Jump to: About the Hanging Coffins | How to Get There | Cultural Significance | What to Expect | Nearby Attractions | Travel Tips
About the Hanging Coffins
The Hanging Coffins of Sagada are a unique burial tradition of the Igorot people, specifically the Kankanaey tribe. Instead of burying the dead underground, the locals placed coffins on high limestone cliffs in Echo Valley, believing it brought the dead closer to the ancestral spirits. Some coffins date back hundreds of years and are still visible today.
How to Get There
- Begin at the Sagada Tourism Office to register and book a licensed guide
- Start the hike from the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in town
- A 15–30 minute hike through Echo Valley leads to the cliffside site
- The trail is moderately easy but involves stairs, slippery paths, and forest terrain
Cultural Significance
The practice reflects the Kankanaey people's deep spiritual beliefs and connection to the afterlife. Hanging the coffins high up was believed to prevent animals from disturbing the remains and bring the deceased closer to heaven. Today, the tradition is rarely practiced, reserved for elders who followed specific tribal customs during their lifetime.
What to Expect
- 🪦 Dozens of wooden coffins mounted on steep limestone cliffs
- 🌲 A peaceful walk through Echo Valley, pine trees, and mountain fog
- 📸 Great opportunity for cultural and landscape photography
- 🎙️ Local guides offer detailed stories and symbolism of the site
- ⚠️ Climbing near or touching the coffins is prohibited
Nearby Attractions
- ⛪ Church of St. Mary the Virgin – Starting point of the hike
- 🕯️ Sumaguing Cave – Spelunking adventure nearby
- 🌄 Kiltepan Viewpoint – Best for sunrise and sea of clouds
- 🍲 Yoghurt House & Gaia Café – Popular dining spots
Travel Tips
- 📝 Register at the Tourism Office and hire a guide (required)
- 🥾 Wear trekking shoes or sandals with grip — the trail can be slippery
- 🤫 Maintain silence and respect around the burial site
- 📷 Drones are not allowed unless you have special permission
- 🌿 Avoid stepping off the trail or leaving trash in the area
Final Thoughts
The Hanging Coffins of Sagada are more than a tourist attraction — they represent a centuries-old belief system and the sacred relationship between the living and the dead in Igorot culture. A visit here is both humbling and unforgettable. Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.