Traveling A-Z: Cagayan

By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

January 26, 2011, 2:02pm

With over 18 Spanish architectural churches along the tourism highway, Cagayan province has always been known as one of the major pilgrimage tourism destinations in the country. However, what others seem to forget is that Cagayan also boasts of adventure tourism spots for caving, river boating, fishing, bird watching, wind surfing and diving.

The history and culture rich province offers a lot for the adventurous soul. The journey may be quite long, 14 hours when traveled by land, but the trip is definitely worth it. In fact, thrill seekers would find daring activities in this part of the north. Cagayan has mountains and caves for trekkers and mountain climbers. However, the real adventure in Cagayan is not for the weak of heart.

White water rafting is the premiere activity for all thrill seekers and local tourists visiting Cagayan. The Chico River white water rafting is dubbed as a world class experience. The struggle against the tides and the fight to get through the rapids will leave a lasting impression on any adventurer. White water rafting lets you live out a scene from your favorite outdoor film. Yes, Cagayan offers the same adventure and even has a much better scenic background.

As a pilgrimage destination, tourist influx in Cagayan always spikes up during Holy Week and the feast of the province’s revered patroness, Our Lady of Piat. Originally from Macau, the Holy Image has been a religious fulcrum of people wanting favors of any kind. The pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Piat remains to be a significant event in the lives of the people of Cagayan Valley and devotees from all over the globe.

Fast facts:

Local Dialect: Ilocano, Ibanag, Itawes and Tagalog

Festival:  Feast of Our Lady of Piat

The feast is annually celebrated on the 2nd of July in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, to honor Cagayan’s patroness, the Our Lady of Piat. The highlight of the event is the procession of the miraculous image of Virgin Mary.

Places of Interest:

Callao Cave - Callao Cave is a seven-chambered, white rock cave that houses massive limestone and rock formations and a small chapel for devotees.

Pinacanauan River – Take a relaxing river cruise of the breathtaking Pinacanauan River in Peñablanca; the site is also perfect for kayaking.

The Calvary Hills - a life-size diorama of the stations placed on top of a hill with the mighty Cagayan River as its backdrop

The Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral - The biggest cathedral in the North, it’s the only church in the province that is elevated from the ground and was built in 1724.

Camalaniugan Bell - one of the oldest bells in the Philippines, forged in the year 1595, it was brought to Manila in February 1987 as one of the attractions during the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress.

Sta. Praxedes - the town going to the Ilocos region thru the Patapat bridge; the smallest town with only 11,000 hectares but has tourist spots with great promise, the Portabaga Falls and a long stretch of beach.

Palaui Island - a paradise for water sports and mountaineering activities; this untouched paradise has an approximate area of 3,850 hectares with a shoreline of 20.6 kilometers.

How to get there:

From Manila, major airlines fly to Tuguegarao City on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. By land, Tuguegarao City is about 485 kilometers north of Metro Manila. For independent motorists, take the North Diversion road and exit at Sta. Rita.