Quirino Province Tourist Spots, Where to Stay & Eat
Nestled in the Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Quirino is a landlocked province that boasts natural wonders that rival more popular destinations. In fact, Quirino tourist spots offer adventures that are both thrilling and serene.
If you're craving a break from city traffic and the neighborhood gossip, Quirino Province is calling your name.
Quirino Province Map
Top Tourist Spots in Quirino Province
Quirino tourist spots offer the best kind of adventure, but without the crowd. Ready to explore? Here are the top tourist spots in Quirino you shouldn’t miss.
Governor's Rapids
Photo from Biyahe ni Drew
Address: Divisoria Sur, Maddela, Quirino Province, Philippines
Ready for some adrenaline? Governor's Rapids in Maddela offers white-water rafting that's both exhilarating and scenic. The limestone formations and clear waters make it a must-visit. You can enjoy activities such as boating, water tubing, cliff diving, and exploring nearby caves and waterfalls. The area offers a mix of adventure and relaxation amidst scenic landscapes.
Just remember, after getting soaked, your IslaDry Travel Bath Towel will have you dry in no time. This portable bath towel folds small so it can easily fit your bag. No need to skip bringing the towel because this time, it fits your backpack easily.
Aglipay Caves
Photo from Quirino Province - Quirino Tourism
Address: Barangay Villa Ventura, Aglipay, Quirino Province, Philippines
Channel your inner explorer as you navigate the Aglipay Caves. With 38 interlinked chambers, it's a spelunker's paradise.
The Aglipay Caves comprise a network of limestone caves set within a 101-hectare forest. You can explore the caves' stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. The site also offers camping facilities, making it ideal for overnight adventures.
Landingan Viewpoint
Photo from Quirino Province - Quirino Tourism
Address: Barangay Ponggo, Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, Philippines
Situated atop a hill, Landingan Viewpoint provides panoramic views of Nagtipunan's rolling hills, the Cagayan River, and surrounding landscapes. It's a perfect spot for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of Quirino Province.
Mactol Falls
Photo from Fun in the Philippines
Address: Barangay San Pugo, Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, Philippines
Mactol Falls is a stunning waterfall approximately 50 meters high, cascading into a deep basin. You can swim in its clear waters, picnic, and appreciate the serene environment. The journey to the falls includes navigating winding roads and stairs, so make sure to come prepared for that. Also, bring your IslaDry bath towel to keep yourself dry after a soak in the waterfalls.
Quirino Water Sports Complex
Photo from Quirino Watersports Complex Facebook Page
Address: Capitol Hills Road, Cabarroguis, Quirino Province, Philippines
This 9.5-hectare facility is the first and only full-course wakeboarding park in the region. It features a 450-meter wakeboard cable on a 2.5-hectare lagoon, a winch park for beginners, swimming pools, and accommodations. It's a hub for water sports enthusiasts and offers facilities for events and gatherings.
And yes, your IslaDry Travel Bath Towel will come in handy again. Public showers are available in the water sports complex, so make sure to bring your towel, shampoo, soap, and clothes for changing.
Where to Stay in Quirino: Hotels and Resorts in Quirino Province
After a day of adventure, you'll need a cozy place to rest. Here are some top picks for hotels in Quirino Province:
■ Capitol Plaza Hotel & Restaurant – Cabarroguis
■ Quirino Watersports Complex Villas – Cabarroguis
■ Joyce Homestay – Cabarroguis
■ MGT Hotel – Diffun
■ Saber Lodge – Diffun
■ The Valley Park Leisures and Resort – Saguday
■ Villa Estrella Inn – Maddela
■ Amancio Farm Hotel – Aglipay
In Nagtipunan, there are several transient and homestay options available for tourists visiting Mactol Falls and Landingan Viewpoint. Expect warm hospitality and a taste of local life. Just make sure to bring a portable bath towel with you because most of these budget accommodations don’t provide towels and toiletries.
No matter your budget or travel style, you’ll find welcoming Quirino Province hotels and resorts ready to give you a good night’s sleep after a day full of adventures.
Where to Eat in Quirino Province: Savor the Flavors of Quirino
Food is a big part of any travel experience. In Quirino, you'll find a mix of traditional Filipino dishes and local specialties. Here are some of the best places to eat in Quirino Province:
■ Celine’s Eatery – Diffun
■ Nanay Pacing’s Carinderia – Aglipay
■ Aglipay Park Café – Aglipay
■ E-Jay's Bulalohan & Eatery – Saguday
But what are you supposed to eat in Qurino Province? Here are the must-try food items that make Quirino deliciously unforgettable:
■ Pinikpikan: A traditional Cordilleran chicken soup dish, made by “softly” beating a native chicken before cooking it with ginger and sometimes etag (native smoked pork). It’s smoky, rich, and often reserved for special occasions—but you’ll find it served in some homestays and local eateries if you ask nicely.
■ Inatata (Sticky Rice Rolls): Steamed sticky rice rolls wrapped in banana leaves, usually served during holidays or festivals. It’s the Quirino version of kakanin, best paired with hot coffee or tsokolate.
■ Pawa: Similar to kutsinta, these are soft steamed rice cakes with sweet peanut filling inside. Usually sold during local fairs or in markets as merienda or pasalubong.
■ Local Honey: Harvested from forested areas in Nagtipunan and Maddela, this raw honey is a sweet and healthy pasalubong—perfect for pairing with tea or drizzling over toast.
■ Banana Chips & Cassava Chips: Crunchy, lightly sweet, and locally made. These are go-to pasalubong picks you’ll often see in roadside stalls and pasalubong centers.
How to Get to Quirino
Reaching Quirino Province is an adventure in itself, but the journey is well worth it. Here are several ways to get to Quirino Province:
By Bus
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a bus is a practical choice. Several bus companies operate routes from Metro Manila to Quirino Province, including Five Star, GV Florida Transport, and Northern Luzon Bus Lines. Travel time ranges from 9 to 10 hours, with fares approximately ₱500.
By Air
If you prefer a quicker journey, flying is an option. While Quirino doesn't have its own airport, nearby airports can serve as gateways, including:
■ Cauayan Airport (CYZ): Located in Isabela, about 1.5 hours by land to Cabarroguis, the capital of Quirino.
■ Tuguegarao Airport (TUG): Situated in Cagayan, approximately 3 hours by land to Quirino.
Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate flights from Manila to these airports.
By Private Vehicle
Driving to Quirino Province offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic routes. From Manila, the journey takes about 6 to 7 hours, covering approximately 384 kilometers.
Check out our road trip essentials checklist here so you won’t forget anything important.
Remember to plan your trip ahead, considering travel times and transportation options, to make the most of your visit to Quirino Province.
Quirino Province Awaits
Quirino Province may not be as famous as Palawan or Boracay, but it offers a unique charm that's hard to resist. From thrilling adventures to serene landscapes, it's a destination that deserves a spot on your travel list.
And remember, whether you're rafting down Governor's Rapids or exploring the Aglipay Caves, the IslaDry Portable Bath Towel is your perfect travel companion. Lightweight, quick-drying, and compact—it’s designed for travelers like you.
Ready to explore Quirino Province? Don't forget to pack all your travel essentials and make the most of your adventure. Enjoy!
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