On a clear day, marvel at the panoramic view of Aparri to the west and the island of Palaui at the northeastern tip of Cagayan. Similarly stunning is the lush vegetation of the crater and the view of the steaming caldera emitting a stench of sulfuric gases.

Trekking Mt. Cagua, locally known as the ‘mountain of fire’ or ‘fire mountain’, presents a rare experience for amateur and professional mountaineers alike. Walking through the trees, mossy forests, and grasslands is one for the books. Nature lovers would love the forested trail teeming with biodiversity. Its gentle and shaded route is a tick off the bucket list for mountaineers who never knew of Mt. Cagua.

It is pretty daunting to be walking on top of the caldera. Seeing fumaroles emitting steam and volcanic gases is a unique experience. With safety precautions, trekkers need the help of certified local guides to make this a safe and rewarding adventure. Mount Cagua is an active volcano with recorded explosions in 1860 and 1907. Notable are its two fumaroles (openings on the earth’s surface) in the northern and southern parts of the caldera.