mt pinatubo tour package atv

Share facebook twitter instagram

• DESTINATIONS

Pinatubo tours

Pinatubo trek.

Explore More!

MT. PINATUBO TREKKING PACKAGES 2024

PUBLIC/SHARED GROUPS

THE EXCLUSIVE PACKAGE

DO IT YOURSELF STYLE

2D/1N CAMPING

Best day-tour.

IN THE PHILIPPINES

WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN UP WITH TRIPINAS

What to expect with a trek to mount pinatubo.

• Tours & Activities

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Day Trip from Manila Including 4x4 Adventure and Hike

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Use of 4x4 with DOT accredited guide
• Hiking including local guide
• Lunch and bottled water
• Entry/Admission - Mount Pinatubo
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Minimum age is 12 years
• Maximum age is 69 years
• Lunch is scheduled at around 3:30pm on this tour; please be prepared to bring your own breakfast and snacks or bring money to purchase some along the way
• Swimming in the crater is prohibited
• Travelers are recommended to bring the following: Breakfast and snacks, sunblock, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses, extra drinking water
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This tour is subject to weather condition

Excellent trip except the van was not waiting for me when I returned from the climb. They had to be called and I waited for about 30 minutes. The trip itself was excellent. I was picked up from the hotel at the designated time and the driver was excellent. The climb to the crater was not difficult but it was long. The local guide was very helpful fording the stream and the jeep ride from the drop off point to the trail was an experience. Of note, you need to attest that you are no older than 59 to be able to climb and your blood pressure is taken before being allowed to proceed. They do not check the age just accept what you document.

• Information & Tips

Guide to Mt. Pinatubo: Crater Lake Hike, Tours, Nearby Attractions, Travel Tips

Best Time to Go to Mt. Pinatubo

• How to Go to Mt. Pinatubo from Manila

Public Transportation

Private vehicle, tours with transfers, what to expect in mt. pinatubo tours.

• Mt. Pinatubo Travel Tips
• Nearby Attractions and Activities

Pinatubo Spa Town

Bueno and dolores hot springs, capas national shrine, museo de tarlac, monasterio de tarlac.

• O'Donnell Catholic Church

Barely three hours away from Manila, the Philippines capital, you’ll find Mt. Pinatubo, one of the most powerful active volcanoes from the 20th century and a top Philippines hiking destination.

It was a dormant giant for about 500 years until it erupted in June 1991 a few days following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The devastating catastrophe buried the surrounding towns with ash and lava flows, leaving behind unimaginable loss of agriculture, infrastructure, and life. 

Over a decade later, Mt. Pinatubo and its surrounding area is now a beautiful sight to behold. Its once tragic and ashen gray backdrop has now become a picturesque mix of blues and greens that can be witnessed in Mount Pinatubo tours .

Its majestic caldera or crater with massive alpine-like rock formations surrounds a luminous turquoise lake that can only be described as magical. Mt. Pinatubo quickly became one of the most sought-after tourist spots near Manila, frequently flocked by hiking aficionados. 

See our popular Mount Pinatubo Tours

Exciting 2-week history & adventure tour package to ilocos, mt. pinatubo, baguio & sagada, amazing 2-week heritage & scenic tour package to llocos, mt. pinatubo, baguio, sagada & bohol, exhilarating 10-day hiking adventure package to pampanga, cebu & baguio.

If you’re looking for day tours near Manila, a place with lots of side activities, and just an overall good time, hiking Mt. Pinatubo is for you! Read on for a complete guide on this incredible place—pack your bags, lace up, and let’s go! 

It is best to marvel at and experience the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo on dry and summer season from December to May. While hiking is allowed any time of the year, it’s not recommended to go during the typhoon months from June to September since heavy rains can cause lahar floods in the area.

Be sure to pay attention to weather reports, especially if there are warnings of typhoons near or in Manila and adjacent provinces of Zambales and Tarlac. 

Avoid getting stranded and maximize the fun in your trip by visiting the area when the sun is up! 

See our popular Hiking Tours

Scenic 2-day treasure mountain rizal camping package with daranak falls side trip & transfers, 2-day adventure to buscalan kalinga tattoo village of apo whang-od from manila with homestay & meals, rizal treasure mountain day pass with breakfast, obstacle course, giant seesaw & bosay falls trek, how to go to mt. pinatubo from manila .

