La Paz Sand Dunes
Laoag, Ilocos Norte has a natural tourist attraction that offers something different from the usual beaches of the Philippines. Found close to Laoag City, the capital city of Ilocos Norte, the La Paz Sand Dunes is a sandy coastal desert that covers an area of 85 square kilometers near the coast of the West Philippine Sea and is one of the top tourist spots in Ilocos Norte.
The La Paz Sand Dunes is a segment of the Ilocos Sand Dunes that spans the length of Currimao (north of Laoag) to Pasuquin (south of Laoag). On November 26, 1933, its significance was cemented as the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) identified it as one of the National Geological Monuments in the Philippines.
This wild terrain is popular for its varying sand dunes that can be as high as 30 meters. The La Paz Sand Dunes are only 10 to 15 minutes away from the city via tricycle or public jeepney. For a stress-free experience, you may also book Laoag tours that will pick you up from your accommodations in Ilocos Norte and take you to the sand dunes. It’s highly recommended to visit the area before sunrise or before sunset to avoid the heat and to have the most scenic view of the beach from the top of the sand dunes.
Tickets and entry
Entering the La Paz Sand Dunes is free, but if you want to enjoy the various activities like sandboarding and 4x4 rides, you’ll need to pay. The fee depends on the tour operator.
Best time to visit
The sand dunes are best visited during the summer season, specifically from November to May, in order to experience the attraction without rain.
