Mount Pinatubo
A river-bed walk to a turquoise crater lake born from one of the twentieth century's largest eruptions
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- About half a day: a 4x4 ride plus a 2-3 hour round-trip walk to the crater lake
- Summit elevation
- 1486 m
Pinatubo's 1991 eruption was the second-largest of the twentieth century, and its aftermath carved a wide river valley from the Zambales range down to Capas, Tarlac. A 4x4 covers the roughest stretch of the ash-and-boulder riverbed, then a gentle 2-3 hour round-trip walk leads to the startlingly turquoise crater lake that now fills the caldera.
Highlights
- The startlingly turquoise crater lake inside the caldera
- A scenic 4x4 ride through the ash-carved Sacobia river valley
- Steep volcanic walls rising directly from the lake shore
- Aeta-guided cultural context on the trek
Getting there
From Manila or Clark, drive (about 2-3 hours) to the Capas Tourism Office in Barangay Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac, where the 4x4 leg of the trip begins.
Safety tips
The riverbed trail is exposed to flash flooding after rain, which is why the trek is restricted in the wet season; stay with the assigned guide and 4x4 driver, who know current river conditions.
What to bring
- Sun protection: the riverbed walk is fully exposed
- Quick-dry clothing and sandals or water shoes for river crossings
- Cash for registration, guide and shower fees
- Extra water, as there is no shade along the walk