Pico de Loro: Guide and Itinerary

Pico de Loro is located in Cavite and is the highest point within the boundary of Cavite and Batangas. It stands at 664 meters above sea level (MASL). Mountaineers rated Pico de Loro as a minor climb with a difficulty level of 3/9. In my personal assessment, the first few parts of the trail is relatively easy but as the trekking progresses, the trail also becomes difficult and steep. There were trail signs (color red, pink and white) knotted on tree branches so be keen in finding it to avoid getting lost. Other signs (arrows pointing to the exact direction) were drawn on the trunk of the trees. I also noticed that the terrain is rocky so make sure you are using a durable trekking shoes/slippers/sandals.

Here is our itinerary:

Day 01: January 28, 2012
08:30 AM meet up @ Mcdo Roxas blvd
10:00 AM Rent jeepney to Magnetic Hill DENR (registration 20)
12: 45 AM ETA DENR/jump off
01: 00 PM start trekking
01:45 PM ETA Rest station, base camp 1 (registration 20)
05:45 PM ETA Camp site
06:00 PM Sunset viewing at Parot's Beak
06:15 PM Prepare for food, socials

Day 02: January 29, 2012
05:00 AM 1st wake up call
05:15 AM Breakfast
05:30 AM sunrise @ parots beak
10:00 AM break camp
12:00 Sidetrip at the waterfalls
02:00 PM DENR Jump off Point

How to get to Pico de Loro?
If you are on a big group, i suggest hiring the entire jeep that would bring you directly to DENR compund where mountaineers need to register and pay 20 pesos. But if you want to commute, you can ride buses or van bound for Cavite and alight at Ternate, Cavite. Travel time could take up to 3 hours. Then from Ternate, you can hire a tricycle for a 30 minute ride to the ranger station.

Here are the essential things to bring to survive Pico de Loro:

1. Bring Water to avoid dehydration or heat stroke. Just bring 3-4 liters of water to make sure that you are bringing sufficient amount.
2. Trail food (jelly-ace, chocolate, etc) to replenish your energy and sustain the physical challenges ahead.
3. A reliable tent.
4. Food ration for yourself and the group.
5. Burner and cookset.
6. Headlamp or flashlight especially if you are trekking at night.
7. Wind breaker / jacket (waterproof).
8. Lip balm, sun block lotion, hat / cap, shades, trekking pole - these are optional.
9. Thermal blanket/sleeping bag.
10. Extra slipper/sandals.