Photo by Department of Tourism

The scenic Mt. Pinatubo, all 4,757 feet of it, is nestled between Zambales and Pampanga, making this destination ideal for weekend adventures like hiking near Manila. Below are several ways to reach its jumpoff point in Capas, Tarlac, which is only a few hours away from the Philippine capital. 

Hop on a bus going to Capas, Tarlac via any major bus terminal in Manila, Cubao, or Pasay. It just depends on which is closest to where you are staying. You also have the option to ride buses with routes going to Baguio, Ilocos, or Pangasinan and tell the conductor you’re getting off at Sta. Juliana in Capas.

Once there, you can choose to ride a tricycle or a jeepney as long as it’s going to Sta. Juliana Tourism. There you will have to pay necessary environmental fees, and then they will assist you in booking your 4x4 tours in the Philippines that will take you closer to the mountain.

Driving to Capas, Tarlac will take a little over two hours from Manila. Make your way to NLEX, take the exit to SCTEX/Clark Airport. Exit toward Dolores, merge onto MacArthur Highway, and follow the road to Sta. Juliana Capas. 

Since Mt. Pinatubo has become one of the prime hiking destinations close to the Metro, there are several van services you can book to get there. Eliminate the hassle and opt for booking a service that will bring you from Manila to Tarlac and back! You can even book all-in Mt. Pinatubo tour packages so you wouldn’t have to worry about what to do once you get there. 

Despite its magnificent rock formations, Mt. Pinatubo is considered a minor climb with a 2/9 difficulty and a class 1 trail type. This means the Pinatubo crater hike is as enjoyable and rewarding for pros and newbies alike.

Experience minimal steep ascends and long, picturesque views throughout. Note that there’s a 10 am daily cut-off time for those who’d want to take the Pinatubo day-hike to ensure safety. 

Before hopping on the 4x4, it’s a must to settle environmental fees, which are used to keep the destination in pristine condition. Open-back type 4x4s are subject to availability, so best to be early to get a chance for an exhilarating ride on an open-back. The ride will last a little over an hour through sandy terrains, river crossings, and amazing views. 

• Book a Mount Pinatubo tour
• Check out our Inararo Pampanga eco tour

Once you’ve reached the foot of the mountain, the trek by foot begins! You will be greeted by volcanic formations throughout the hike. You’ll pass through streams, all varying in colors such as red, yellow, and green. Cliffs are a sight to behold, as they are remnants that tell how tall it was before the eruption.

The mountain offers a different beauty than nearby mountains. Stretches of sand are in place of lush forestry, and instead of the usual green hues of a mountainscape, what you’ll see are whites, grays, and browns. Here, the glass-like turquoise lake sits peacefully.

Upon reaching the crater, you’re in for a sight like no other. Swimming and boating in the lake is not allowed so take this time to enjoy the view and take pictures. Also, get ready to be advised to stay clear of the center due to strong currents.

You can experience the Pinatubo crater hike all within a day. The trek itself is just a little over two hours, depending on your pace. Alternatively, you can arrange for an overnight stay and pitch a tent in designated camping areas along the trail. 

Mt. Pinatubo Travel Tips 

Mt. Pinatubo crater hike is considered an easy trek, but it will be hot especially during the dry and summer months! Since there’s little to no cover, one can only hope for an overcast on a super dry day. Here are some tips you should consider when heading to this wonderfully hot spot:

Wear light (and light-colored) clothes. Best to bring extra sets of clothing too, but remember to pack light.

Protect yourself from the sun. A cap can do wonders, but be sure to use ample sunscreen lotion with high UV protection, too.

Wear light, breathable, and quick-dry hiking shoes since you will be trekking on varied terrains.

Bring lots of water in an insulated bottle for a longer-lasting cold drink along the trail.

Bring trail food too like sweet snacks. 

Be protected from the occasional rain by bringing an umbrella or a poncho. 

Arrive early to avoid the sun! 

The 4x4 jeep rental can be costly, so maximize the ride with 5 persons and split the cost among yourselves.

Check the weather when planning your hiking tour. 

