Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo, in spite of its rather violent past (being the 2nd most devastating in the 20th century), is worth a visit. Its blue-green crater lake is something nature enthusiasts should not miss. We trekked to Mt. Pinatubo in 2007, and that time, the hike took about three hours, but now, you have an option to do it for just an hour, after a ride in a 4x4 vehicle.

The trek is not difficult, but you will need a lot of sunblock lotion, a scarf (for the dust) and a good hat. These are especially needed if you trek at noon. Also, be prepared for a rather rough ride in 4x4 jeep, as the terrain is very uneven. You would cross streams, the sizes of which would depend on the season. 

A lot has changed since 2007. Now, there are a lot of tours for Pinatubo trek. The camp site has also changed a lot since then. 

Travel Notes:

(Information below is as of 2013)
- Take any bus going to Tarlac (Tarlac, Pangasinan, Baguio)
- Get off at Capas Junction
Bus Fare: Php 175~
Travel time: 1.5 hours to 2 hours

4x4 to Mt. Pinatubo

- Take a tricycle to Pinatubo tourism office (found right outside Mc Donald's)
- You may ask for a guide there (or you may contact Wendell of Brgy. Sta. Juliana Tourism: 09196084313, to inquire before your scheduled trek)
Guide Fee: Php 500/5pax
4x4 fee: Php 3000/4pax
Conservation Fee: Php 450
Indigenous people fee: Php 150
Trek Time: 2 hours (depending on your speed)
Tricycle back to Capas: Php 300
- Make sure to get to the tourism office early, since the military would no longer allow your vehicle in after 7:30am (military activity going on after this time)

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