RegionOutline guide

Apayao

Province in Cordillera, Philippines

Photo: Andrew Garnett, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Apayao is a province in the Cordillera region of Luzon in the Philippines. One of the country's least-known provinces and the Cordillera's "Last Frontier", it has underrated natural and cultural attractions such as indigenous villages and unspoiled, jungle-covered mountains.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Apayao is mainly accessed through roads from Cagayan and Kalinga.

Read in the guide

Getting around

The Kabugao-Junction Luna Road is the main thoroughfare in Apayao, connecting much of the province with Cagayan. One can get around the province by public transportation such as jeepney, bus, and passenger van.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Tuguegarao Airport

Tuguegarao City · Regional · TUG

Search stays near TUG

Search flights

Read before you go to Apayao

Articles and travel topics about Apayao and Philippines.

Travel tips

Visa-Free Countries for Philippine Passport Holders (2026 List)

Full 2026 list of visa-free countries for Philippine passport holders. Check ASEAN entry rules, stay limits, and Bureau of Immigration clearance tips.

Oct 18, 20266 min read

Inspiration

Best Islands to Visit in the Philippines for First-Timers

Explore the best islands to visit in the Philippines, including Palawan limestone lagoons, Boracay white sands, Bohol hills, and Cebu waterfalls.

Oct 17, 20266 min read

Itineraries

Difference Between Palawan and Boracay: Which Island Is Better?

Learn the real difference between Palawan and Boracay with our breakdown of sand quality, boat tours, nightlife, travel transit, and vacation costs.

Oct 17, 20267 min read

Travel tips

Philippines Travel Budget: A Complete 7-Day Holiday Guide

Real-world 7-day Philippines travel budget covering hotel prices, domestic flights, island hopping tours, tricycle fares, and food costs.

Oct 17, 20267 min read

Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

TownsApayao is divided into seven municipalities, all rural and sparsely populated, with each having a central town.

UnderstandApayao occupies of land area, mostly mountainous and forested terrain.

TalkThe native language is Isneg, which has various dialects per town. An alternative lingua franca is Ilocano, brought by lowland migrants who settled in the province, followed by Tagalog, Ibanag, Itawis and English.

Get inApayao is mainly accessed through roads from Cagayan and Kalinga.

Get aroundThe Kabugao-Junction Luna Road is the main thoroughfare in Apayao, connecting much of the province with Cagayan. One can get around the province by public transportation such as jeepney, bus, and passenger van.

SeeTourism is still in its early stages in Apayao, with many waterfalls, mountains and caves still waiting to be discovered and identified even by the locals themselves.

DoPartake in cultural activities such as pounding rice, community dances and listening to the chants of the indigenous songs and epics.

EatLike the rest of the Cordilleras, Apayao cuisine is comprised of highland rice, starch vegetables, game, and smoked meats. There are more fish dishes than usual thanks to the Apayao River.

DrinkRice and sugarcane wines are the native drink.

SleepThe bulk of tourist accommodation, including small and mid-size hotels, is in Luna and Pudtol. Most accommodation elsewhere consists of small inns, hostels or homestays.

Stay safeAccidents and landslides are common along the mountain roads, with the danger compounded by low or nonexistent guard rails and fog. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Apayao" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Apayao", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Andrew Garnett, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage