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"Our passion is to take you out into our beautiful wild places"

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We hope to create a new kind of tourist, a traveler who would much rather stay in a hut than look for 5 star accommodations, who is respectful of local customs and traditions, someone who will readily eat the local food and drink, dance with the locals, and be mindful of the people and environment they are visiting.We are a sustainable travel company, we believe that travelling is not just about the places we go to but also having a positive impact on the people and communities who live in some of the remotest areas of our world.Our guides are both passionate about their homes and the people who live within them. We will not only take you out into the wild but you will get to know the places much more intimately on our adventures. Our expeditions take you off the beaten tourist track to locations and cultures still preserved in their natural characters -colorful and filled with life.Safety is also very important on our trips and as we are travelling to some remote locations we use SPOT satellite messenger to update your loved ones on our locations in real time and can also allert authorities in cases of emergencies. "We believe in bringing you an unique travel experience of some of the most beautiful wild places of our country and have you meet some of the most pristine cultures found on our islands. "
No Frame

Ultimate Adventures

Seas and Mountains

Philippine Adventure of a Lifetime

This is our new flagship expedition that will take you from the coast all the way up to the mountains to see some of our favorite wild places. For 21 days you will travel through the reefs, wrecks, and lakes of the islands of Palawan explore some of Manila city's hidden secrets, spend the nights under the stars in hidden beach coves of Luzon and end by climbing through some of the most beautiful remote villages and cultures in the Philippine Cordillera. This is a trip of a lifetime from under the oceans to the hearts of our mountain homes.

for more information email us at: cordiexpeditions_gmail.com

Cordillera Expeditions

21 DAY ADVENTURE GUIDE

21 Day Adventure Guide

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Our 21 Day Adventure Guide This is our ultimate Philippine Escape Adventure GuideWeek 1: Upon your arrival in the Philippines you travel to Coron island on the northernmost tip of Palawan where for the next week you will be wreck diving Japanese warships from WWII, Snorkeling in some of the country's most beautiful snorkeling sites, swimming in seaside lakes and hidden lagoons, camping on the sand underneath the stars and beside the oceans, and hopping from one beautiful island's sand to another. Week 2.5Part 1: Manila:After experiencing the beauty of the Philippine seas we head back into Manila. But before we head out into the wild again, we will take you on a tour of Manila for the locals who have grown to love their home town. Underneath all the hussle and bussle of the city lie gems waiting to be discovered. You will take a walking tour of the Old Maynila -including the Intramuros -the old spanish fortress, Binondo (Manila's China Town), See the soothsayers and herb and potion vendors hock their wares beside the catholic Quiapo church and end with a feast for the stomach inside one of Manila's old mansions. Part 2: Zambales CoastAfter seeing the hidden side of Manila its time for you to just kickback and lie on the beach so we are taking you to some hidden coves around the coast of Zambales where there are no resorts and we will be camping by the beaches of the dumagats (indigenous group in the Philippines) the gentle waves lulling you to sleep while you lie under the blanket of stars above. Week 2.5 to Week 3:The Philippines has much more to offer than simply our beautiful beaches and coves, it is now time to head out into the mountains of the Cordillera where you enter the homes of the Igorots, this is our home as well. From Baguio you head out to Sagada and on to Batad and Mayoyao. Experience the Cordillera art scene in Baguios many art spaces. Travel through the Philippine's highest highway and experience the sunrise from 2500mASL. Visit the mountain town of Sagada and explore its caves, waterfalls, and see the local tradition of hanging coffins on the walls of rock. Then head to Ifugao and trek through centuries old rice terraces shaped by hand in partnership with nature. You will take a 4 day trek walking from the old villages of Batad to Mayoyao where people still live in much the same way as their ancestors have, share a meal and drink with the friendly locals, swim in the rivers and walk underneath waterfalls, and end your trip by sharing a little with the earth and help the locals of plant and harvest rice from the terraces and walk into the night with dancing and joyous celebration.

