation, the Baguio Botanical Garden is truly a great place to relax. There are pocket gardens and pavilions dedicated to Baguio’s sister cities in South Korea, Japan, China, Canada, Thailand, and the USA. You will also find a giant bronze sculpture by Ben Hur Villanueva, a renowned Filipino sculptor, and statues depicting different Cordillera tribes. 

The Baguio Botanical Garden is an excellent spot to chill. You can walk around and admire the garden, sit by the benches, or simply have a snack under the cottages.  

4. Go Strawberry picking at La Trinidad

Make the most of your trip to Baguio tour by doing a strawberry farm tour in nearby La Trinidad. La Trinidad is the capital of Benguet, and it is about 30 minutes from the Baguio town proper.  

The weather in the Benguet is ideal for growing vegetables and fruits, but nothing is more popular and delicious than the plump strawberries of La Trinidad. Strawberries are best eaten right after they’re harvested. Thankfully, you can pick the berries here yourself. The activity is open from November to May every year, but the rates may vary. 

Picking strawberries is arguably such a unique experience that it deserves a top spot on your Baguio itinerary. If you don’t want to go pick yourself, you can also choose to buy freshly picked strawberries. Aside from strawberries, you can also purchase fresh flowers and vegetables. Don’t forget to try the treats like fresh Strawberry Ice Cream and Strawberry Taho, as well.

3. Go on a Mines View Park Tour

Mines View Park sits on a ridge and overlooks the remnants of Baguio’s history as a former mining town in the early 20th century. 

The park’s main attraction is a viewing deck that offers a stunning view of the Cordillera Mountains and old copper and gold mines. Aside from the scenery, you will also find rows of souvenir shops. Some stalls sell wooden trinkets, woven items, knitted garments, silverworks, and even succulents, flowers, and bonsai trees.

Indeed, Mines View Park is a great spot to buy souvenirs. You can also get a chance to dress up in traditional Ifugao garments like bahag (loincloth), vests, and headdresses. You may even hold a shield and spear for picture-taking. 

While you’re at Mines View, don’t forget to sample Baguio’s signature strawberry taho!

2. Embark on an Eco-Adventure at a Camp John Hay Tour

Camp John Hay is an excellent destination for a heart-pumping eco-adventure. The Camp was formerly a rest and recreation facility for American soldiers. Today, it is one of the best places to visit if you want to hike through a pine forest, go on a treetop adventure, visit a butterfly sanctuary, and many more outdoor activities.

Camp John Hay’s Treetop Adventure lets you try out several thrilling rides, including the Superman Ride (zipline), Tree Drop (harnessed free fall), and Canopy Ride. You can also explore the Butterfly Sanctuary to see and learn about various butterfly species or hike through Camp’s pine tree-lined Yellow Trail. Nature lovers will surely enjoy the activities at Camp John Hay.

Camp John Hay also has a lot to offer to travelers who simply want to relax. You can go to the hotel or check out the shopping and dining establishments. Indeed, Camp John Hay highlights the best that Baguio has to offer. 

1. Explore Burnham Park 

If you’re wondering what to do in Baguio, going on a Burnham Park tour would be first on the list of recommended activities. Considered as the city’s “mother of all parks,” Burnham Park is one of Baguio’s famous open green spaces. The park is located along Harrison Road and is just a few minutes walk from the famous Baguio thoroughfare, Session Road.  

Burnham Park sits at the heart of Baguio and boasts lush greeneries and blooming flowers. You can have a picnic or rent a bike to explore the park’s clusters. Burnham Park’s different activities and attractions include the Children’s Playground, Rose Garden, Orchidarium, Picnic Grove, and Igorot Garden.

Aside from those attractions, Burnham Park is best known for its iconic centuries-old artificial lake. Rent a boat and go rowing at the famous Burnham Lagoon. It’s a must-do on your Baguio tour.

Take your Baguio tour to another level

You will not run out of places to visit and things to do in Baguio City. Aside from the cool temperature all year round, the Summer Capital offers cultural attractions, eco-adventures, and exciting outdoor activities. 

Baguio City has also transformed into a gateway to the Cordillera Region. As you plan your Baguio itinerary, make sure you don’t miss the cultural villages and museums, such as Tam-Awan Village, Bencab Museum, Ifugao Woodcarver’s Village, and the Easter Weaving Room. Explore the nearby attractions of La Trinidad as well. And, of course, stop by the Baguio Botanical Garden, Burnham Park, and Camp Jonh Hay.

The Summer Capital and the City of Pines certainly have something for every traveler. Make your trip more memorable by checking out Baguio tours and activities that will let you experience the different sides of the province outside of the usual tourist destinations.