Capital city of Cagayan, Philippines
Photo: Mikhailderivera, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Tuguegarao (pronounced as "tu-ge-garao" and commonly shortened as Tugue) is the only city in Cagayan province, and is the transportation hub for the region. It is the regional center of Cagayan Valley, with a reputation for hot weather.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
One of the longest bridges in the country at . It is from the city proper and offers an unobstructed view of the Cagayan River. It connects Tuguegarao with western Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao and western Isabela.
Tuguegarao Cathedral
The seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. The church with the belfry is the biggest Spanish colonial church in Cagayan Valley built by the Dominicans. It was constructed from 1761 to 1767 under the supervision of Fr. Antonio Lobato, OP. The cathedral suffered massive destruction in World War II losing its pipe organ, three wooden retablos, pulpit, wooden choir loft and the painted wooden ceiling all of which were from the early 18th century. The complex was rebuilt by Msgr. Bishop Constance Jurgens who is now entombed inside the church. The Cathedral is also said to be one of the beautiful structures that stood in the land and because of that impression, its portrait can also be seen in Vatican City. The traditional ringing of the cathedral bells for the Angelus and during Mass is still being practiced today. Its belfry is visible from a distance of .
San Jacinto Church, Ermita de Piedra de San Jacinto
An elevated historic chapel established in 1604, 100 years older than the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. American soldiers during the Philippine-American War used it as headquarters in 1899. St Hyacinth is the patron saint of the city whose feast is celebrated every August 15 coinciding with the Pav-vurulun Festival. The oldest brick structure in the city is the first parochial building built by the Dominican fathers in Tuguegarao. The current structure is the latest in a process of rebuilding beginning in 1724, in 1892 after it was destroyed by an earthquake and reconstruction after World War II. The chapel was not heavily damaged during the war and as a result retains its original wooden retablo which dates to the 18th century.
This is a general museum that houses an extensive collection of artifacts, antiques, ethnography, trade wares, heirloom pieces and liturgical works of the province and fossils of animals that once roamed the valley. The museum houses extensive data on the discovery of Callao Man by the National Museum of the Philippines. Since 2023, it is housed in the old provincial jail, which in turn used to be the Casa Tribunal de Cagayan that was built in 1877.
SPUP
It was founded by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in 1907, who came to Cagayan upon the invitation of Bishop Dennis Dougherty. The school had its operation in a Spanish Convento, adjoining the Cathedral of Tuguegarao. The institution transferred to its present location in 1934 after it was acquired from the Dominican Order. The entire building complex became hospital and garrison of the Japanese forces during World War II and was bombed by the combined American and Filipino ground troops during the liberation in 1945. The institution became the first Catholic University in Cagayan Valley in 1982.
Kiln
A Spanish-era brick kiln located at Barangay Bagumbayan. This was used to fire bricks to be used for various structures during the Spanish colonial era in Tuguegarao such as the Tuguegarao Cathedral and the San Jacinto chapel. It is found beside a basketball court.
The headquarters of the provincial government of Cagayan, housed inside a sprawling gated complex.
the place is beautiful, gatorade blue water, you have to hike for 20-30 min to the river, cave exploration 'was' optional.
The old town square, flanked by the Cagayan Museum and Tuguegarao Cathedral. At the center is an ornate monument to the national hero, Jose Rizal.
Callao Eco-Tourism Zone
This 7-chamber limestone show cave features a chapel & numerous rock formations.
Pan de Cagayan is a family-owned restaurant by Babaran Family. It serves pizza, baguettes, pasta and many more!
Their pancit has many toppings, like chicharon bulaklak, karahay, and chorizo. You can even add more like siomai, longganisa and others. One of the best pancit in Tuguegarao.
This is where the local go-to place for pansit batil patong.
Korean restaurant.
Best Bulalo in the city. The restaurant is well known.
Classic Filipino comfort food served at its best. Good choice to eat here everytime.
the best pizza store in Tuguegarao City.
Sells dairy products such as candies and flavored milk, along with other Cagayan delicacies.
With a restaurant and WiFi.
Homey and cozy, run by a veteran hotelier (Mr. Benjie Bañez) with reasonable rates and free fast, reliable fibre wifi. Two-minute drive from the airport.
SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown has a gross floor area of almost 37,000 m². SM Supermarket, cyberzone and food and nonfood retail tenants.
has a gross floor area of almost 90,000 m². Anchor tenants are SM Store and SM Supermarket. The mall also has cinemas, a foodcourt, Cyberzone, and amusement center.
MoVa
One of the city's two public markets, run by the Xentro Malls chain since 2011.
By plane
By bus
Tuguegarao is the destination for most buses from Manila, but some continue north to Aparri and Santa Ana. Onward to Ilocos Norte, a transfer is required at Tuguegarao.
Many tricycles ply around the city which transports passengers to different points within the city.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tuguegarao City · Regional · TUG
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Tuguegarao and Philippines.
Full 2026 list of visa-free countries for Philippine passport holders. Check ASEAN entry rules, stay limits, and Bureau of Immigration clearance tips.
6 min read
Explore the best islands to visit in the Philippines, including Palawan limestone lagoons, Boracay white sands, Bohol hills, and Cebu waterfalls.
6 min read
Learn the real difference between Palawan and Boracay with our breakdown of sand quality, boat tours, nightlife, travel transit, and vacation costs.
7 min read
Real-world 7-day Philippines travel budget covering hotel prices, domestic flights, island hopping tours, tricycle fares, and food costs.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.