Quick Escapes

Mt. Pulag Expedition

Mayoyao Expedition

Kabayan Expedition

Batad Expedition

Coron Palawan Expedition

Our Wild Places

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Videos

Moving Pictures of Our Adventures

Contact

JP Alipio
cordiexpeditions_gmail.commobile: +63 9175060622

Cordi-X features

Travel Life Magazine

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Travel Life Asia January 2011

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Where Batad: famous for it's amphitheater rice terraces but itis much more than the view that brings Cordillera Expeditions here, it is the culture, people, and warm community that keeps us comingback time and again. Old ladies weaving on backstrap looms... children fishing in the rivers...people planting and watching rice...the breathtaking view of Banaue and Battad's world famous ampitheater rice terraces...Mayoyao:Explore the Village of Mayoyao in Ifugaotogether with Cordillera Expeditions. LocatedNorth of Banaue Mayoyao Ifugao offers youone of the oldest villages in the CordilleraMountains. It is like many parts of themountain region a feast for the eyes and thefood for the spirit. Mayoyao has some of themost beautiful rice terraces in the mountainregion and some of the friendliest locals that you will ever encounter in your travels.Stories of old Generals and commandancias -Mayoyao situated close enough to the lowland plains in that it was one of the few villages of the Cordillera that became host to Spanish missionaries during the Spanish period. GeneralEmilio Aguinaldo (the first Philippine President) also passed through this village as he was escaping through the mountains from the Americans, the chronicler of his expedition describes the Mayoyao as a place of immense beauty but the then soldiers of the Katipunanbegged Aguinaldo not to be left behind as they saw one by one their compatriots losing their heads to the noble Igorots. Today it is as it was when Aguinaldo passed, immenselybeautiful beyond words, but with the difference of much more friendly and welcoming locals.Waterfalls, Rivers, Misty mornings, smiling children, magnificent stone terraces, and much much more, but we can only go so far in describing it on paper. The best way to experience Mayoyao is to be there yourself.Mt. PulagThe Mountain of the Gods, as the wind blowsthrough the dwarf bamboo and grass thatcovers the bald summit of the mountain andthe fog rolls up through the pine forests below,you hear Kabunyan as he and his children play in their mountain home. Running with the cold wind and rising each day with the sun. The second highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt.Pulag is not only a place where one goes to conquer the mountain but also to commune with the rawness of nature. The travel itself to the bottom of the mountain is a visual feast for both the eye and the spirit. The trek to the summit, much more so that you get lost in all that ispure and free, you forget yourself in all that beauty. And if the trek takes a few hours, it is a few hours of life that you will see in every corner, bubbling brooks, springs, twisted trees, fog, and if you are lucky a deer or a cloud rat hiding in the forest. Pine turns into oak and the oak forest opens up into the grasslands above theclouds, into the dwelling place of Kabunyan and the home of the Gods Mt. Pulag.We designed the Mt. Pulag Expedition forregular Joes, so dont be intimidated that thisis the second highest mountain in thePhilippines. We allow enough time so we arenot rushing up and down the mountain andeveryone can just go at their own pace. Forphotographers this will also mean that theywill have all the time they need to capturethose amazing images. Plus the members ofCordillera Expeditions will ensure that youare all well prepared for what to expect and will ensure that you come down themountain safely.Lakes and Mummies of KabayanExplore the hidden wonders of Kabayan, Benguet. This small Benguet municipality is known for it being the main entry point into the second highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag. But Kabayan has much more to offer then simply scaling the big mountain.The road that leads to Kabayan goes through some of the most beautiful areas in the Cordillera. From the High plateau of Baguio city you travel down into the Agno RiverValley where you will find the Ambuklao Dam from here you once again climb up through pine covered mountainswhere you have a view of the majestic Cordillera Mountain Range. And as Kabayan starts to reveal itself you will seegardens of cabbage and rice paddies not to mention the warm and welcoming Ibaloi community of Kabayan, Benguet.Kabayan, although known for it being the home of Mt. Pulag is also the seat of Ibaloi cultureand it is from here that the Ibaloi spread down the Agno River Valley. It is also known for itswell preserved Ibaloi Mummies and high mountain lakes found in the higher altitude villagesof Kabayan. The Kabayan expedition will give you the chance to explore Kabayan Central meet itspeople, see its lakes, and of course explore the homes of the Ibalois ancestors.CoronThe home of the Tagbanua tribe, Coron is the gateway to Palawan, one of the worlds most pristine and unique seascapes are found here. Around the island are numerous small coves and isles which one can visit or even camp under the stars. On Coron island itself exists seaside lakes formed from the limestone and rain carving huge basins where freshwater meets the sea, the water here is so clear and blue you can see all the way to to the bottom almost a hundred feet below the surface of the lakes. These lakes are held sacred by the Tagbanua who live on this island and keep them pristine as they were in the time of their ancestors. Under the blue water Coron's seascape is a site to behold, even just snorkeling you can view some of the most beautiful coral reefs you will see on earth. And if adventure takes you deeper for scuba diving you can visit the many shipwrecks of japanese warships that have sunk to the bottom of the sea, shells of their former selves they rise now under the ocean -home now to the varied colors of the sea.

Testimonials Gradient
To the Master Toploader and Rainwalker, Many thanks for the magical journey you allowed us to experience by sharing with us the mountains and trails of Banaue and Batad.When you said in your itinerary that the expedition will be rough and will make me wonder why I was doing it-- you weren't kidding!!! I think I walked more in that weekend than I did the week prior to the trip! The only long distances I am accustomed to walking these days is the distance between the parking lot and my office, which suddenly seems so short now compared to all the rice terraces we had to cross that weekend. To think that on most days, it seemed so far to me already!! Haha. :-)Nevertheless, I have to agree-- the sweat was all worth it, and so was the craziness involved in signing up for the trip alone, taking the public bus for the 5th time in my life (yes, I live a very sheltered life), toploading for the first (and second) time in my life, freezing in the rain, and all the walking and talking and walking and talking and eating, and even the scraping of my knee. The trip proved to be something that I will not forget, filled with many adventures and stories that I will still be able to share with my friends many many years from now. I know that I will look back at the photos I took and I will smile at the thought of having shared that magical weekend with you guys in the middle of the mountains. :-)I must say thanks, too, for making sure all of us were safe all the time, and for taking good care of us throughout the trip. The thought of having travel insurance was very reassuring, and the way you and Ben would lead (and tail) the group made me feel a lot safer. I could really see, too, that you were very familiar with the area and you knew a lot of the villagers, which made me see that you definitely knew what you were doing.:-)As I go back to the everyday hustle and bustle of my city slicker life, I smile every time I think of the mountains, and even if I returned home with a sore body and was bone tired, my heart was happy-- knowing that I made some of the best friendships in just one weekend. I met some of the most amazing people I know today, and it was such a pleasure getting to know each and every one of the people who were on the trip! One weekend was definitely not enough! :-)Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the next adventure you guys will organize, and hope that we will bump into each other again. :-)Minnie Fong (Batad Expedition)Unfettered Howls Up Northby Mutya Bernardo on our Kabayan ExpeditionWoke up disoriented and burning. I thought I had a fever churning. And then I remembered. I am back in my own room after 4 nights of sleeping in different places.I have been a witness to the glorious beauty of The Cordilleras and am still struck dumb on how Id recount this experience coherently.I remember being nervous in meeting and conversing with new people, entrusting your life with people you havent met before, and generally being my usual pessimistically raised, paranoid, only-child-syndromed self.But then, the sights were amazing! The mountain range was arranged in a wide stretch for my eyes to feast on. The air was cool and clean and with expansive gulps I devoured - ready to experience and absorb.. everything.Met interesting, passionate, amazing, creative and outstanding people. Emil with his surprising McGyver skills, Ben with his never-ending patience. JP with his remarkable culinary expertise!Revelled in the intense power of Ambuklao Dam and its endless downpourWalked with the rain pounding on my back in a muddy mountain trail with my bare foot strapped in sandals.Lost footing three times and almost died (JP said probably not, but I disagree, there was nothing but air to catch me if he wasnt able to grip my arm).Slept with the windows open and butterflies flying about a room, with a still moth in the wall.Slept in a tent, underneath the stars, in cold, biting air.Slept in a 4x4 while its wheels were clobbering against a rocky road, the seatbelt digging against my clavicles, and my head bobbing all over the passengers seat.And I slept soundly and peacefully like never before.I climbed mountains. And walked. Endlessly. My sandal-strapped feet were no match against the rocks and sand. I used my bare hands to grip rocks and soil, bore a lot of scratches from the blade grass as well.Found out that the descent was even more difficult. There were countless of times I wanted to cry in frustration on how I would go down the steep trails without breaking my inexperienced neck. Ben found me a good walking stick that I could use for support, but mostly I just used my butt to slide myself down the steep, dry slope.Proved that saying fuck in succession, sitting on a rock and trying to conjure a helicopter doesnt do anything. Nothing will ever work if I didnt move my butt and just go down. Realized that if I didnt stand up and just dare to go down, then I would forever be in that same place. Unmoving, accomplishing nothing, and stuck.As with all other things, we treasure things we work hard for. The climb towards Pongasan cave and making it back to the valley is my favourite part of this trip.Ate one of the best pastas ever! JPs The Pongasan Pasta which contains God knows what.Witnessed simple people leading simple lives. But simplicity doesnt mean ordinary. I met courteous, timid, warm, tireless, hardworking, extraordinary people. Fishermen, fish sellers, farmers, the lowlanders and the highlanders. All were part of this glorious, breathtaking place!Peed on the grass! Butt-naked