When you schedule your trip within the months of October-May, you’d only need to cover 1km of the trail to the crater because the 4x4s can drive up all the way to the 6km mark.  

Take your trash with you and help keep Mt. Pinatubo clean. 

Nearby Attractions and Activities 

After an exhilarating time on your Mt. Pinatubo crater hike, take the chance to reward your body with a relaxing side-trip to the following nearby destinations.

A must-visit after a long tiring day of trekking and braving the elements, this site lets you freshen up and relieve yourself of the ash you accumulated along the trail. Revitalize your aching muscles at the Pinatubo Spa, a stone's throw away from your drop-off point from the 4x4 jeep tours. 

Avail of its many soothing massages, especially of the volcanic spa services. Bury your tired body in warm volcanic ash and savor its healing qualities or try covering your skin with volcanic mud and feel the difference in your skin afterward. Just be sure to rehydrate and drink lots of water after the treatment. Pinatubo Spa Town also offers Filipino and Korean food options for you to enjoy. 

Take a quick side trip to the nearby Bueno and Dolores Hot Springs and feel those tense muscles relax as you take a dip in the hot, therapeutic waters of the natural hot spring. With water temperatures reaching almost 50°C, melt those aches and pains away. Two large pools nestle the naturally occurring hot spring. 

Mt. Pinatubo also has other “hot spots” in the area. Take a visit to the rich history of the town through the Capas National Shrine. This memorial is a tribute to Filipino and American soldiers, men, and women who suffered and perished in the Bataan Death March. 

The shrine covers 54 hectares of parkland, most of which are lined with thousands upon thousands of trees to symbolize the heroism of fallen soldiers in the concentration camp that is now Capas National Shrine. A minimal fee of P20 is required. 

Memories of World War II are very much alive in Museo de Tarlac, which you’ll find at the Provincial Tourism of Tarlac building. The museum’s gallery will take you back to the fateful event in Philippine history with its collection of paintings, memorabilia, and other records documenting the war. Museo de Tarlac is home to a beautiful collection of masterful art and craft pieces from homegrown talents.

Do a complete 180-degree-turn after your Mt. Pinatubo hike and take a mellow leisurely uphill stroll to Monasterio de Tarlac. Continue your spiritual experience and climb up the Mountain of Resurrection where the monastery is built on. Unlike the other stops that showed the beauty of the olden days, the Monasterio de Tarlac was completed in 2000.

On top of the hill is a monolith replica of the Risen Christ in Rio. The monastery also houses what it claims to be a relic of the true cross. On the other side of the religiousness of the place is nature’s wonder. See the panoramic view of Tarlac that awaits you, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the calmness of the abundantly green view. 

O'Donnell Catholic Church

Going on a Sunday? Catch a mass at the O’Donnell Catholic Church and be transported back in time during the Spanish era with its old architecture and towering acacia trees that line the premises. The O’Donnell Catholic Church’s enchanting facade holds the town’s colorful history. 

Plan Your Hiking Tour to Mt. Pinatubo

Book Mt. Pinatubo tours or Pinatubo tour packages today and experience the beauty that came from a world-record-holding disaster. Don't miss out on an exhilarating adventure and go on a bumpy ride on a 4x4 on sandy terrains. Eliminate the hassle by booking well-organized tours to guide you through Mt. Pinatubo sights and activities. 

Be sure to bookmark this article for when you’re ready for adventure tours in the Philippines.

Popular articles

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around

20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines: White Sand, Longest, Vanishing

11 Best Santorini-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Vigan

15 Best Tropical Bali-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol

10 Best Treehouse Resorts in the Philippines for a Scenic Getaway at Mountains, Beaches & Rivers

Other interesting articles.

Guide to Diving in Tubbataha Reef: One of the Best Diving Destinations in the World

Guide to Diving in Malapascua: Top Dive Sites to Swim with Thresher Sharks

16 Must-Visit Amusement Parks, Theme Parks, and Waterparks in the Philippines

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in the Philippines

Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines

Philippines Tour Packages

Boracay Island

Bohol Island

Cebu Island

Coron Palawan

El Nido Palawan

Siargao Island

Iloilo City and Nearby

• Tour Package

MT. PINATUBO TOUR PACKAGE

CONTACT US! Mobile       : (SUN) 09428206515 / (SMART) 09988696338 / (GLOBE) 09778154707 / (GLOBE) 09162561122 Email         : [email protected] Facebook  : https://www.facebook.com/Primerosetravels

Joiner Tour Package

Private or exclusive tour.

