Jump to: About Callao Cave | Cave Features | How to Get There | What to Do | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions
About Callao Cave
Callao Cave is one of the most famous limestone caves in the Philippines, located in Peñablanca, Cagayan Valley. Known for its seven-chamber cave where scientists and experts discovered 67,000-year-old fossilized remains of a Callao man in 2007, which is a thousand years older than the Tabon Man in Palawan. Callao Cave is definitely the top tourist attraction in Peñablanca, Cagayan. This cave is situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. By the way, Peñablanca, the name of the municipality, is a Spanish word that means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area.
Callao Cave Features
- Seven spacious chambers with dramatic limestone formations
- A natural chapel with an opening that lets in sunlight – often used for weddings
- Rich biodiversity and scenic views of the Pinacanauan River nearby
- Home to archaeological finds, including the remains of the early human species "Callao Man"
How to Get to Callao Cave
Callao Cave is located in Barangay Magdalo, Peñablanca, around 30 minutes from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. You can take a tricycle or hire a van from the city. There’s also an option to explore the Pinacanauan River by boat as part of the trip. Via air, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have daily trips to their local airport. By land, there are bus lines traveling from Manila to Tuguegarao. The travel time was 12 hours.
Things to Do at Callao Cave
- Explore the cave chambers and take photos of the rock formations
- Attend or observe a mass or wedding at the natural chapel
- Ride a boat on the Pinacanauan River
- Hike or climb the 180+ steps leading to the cave entrance
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon.
- Bring water and wear breathable clothes — it gets warm inside.
- There’s an entrance fee and an optional guide fee (to support the local guides).
- Wear sturdy shoes — some paths inside can be slippery.
Nearby Attractions
- Anguib Beach
- Palaui Island
Final Thoughts
Callao Cave is a hidden gem that offers a perfect mix of nature, spirituality, and pre-colonial history. Whether you're visiting for the adventure or the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a place that will leave you in awe of the Philippines’ natural wonders. Our backpacking in Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela was remarkable.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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