in ice cold weather!Woke up early to watch the sun rise. It was a hedonists dream. The early morning sky in its vast entirety topped the intimidating mountains, while the sun plays peek-a-boo. The lake confined by the earth, reflected the majestic rays. There were moments I wanted to weep in astonishment with all that Im witnessing and I feel blessed for being given that privilege. In our fast-paced lives we forget to wait for stuff like these. The morning alarm will ring; we turn it off to snooze, be grumpy and bargain for more minutes of sleep.Hardened blisters, dirty nails, scratches in my arms, oily hair, 2 days of bathing only in sweat, sun-kissed, happy.Saw the vast expanse of the mountain range, how mountains merge and meet, divide and disperse. It was so high up I feel the clouds moving against my skin.Met a series of unfortunate events that in its own wild way, became a part and parcel of what it takes to be in the wild.Recognized that the unexpected will continually harass and keep you in your toes.Events lead to other events and its all a part of the grand master plan that is:To be. Whatever it takes.We dared to be and as a reward, we became. -hard core :)________
Carmela Serina wrote this on her blog: Feast for the eyes: mayoyao, ifugao (written on Sept 1) When JP described Mayoyao (one of the oldest villages in the Cordillera mountains) as a feast for the eyes and food for the spirit, it felt like an exaggeration. However, the moment I boarded the jeep that brought us from Banaue to Mayoyao, I started to realize how true this is. Underlying the simplicity of it all, lies a rich culture of seemingly simple folks who are deeply-rooted to their traditions and beliefs... Looking at the rice terraces, they are definitely one of the most hardworking people in the Philippines. =) Hmmm... I can't believe I'm back...back to reality... Last weekend seems like a distant past. Or maybe more of a dream? Ang bilis kasi e. It was just hours ago when I was on top of a jeepney in Ifugao enjoying the breathtaking cordillera mountains and exchanging stories with my fellow travellers. It's been awhile since I felt like this. I didn't want to go back to bustling Manila. Come to think of it, this felt more real than my city life... As I rode the 10:45pm bus to Ifugao last Friday, I knew then that this trip will be a refreshing change from my previous weekends. With the camsur triathlon done and over with, I am relieved to be seeing mountains, do some hiking and learn from our interaction with our northern brothers and sisters. =)For this trip, I was able to drag Crissy along. She admits that she is far from being a person of the outdoors. She is definitely a city person. I was so happy she was so open to the idea of joining me in my first trip to Mayoyao, Ifugao. I promised her it will be an experience like no other and that we are in good hands with Ben and JP along. True enough, at the end of the entire trip, she thanked me and was game for another adventure. She did not only experience new things but she also gained new friends in the process. =) One of the nicest things I encountered during this trip is the very friendly community. Gone are the days of Ifugao warriors infamous for their headhunting adventures. We encountered a lot of children who are so adorable with their infectious smiles and hefty laughter. Nakakahawa! No inhibitions whatsoever... pure joy. Nakakainggit. JP and Ben were nice enough to lead us to one of the 'hidden' falls in the area. It was a good hike going there and it was quite an adventure for Crissy. Mang Victor and Leandro were such angels to patiently guide Crissy through this challenging hike. The falls was definitely worth the trip. I've never swam in such frigid waters and I've never enjoyed eating fried chicken for such a long time! Hehehe =D One of the most interesting things we did was walk to the middle of the rice terraces before sundown towards a traditional Ifugao hut, which was to be our dwelling place for the evening. As we walk further, I can't help but silently gasp. The views were just spectacular and I kept on stopping and looking around trying to fathom the magnificence of it all. I wanted to capture a mental image of every view. We were such lucky ducks to sleep in the middle of such beauty...We witnessed some Ifugao religious beliefs expressed in their numerous rites and prayers. These are embodiments of their myths and folktales about their gods and godesses that have been passed from one generation to another. From the ceremonies, I realized that these folks don't just worship deities. They seem to to be nature and ancestor worshippers. It was pretty interesting. =) We all woke up to a beautiful Monday morning. We were served blueberry crepes, care of master chef JP. I never realized those can be done using his camping stove! After breakfast, we had the honor of planting rice side-by-side with Leandro's family. They were so patient and accommodating that I somehow felt guilty of having to leave early to head back to our inn. It was such a thrill to see Crissy beside me planting. Planting rice was no joke and I vow not to waste any after that experience. Magtanim ay hindi talaga biro! Anyway, to end this entry, I would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible. It was such an enlightening and enriching experience. I got back this morning at around 5am and I will be fixing up my stuff to get ready for work in a few hours. For some reason, my work and a great portion of my city life seem mundane. I can't wait to get out again... ..........