• Private or Exclusive Tour(s) with a minimum passenger of twelve (12) persons per van can be set anytime as preferred. • For additional discounts send us the final headcount for the revised quotation.

Package Inclusions:

• Round Trip Van Transfer from (Manila – – Manila)
• All the mandatory fees of LGU Capas
• 4×4 ride going to and from Pinatubo
• Use of toilets/shower facilities
• Tour coordinator
• 1 Liter Water for trekking
• Pack Lunch or Meal after Trek
• SIDE TRIP TO CAPAZ SHRINE

Package Exclusions:

• Other Meals
• LGU Fees Botolan Zambales
• Personal Activities (ATV Adventure, Lahar Short Trail, Tambo Lake trail)
• All other expenses or activities not mentioned in the inclusions

Please take note that the itinerary will depend on the time management and cooperation of the group.

©  2024 Primerose Travel and Tours

• (045) 321 0045
• @amegatravel

Stay in touch with us

• 0917 626 4925 (Globe) / 0920 222 0774
• 0992 922 5733 (Viber)
• [email protected]
• 0917 626 4181
• 0991 103 2928

General Inquiry

• 0949 990 0663

AMEGA TRAVEL AND TOURS

Opening hours.

Attach Resume:

• Destinations
• _Philippines
• _South Korea

A travel blog featuring authentic travel experiences, stories, and tips written and photographed by Johanna Frejoles.

Exploring the Lahar Trail of Mt. Pinatubo with Capas ATV Adventure

Travel mishaps can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, it happened to me in the form of a bad weather forecast when I went to Capas, Tarlac to visit Mt. Pinatubo.

Reaching the summit crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo was supposed to be the original plan. However, when my friends and I arrived to meet our organizer, the Tourism Office did not allow anyone to push through because rapid flooding is inevitable even in light to moderate rains in the crater area.

Sensing our disappointed faces, our organizer offered us two options at no additional cost: go white water rafting or drive an ATV from Capas ATV Adventure going to the Lahar Trail of Mt. Pinatubo and Tambo Lake. We could go white water rafting in other places but we could never drive an ATV to the Lahar Trail of Mt. Pinatubo in other places so we chose the second option!

Capas ATV Adventure is just a stone’s throw away from the tourism office. After signing our waivers, we proceeded to choose our ATV of choice. Operating an ATV is straightforward, and even kids (so long as their feet can reach the pedals) can do it. It only took us a minute or two to know the basics and proceeded to our destination straight away.

We were greeted by the sight of carabaos eating grass and Aeta farmers carrying their crops. There were also children running around barefoot.

The sight of mountains and the rugged terrain of the valley is stunning. It is ironic how dreadful destruction led to this beauty.

I was born two years after the last time Mt. Pinatubo erupted, and I’ve only seen a handful of photos of the aftermath of the lahar that has taken the lives of thousands of people and livestock. Crossing the heavy mudflow made me think how awful it must have been to those who experienced the destructive eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

After almost an hour of riding, we arrived at Tambo Lake. According to our guide, Tambo Lake is one of the places where Balikatan Exercises, the annual military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, are held.

My friends and I raced around the vastness of the terrain. We were wet and muddy after plunging through the heavy lahar. It was a two-hour crazy ride!

I may not have visited the summit crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo, but I did enjoy that trip. All thanks to Capas ATV Adventure. Mt. Pinatubo is just there, and God-willing, I can always go back.

If you want to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure, visit Capas ATV Adventure’s Facebook page or call them at 0917 571 4357 or 0922 868 2589. On the other hand, if you want to experience trekking towards the summit crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo, you can organize your trip with Ma’am Sonia Bognot of   Majestic Mount Pinatubo Tour and Homestay. You can reach her at 0918 602 1943.

