02/08/2020
PICO DE LORO
Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas
Major jump-off: DENR Station, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
Minor jump-off: Sitio Fronda, Brgy. Papaya, Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas
LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Distinctive spire at the summit, forests, scenic views of Cavite
Centuries ago, the Spaniards aboard their galleons to Manila Bay noticed the form of a giant parrot, perched in the forested mountains in Cavite. They named it âPico de Loroâ â âParrotâs Peakâ Today, mountaineers who visit Pico de Loro discover that it is as enchanting as its name. High on Caviteâs highest point, they could behold the rocky tower that the Spanish sailors once saw as the parrotâs beak, and they could gaze towards South China Sea where the galleons once sailed, all the way to the historic island fort of Corregidor. Gusts of sea breeze reach the peak, refreshing hikers after a four-hour climb. The peakâs rocky outcropping is dramatic, and sharply contrasts with the plains of Cavite and the waters of South China Sea.
Such an experience is only the highlight of a trip to Pico de Loro, which is located on a DENR Protected Area. Nestled near the beaches of Cavite such as Puerto Azul and Caylabne, it is actually part of a small mountain range known as Mt. Palay-Palay. Readily accessible by bus from Manila, Pico de Loro has gained fame as a perfect weekend getaway. Even during the dry season, its forests protect hikers from the sun. Sometimes you can even chance upon exotic birds and monkeys along the trail.
The trail can be divided into two parts: the first is a gradual hike to the Basecamp 1 and beyond. The midpoint is a small rest/shaded area called Alibangbang. The second part is a steeper hike on a pleasant forest, leading all the way to the summit (there is a final, five-minute assault up). Prior to the summit, you will encounter the Summit Campsite surrounded by bamboos and some nice trees. There is also a part of the campsite that is part of a ridge that overlooks the summit.
From the summit, there is an opportunity to scale the Parrotâs Beak â more popularly known as the âMonolithâ which is the centerpiece of the views at the top. This is a 5-10 minute descent-then-ascent, then a brief scramble that can be quite dangerous (see âPracticalitiesâ).
On rainy days, instead of the aforementioned views, you will experience a serene windscape: of clouds surging past you, and tiny rain particles brushing across your face like a massage.The option to go down via Nasugbu, Batangas, is increasingly used, and is now made easier with the Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, which cuts the trail for 30-60 minutes. From this highway, a jeepney can pick you up or you can hitch a ride to Nasugbu, where one can easily take a bus to Manila.
-Pinoy Mountaineer