Mt. Pico de Loro, or Parrot’s Beak, is one of the most scenic and popular day hikes in the Philippines. Located within the boundary of Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas, this mountain offers panoramic views, forest trails, and the thrilling Monolith climb at the summit.
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a weekend warrior, this post breaks down how to get to Mt. Pico de Loro via both Cavite and Batangas—because yes, we tried both routes!
π§ TWO TRAILS, ONE ADVENTURE
You can start your trek through either:
- Cavite Route (Ternate Highway) – easier trail and the most commonly used
- Batangas Route (Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu) – steeper and more challenging
For our trip: we went up via Cavite and descended via Batangas. Highly recommended if you're up for variety!
π How to Get to Mt. Pico de Loro via Cavite (Ternate Trail)
π Step 1: Ride a Bus to Ternate or Maragondon, Cavite
- π Where to Ride:
- Lawton (Liwasang Bonifacio)
- Coastal Mall, Baclaran
- πΈ Fare: ₱83.00
- ⏱️ Travel Time: ~1.5 hours
- π Sample Bus Lines:
- Saulog Transit – +63(46)431-1753
- Erjohn & Almark – +63(46)872-1154
- San Agustin Transport – +63(2)874-5563
πΊ Step 2: Tricycle to DENR Registration Point (Ternate Highway)
- πΈ Fare: ₱100.00 per person
- ⏱️ Ride Time: 20–30 minutes
- ⚠️ Note: On weekends, trikes slow down for safety—many cyclists and joggers use the same road.
π Step 3: Register Before the Trek
- π Registration Site: One of the stores near the restroom
- πΈ Fee: ₱25.00
- π§ Tip: Stock up on snacks or water at nearby sari-sari stores!
π₯Ύ Step 4: Start the Trek!
- π Trek Time: 2–3 hours depending on pace
- π We did it in 2 hours and 7 minutes with moderate stops
- π³ The trail is gradual with shaded forest paths—perfect for beginners.
π️ How to Get to Mt. Pico de Loro via Batangas (Nasugbu Trail)
π Step 1: Ride a Bus to Nasugbu, Batangas
- π Where to Ride: Terminals near Sogo Hotel, Pasay City
- πΈ Fare: ₱140.00
- ⏱️ Travel Time: 2–3 hours depending on traffic
πΊ Step 2: Tricycle to Brgy. Papaya (MSDC Training Ground)
- π Ask to be dropped at the MSDC Security Force Training Ground, Brgy. Papaya
- πΈ Fare: ₱150.00 per person
- ⏱️ Ride Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- π There's a store and fare table at the drop-off point
π Step 3: Register and Start the Steeper Trail
- π₯Ύ This trail is shorter but steeper than the Cavite side
- ⏱️ Trek Time: ~2 hours (We took 2 hours and 6 minutes with more stops)
- ⛰️ Ideal for experienced hikers or those seeking more challenge
π Essential Hiking Tips for Mt. Pico de Loro
✅ Start early to avoid heat and
crowds
✅
Bring water, trail food, and wear proper shoes
✅
Don’t forget
sunblock, hats, and trekking poles
✅
Bring cash—no ATMs
in the area
✅
Check weather before you go—trails
can get muddy
πΈ Why Hike Pico de Loro?
- π Breathtaking 360° summit views of Cavite, Batangas & the West Philippine Sea
- πͺ¨ The Monolith – for brave climbers with a taste for heights
- π² Lush forest trails and plenty of nature photo ops
π£ Climbing Mt. Pico de Loro is one of those bucket-list hikes that’s challenging but achievable, and incredibly rewarding. Doing the Cavite-to-Batangas traverse gave us the best of both worlds—an easier climb and a thrilling descent.
π© Whether you’re going for the views, the Monolith, or the experience—this is a hike worth planning.
π Ready to hike Mt. Pico de Loro? Save this guide, share with friends, and get your legs moving—the summit is waiting!
Hello how much po kaya pag maghahire ng tour guide?
ReplyDeleteHi Nika, marami umaakyat sa Pico and madali lang ung trail. But if you want to hire a tour guide it's Php1,500.00. Try to haggle or find a group na pwede ka sumali para mas mura. Enjoy! :)
DeleteHi good afternoon. Is it safe for me to trek alone w/o tour guide? Via batangas. Coz I'm from Boracay going to batangas port. Tnx
ReplyDeleteHi Carl, i don't recommend hiking alone via the Batangas trek kase medyo matarik at confusing you ibang ways. And also, wala kaming nakasalubong that time na paakyat sa Mt. Pico, except sa mga kuya na nagdedeliver ng groceries sa mga tindahan at ilang mga batang lokal so wala kang mapagtatanungan. It's safe if via Cavite ka mag start ng trek dahil madami umaakyat at may mga signs. Maybe what you can do is ask around for a teenager na pwede ka samahan at mura lang bayad. Goodluck and be safe :)
DeleteHello po, may alam po ba kayong way na madadaanan papuntqng pico de loro na nakamotor lang? Hoping for your quick reply. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi hello....ask lang po, open nah po bah ang mt. Pico de loro...?
ReplyDelete