Our hike to Pico de Loro was originally scheduled in February 2. But due to unavailability of lead attendees, Gia, our team organizer, decided to move it to March. Until one Facebook message from Katie changed the whole plan (ha-ha) and eventually decided to make it February 9. To make the long story short, nag-adik lang sa lakwatsa (he-he).
Mt. Pico De Loro, a part of Mt. Palay-Palay, is situated in Ternate, Cavite, and approximately 3 hour ride from Metro Manila. The highlight of the trail is the assault (but optional) to monolith known as the Parrot’s Beak, a towering rocky formation, when on top, sees the majestic beauty of South China Sea and Cavite plains.
We met up at KFC Araneta, Cubao and took our breakfast while waiting for others to arrive. At 5:10 AM, we departed to Cavite via private vehicle.
briefing by Ace at DENR ranger station
Agnes, Gia and Katie (Always Wandering)
At 7:45 AM, we arrived at DENR ranger station. There were few hikers having breakfast at the souvenir shop, but I guessed we were the first batch of day hikers who arrived. We parked inside the station and paid corresponding fees (registration fee at P20.00, parking fee at P50.00). While prepping ourselves for the climb, a bus load of hikers arrived. Buti na lang we arrived early or else sabay-sabay kami lahat aakyat.
Phase 1 – Route to Base Camp 1
At 8:05 AM, we headed to our jump-off point which was just around 5 minute-walk from the DENR station. The route to base camp was pretty easy and gradual. We arrived at 8:45 AM wherein we also registered and paid for P20.00 each.
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| at the base camp |
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| souvenirs being sold |
Phase 2 – Campsite
After a few minutes of rest, we continued with our journey to the Campsite which we reached at 11:00 AM, barely 2 hours from the base camp. We climbed up big rocks for about 45 minutes or so. The trail got steeper as it progresses to the Campsite. We had to put on gloves to take a good grip on big rocks and bamboo trees to advance ourselves.
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| cheetos, anyone? |
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| mountain dew at the campsite at 30 pesos |
Phase 3 - Let's Meet the Summit
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| the summit |
How we did it to the top.
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| view from the summit |
Phase 4 - In pursuit of Parrot’s Beak
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| on top of the world |
From the monolith, we headed back to the Campsite at 12:30 NN to eat our lunch. I brought cooked rice and canned goods which served me well. At 1:00 PM, we started our trail to jump-off point then to DENR. We left Picco at 5:00 PM and reached Manila by 7:00 PM.
Climbing Pico de Lorro climb was such a liberating experience. Mt. Pico de Loro is a protected area of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, meaning trails were prearranged and therefore easy to follow (though I understand some hikers got lost during trail). There are areas that are stiff to climb, but I assure you, a day trek to Pico de Loro is still one of the best activities on a weekend with friends.
04:00 AM – Meet up, KFC Araneta Cubao; breakfast; buy packed lunch (P150.00)
05:00 AM – ETD Cubao
07:30 AM – ETA Magnetic Hill, DENR Ranger Station (registration fee – P20.00; parking fee P50.00); settle down
08:00 AM- Jump-off point (5 minutes away from DENR station)
08:45 AM - ETA Base Camp (registration fee P20.00); rest; buy softdrinks
08:50 AM - ETD to Campsite
11:10 AM - ETA Campsite; buy soft drinks (Mountain Dew –P30.00); Gatorade (P50.00), water (there's a vendor at the campsite)
11:20 AM - Summit assault
11:35 AM - Pico Summit
11:40 AM - Monolith assault (Parrot’s Beak)
12:05 NN - Parrot’s Beak
12:15 NN- Descent to Campsite
12:35 NN - Lunch
01:00 PM - Descent
02:30 PM - Falls (photo ops) (mahina ang tubig)
03:30 PM - DENR Ranger Station
05:00 PM - ETD DENR
07:00 PM- ETA Manila
Special thanks to Gia for allowing me to use some of her photos (unmarked ones).
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