Patapat Viaduct
Patapat Viaduct is a bridge in Pagudpud known as the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines and one of the beautiful destinations in Ilocos Norte. This bridge is nestled and constructed at the foot of the Patapat Mountain providing a view of the West Philippine Sea. It also has a great view of the Pasaleng Bay, Fuga Island, and Calayan Island, as you drive along its bridge or stop for a quick photo. It is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range, linking Cagayan Valley Highway in Laoag to Maharlika Highway.
The Patapat Viaduct is elevated 31 meters above sea level, and was constructed by Hanil Development Co. Ltd. under the management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK. It is maintained by the Department of Public Works and Highways. The concrete bridge was completed and opened to the public in October 1986.
Dubbed as the French Riviera of the Northern Philippines, the now famous Patapat Viaduct is attracting the attention not only of local tourists but foreign as well. The bridge conforms to the winding mountain side of the town’s coastal mountains primarily to solve the problem of landslides that have caused a number of vehicular accidents in the past.
How to get there
Patapat Viaduct is about 16 KM or almost 1 hour away from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. From Pagudpud, you only need to go to Cagayan that will take you to the winding roads. To go to Patapat Viaduct from Laoag, you can take any bus going to Laoag City. From Manila, look for buses bound to Laoag City.
If you're coming from Baguio City, head to SM City Baguio and you can ride a Partas bus near the mall. You can also find ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan.
The fastest way is to take a flight from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) to Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte. Several airlines operate flights on this route, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Laoag City, you can take a bus or van heading to Pagudpud. The travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by land.
For a more convenient trip, you can book Ilocos tours, Pagudpud tours or Laoag tour packages with Patapat Viaduct in its itinerary. This way, you can also visit other Pagudpud tourist spots, locos tourist spots or Laoag top attractions.
Best time to visit
You can visit it anytime, regardless of weather or day. But, it’s recommended to visit Patapat Viaduct during the dry season, typically from November to May. The weather is more predictable with clear skies and less rainfall. This period also coincides with the peak tourist season, especially from December to February, so expect more visitors.
Always check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure good conditions. Consider local festivals or events in Ilocos Norte that might coincide with your visit, adding a cultural experience to your trip. During the rainy season, be cautious of road conditions and potential landslides in mountainous areas.