Some of our other adventurers thoughts: I joined JP Alipio and Ben on one of their first guided trips into the Cordillera Mts.-Batad. It was advertised for photographers with JP providing expert feedback and advise. We took the bus up on Thursday and came back arriving early in the morning on Sunday. I HAD MORE FUN THAN I CAN TELL YOU!!! I was the only non-Filipino, but everyone was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The Bataad area was spectacular, especially with JP's input. He knows the area, the history, the customs and the people. He could answer almost all of my questions (almost an impossible task to which those of you who know me can attest). I will treasure my memories from the weekend-- the verdant vibrant green of the rice terraces surrounding Bataad and the relaxing sound of trickling water, the children bouncing down the impossibly steep mountain steps with shy smiles, the roar of the waterfall as our group shared gourmet coffee brewed by JP and Ben over a campfire, and the delicious hot chicken stew served in the warm dry inn after an amazing rainstorm in the mountains. And for my adventurous side I treasure my memory of riding on the top of the jeepney in a gentle rain seeing and hearing hundreds of waterfalls as we left Bataad. It immediately brings a smile to my face. If you can join one of the trips that JP and his group are organizing, I highly !!!! recommend it. It won't be plush 5 star hotels, but I bet you'll enjoy your trip more and never forget your experience.Deb Zimmerman (Batad)Until now, I still find it hard to write something decent to recount my experience in Mayoyao. I initially thought it would be just like the usual photo workshops I've attended -- go on location, then shoot. After all, my intention for joining this expedition was only to take pictures. But it turned out to be more than a photo expedition. It was a happy journey and discovery of many things.For instance, I didn't know that I can survive those infamous "30-minute treks that stretched into long hours of walking along dirt roads and grassy trails. I have lost count on how many times Ive heard my own breathing, my lungs almost close to bursting. Risa After braving the floods of Espana, a ten hour bus ride and another three hour jeep ride.. we arrived in Mayoyao, Ifugao. This is not your typical photo ops - a 30 minute hike would mean a three to four hour hike. Going to one location to another was just a great experience even if your buddies are all complaining that they will never do this again. RaymondPerhaps it was all a dream.I can never get used to this. Yesterday I was up in the mountains, breathing its glorious scent, today I woke up as if I had rammed myself against a bulldozer. I am back in my own bed, in my own room, and listening to a familiar song. My whole body is in pain but as I relived the past 3 days, you would see me smiling stupidly with my eyes in a trance.Days spent trekking outdoors has easily become my days of stark clarity after catatonia. I love my work, but sometimes the repetitive motions of daily life takes its toll that even the nerdiest of us would feel a longing for something else. Something great. Something inspiring. Something thats not... this.After 2 months of hiatus, I again subjected myself to 3 days of communing with nature. I walked.MutyaFrom the clean air of the mountains to the fresh waters of the falls life in Mayoyao is truly simple but enjoyable the 3 day experience in Mayoyao makes me wonder why we ever made life so complicated.Monet......
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