La Trinidad Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and natural beauty of La Trinidad with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the must-visit places, food, accommodations, and transportation options for a memorable trip.


Introduction to La Trinidad

La Trinidad is a popular destination situated in Benguet, in the Luzon Cordilleras, Philippines. It is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and delicious strawberries. The town is named after the Trinidad River, which flows through the municipality. La Trinidad is the capital of Benguet, and its population is predominantly made up of the Ibalois, one of the indigenous groups in the region.

List of Places to Visit in La Trinidad

Here are some must-visit places in La Trinidad:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Benguet Provincial Capitol - A grand neoclassical building that houses the offices of the provincial government and served as the primary seat of government for Benguet.
  • Benguet Heritage Museum - A museum that showcases the rich history and culture of the Benguet people. It features traditional clothing, musical instruments, and other artifacts.
  • Tam-Awan Village - An artist village that promotes and preserves the indigenous culture of the Cordillera region. Visitors can experience the traditional way of life through the huts, artwork, and performances.

Natural Attractions of La Trinidad: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Strawberry Farm - La Trinidad is famed for its juicy and delicious strawberries. Visitors can pick their strawberries fresh from the field and buy other farm produce.
  • Mt. Kalugong Eco-Park - A park that offers spectacular views of the mountain range and the town. It features a hiking trail, a cultural village, and a zip line.
  • Bridal Veil Falls - A waterfall situated in the heart of La Trinidad. It is named for its thin cascade that gives off a bridal veil-like effect.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Trinidad

La Trinidad has several well-known hiking and biking routes suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers:

  • Mt. Ulap - A popular day-hike offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys.
  • Ambuklao Dam - A scenic mountain biking trail with picturesque views of the Ambuklao Lake and the surrounding mountains.
  • Marlboro Country - A challenging hiking trail that leads to the Marlboro Country Peak, offering panoramic views of the mountain range.

Best Things to Do in La Trinidad: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to do in La Trinidad:

  • Strawberry Picking - Visit and pick fresh strawberries directly from the farm.
  • Tam-Awan Village Culture Tour - Explore the traditional way of life of the Cordillera people.
  • Hiking and Biking Tours - For the adventure-seekers, a guided tour of the hiking and biking trails is available.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Trinidad

Here is a suggested itinerary to maximize your stay in La Trinidad:

Day 1: Visit the Benguet Provincial Capitol and the Benguet Heritage Museum. Have a picnic at the Strawberry Farm and indulge in freshly picked strawberries.

Day 2: Embark on a cultural tour of the Tam-Awan Village. Enjoy an evening walk in the Mountain Trail and enjoy the cool breeze.

Day 3: Hike to the Mt. Ulap Summit and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges.

Day 4: Explore the Marlboro Country and experience hiking trails, mountain biking, and heli-tours.

Day 5: Take a relaxing break and enjoy the water cascading from the Bridal Veil Falls.

Day 6: Visit the Baguio Botanical Garden, which showcases an impressive lineup of unique flora.

Day 7: End your trip by experiencing the local delicacies and souvenirs of La Trinidad.

Food and Drink Scene of La Trinidad

La Trinidad is well-known for its local food delights. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Strawberry Taho - A unique twist on the traditional Filipino snack, Taho with the added flavor of fresh strawberries.
  • Etang - A savory dish made with a mixture of glutinous rice and fish or chicken, wrapped in banana leaves.
  • Pinikpikan - A native chicken dish where the chicken is beaten to death rather than slaughtered, which is believed to tenderize and improve the taste.

Local Beverages

  • Coffee - Local coffee beans are grown and harvested in the area, producing some of the best coffee in the country.
  • Basi - A local wine made from sugarcane juice and rice.

Where to Stay in La Trinidad: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several lodging options in La Trinidad to choose from, catering to different budgets and preferences:

  • Farmhouses - Experience living on a farm by renting a farmhouse and indulging in the fresh produce. Strawberry Farm is known for offering this unique experience.
  • Hostels - For budget travelers, there are several hostels in La Trinidad that offer affordable room rates with basic amenities such as bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and a common area.
  • Resorts - For those wanting a luxurious stay, several resorts offer a range of amenities such as pools, spas, and on-site restaurants.

What to Buy in La Trinidad: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to buy in La Trinidad:

  • Strawberries and Other Fresh Produce - La Trinidad is known for its fresh produce, and it would be incomplete not to buy some strawberries and other fruits to bring home.

  • Woven Products - The Cordillera region is known for its woven products. Baguio City Market and the Tam-awan Village have stalls that sell woven products like baskets, blankets, and clothing.

Local Culture and Customs of La Trinidad

The Ibalois are the majority of La Trinidad’s population, who primarily practice Christianity. However, they still retain much of their culture and traditions, which could be seen in their colorful festivals such as the Strawberry Festival and the Adivay Festival. They also have a strong bond with the surrounding natural resources such as the rivers and mountains.

Best Time to Visit La Trinidad

The ideal time to visit La Trinidad is from December to May when the weather is mild and dry. The Strawberry Festival is held in March and is a perfect time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Trinidad

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Try the local foods and delicacies.
  • Prepare for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter and pollute the environment.
  • Disrupt the peace and quiet of the community.
  • Wear improper clothing when visiting religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in La Trinidad

La Trinidad is a reasonably safe town for tourists. Still, it pays to practice common safety caution such as not walking alone at night and keeping valuable things out of sight.

Health in La Trinidad

Always carry bottled water and stay hydrated. Bringing a small first aid kit and bug spray is recommended. If you encounter any health concerns, medical services are available in La Trinidad.

Getting to La Trinidad: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Trinidad

The nearest airports are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and the Clark International Airport in Pampanga. From there, you can take a bus going to Baguio City, which is 30 minutes from La Trinidad.

Bus Stations Near La Trinidad

There are several bus companies that offer services from Manila to Baguio City. From Baguio City, catch a jeepney, taxi, or bus going to La Trinidad.

Other Options

Private car transport is also a popular option if you prefer flexibility and independence in your itineraries.

How to Get Around in La Trinidad

Jeepneys and taxis are the primary modes of transportation in La Trinidad. If you’re up for adventure, there are also rental bikes and motorbikes available for touring La Trinidad.

Where to Go Next from La Trinidad: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Baguio City - The summer capital of the Philippines, famous for its cool climate, flower gardens, and parks.

  • Sagada - Known for its stunning mountain landscapes, unique burial sites, and rich culture.

Conclusion

La Trinidad offers visitors a taste of Cordillera culture and a glimpse of the stunning mountain range amidst the fresh atmosphere. From wandering around the heritage sites, hiking and biking through the vast rugged mountains, and indulging in the farm produce, La Trinidad has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, we hope you’ll agree that La Trinidad is an exceptional destination to discover.

La Trinidad Strawberry Farms La Trinidad Strawberry Farms