No comments

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Mt Pinatubo Day Tour Starting At Php 2300 (Daytour)

Tour Price Starts At: PHP 2300/PAX

Max Attendees: 10

Tour Availability: Contact us for availability

It was way back year 1991 when Mt. Pinatubo erupted It almost covered the land of Luzon with the ashes; it became a history on it’s own. A lot of people lose their home and a billions worth of crops we’re damaged.

But this time Mt. Pinatubo takes the title as one of the best getaway place that you can be of if you want a day tour. It’s colored blue green lake water holds the bauty of it’s own. Ironically, before it was a disaster but now It’s a treasure. Yes it holds the past but it’s own beauty covers the scars of the past. It’s quite adventurous to go up in the crater because you need to do trekking which is exciting. View from the top will let you witness the breathe taking scenery of the crater and the lake. Take a chance to pass by the lahar river, sands and rocks. It can really be challenging during the trek to reach the crater but It is guaranteed that It’s worth it. But don’t worry because there will be a 4 x 4 jeep ride to Mt Pinatubo via skyway that can give you a ride to Mt. Pinatube via skyway It’s a combination adventure.

There are optional activities that you can try when you get their. First one, might wanna give it a shot to experience the mud spa and the hot spring. You can even get close to the hottest point of the crater through a boat.

Mt. Pinatubo will always be a history for every Filipinos but It will always be a treasure for all us these days. See you up on the crater !!

Packge Price

2300 per pax for a group of 10

• Van transfers (Brand New Toyota Hiace Commuter 15 Seaters) Ayala-Tarlac-Ayala
• 4 x 4 jeep ride to Mt Pinatubo via skyway
• Entrance Fee and Permits, local guide fee
• Toll Fee and Gas
• Gas, Toll Fees, Driver’s Meals
• Taxes and Surcharges

Optional Activities

• Mt Pinatubo Hot Spring and SPA (own account)

*Meals are not included for personal preferences *Always remember to pack light *Prices are subject to change without prior notice

Interested about this tour package? Inquire using the form below.

Contact No.

Headcount --- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 More than 20...

  Sign me up for ParanaTours.com Updates via Email

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Group Tour Packages

Ilocos, vigan and pagudpud at php 1950 (3d/2n).

If you want to give yourself a break then try to explore […]

Starts at PHP 1850/PAX

Banaue Sagada Tour Starting At Php 2499 (3D/2N)

Sagada is known as the place to be if you’re looking for […]

Starts at PHP 2499/PAX

Caramoan Islands with Camsur Watersports Complex Starting at Php 3650 (3D/2N)

Need a one stop escapade? Explore Caramoan as it can give you […]

Starts at PHP 3650/PAX

• Myanmar (Burma)
• Philippines
• New Zealand

A Spectacular Mt Pinatubo Tour, Philippines

Rattling along the dusty, stone laced riverbed, our jeep suddenly skidded to a halt. after an hour of being bumped about in the back of the 4×4, o ur driver surveyed his options..

Directly in front of us, a flowing river cut across our route to the start of our Mt Pinatubo tour. The loose rocks and  stones we’d been travelling over for the last hour slipped down into the flowing water below us. Revving his engine, our driver suddenly  edged the jeep forwards, and splashed down into the river – there was no turning back now! 

The Beginning Of Our Mt Pinatubo Tour

We’d arrived a day earlier, heading North from Manila to the small village of Santa Juliana, a small town located near the base of Mt Pinatubo. It’s possible to take a day tour from Manila, but we would recommend getting out of the city for a couple of days, and taking the time to relax near Mt Pinatubo. We used Santa Juliana as our base for the next few days, as a starting point for our Mt Pinatubo tour. 

After a good night’s sleep, it was time for our Mt Pinatubo adventure!

We began our bumpy, bruise inducing Mt Pinatubo tour early, rising for breakfast at 6 before leaving our homestay at 7. After breakfast, we clambered onto the back of our open top jeep, and headed out along the village road towards the vast, dry bedrock of the nearby river. 

After a few minutes, we swung off the road and down the embankment to the riverbed, where we would spend the next 1.5 hours being jolted about, splattered with mud and covered in dust as we made our way to the start of our Mt Pinatubo tour. It was an exhilarating journey! 

Despite the uncomfortable ride, the landscape on our jeep ride was breathtaking. Magnificent rock formations jolted out of the ground around us, the dark grey stone brought to life by the lush green vegetation and trees that has somehow found a foothold in the crevices. We admired the scenery as we perched ourselves on the bench on the back of our jeep, hanging on by the metal frame around us. Luxury this was not!

After half an hour, we reached the first of what would be many river crossings. We clung on as the jeep jolted forward, and dipped down into the river. We were flung forward, and then back as the jeep levelled out in the river. 

Instead of going straight across and up the other side of the river, our driver swung the jeep to the right and started driving straight upstream! Surges of water splashed across the windscreen, and our backs splattered with mud as we made our way upstream. This was to become the norm as we made our way on our Mt Pinatubo tour. 

As we made our way closer to the base of the volcano, the landscape became more and more incredible. We had begun our journey surrounded by white and grey rocks, but as we got closer to the base of Mt Pinatubo, the grey gave way to lush green hills.  The green landscape rolled around us, punctured every now and then by sharp grey jagged peaks as the surrounding hills slowly eroded away. From the wide expanse of the river at the beginning of our journey, the valley narrowed as our driver navigated through the ancient lava flow/river bed.

Every now and then, we’d stop to let the engine cool down, and in the distance locals would appear from nowhere, eager to say hello and share a high five with us. As they approached us, the scale of our surroundings became apparent, our new friends a mere spec on the magnificent canvas laid out in front of us. This place was epic.  

After an hour, we rounded a bend and got our first glimpse of Mt Pinatubo, and what a sight it was! Layer upon layer of rock and stone gave way to rolling green hills and then, in the distance, Mt Pinatubo.

Finally, after an hour and half, our jeep pulled to a stop and we jumped out. After a few minutes of twisting our necks back into place and getting our bags organised, we began our trek. Ahead was a fairly leisurely 2 hour climb to the crater.

The trek itself was beautiful, again the landscape changing from grey valleys, to lush jungle as we closed in on the summit. We clambered over small rocks, and jumped across streams on our way. In our opinion you would only need a basic level of fitness to complete this trek.

After a couple of hours, we finally reached the crater, and what a view it was! We were blown away. The caldera of the volcano is huge, spanning 2.5km from one side to the other. The rugged, steep and unstable crater wall surrounds a deep blue lake. As we got closer, the lake stretched out into the distance in front of us. We sat down on the waters edge, and admired the view and tranquility. It was breathtaking, and reminded us of our epic Mount Rinjani trekking experience in Indonesia.

As we ate our lunch, suddenly a huge explosion was heard to our right! If there’s one thing you don’t want to hear when you’re sitting in a volcanic crater, it’s the sound of an explosion! Thankfully, this noise was from a rock fall on the ridge and not the volcano ‘waking up’. Phew! Incidentally, the last eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991 resulted in it losing 260 metres from its summit!

After an hour relaxing and taking in the view, we began the leisurely descent back down the volcano. The scenery again was incredible!

We made it back to our jeep, and began the bumpy journey back to our homestay. Hanging out the back of our jeep, the views looking back towards Mt Pinatubo were just as incredible!

Later that evening, still tired from our trek, we took a short walk up the hill near our homestay to watch sunset. Again, the scenery was spectacular and we got a sunset to match! It was a spectacular end to our time at Mt Pinatubo.

Our Mt Pinatubo tour was one of our highlights from the Philippines, and easily one of the most epic things we saw there. Despite the bumpy jeep ride (which adds to the excitement), the scenery and landscapes on offer are incredible. The trek to the summit was easy for us, and well worth it for the views of Mt Pinatubo crater. If you’re visiting the Philippines, we’d highly recommend a visit if you have time!

• A Mt Pinatubo tour from Santa Juliana begins at around 7am and depending on how long it takes you to trek and have lunch, you can expect to be back in Santa Juliana by around 2pm.
• The sunset view above is from the top of the hill overlooking the same route you take to get to Mt Pinatubo by jeep. You can walk along the village road (passed the Air Force base checkpoint) and up the small hill for these views.
• Stay for a night or two in Santa Juliana if you have time, it’s better than driving all the way from Manila early in the morning and trying to get back that same day. We stayed at Alvin’s homestay/Bognot Lodge .

Looking for more Philippines  inspiration? Click here .

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Saturn Stadium
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.