Nueva Vizcaya: Mountains, Caves and Waterfalls

The Sierra Madre to the east, the Cordillera to the west and the Caraballo Mountains to the south: these three mountain ranges surround Nueva Vizcaya. The province’s distinctive destinations include caves and waterfalls, as well as an extensive forest area, museums and historic buildings. You can tailor your trip to your interests, whether they lie in landscapes, culture or outdoor activities.

Experience the Landscape and Nature

The Capisaan Cave System is in Barangay Capisaan in Kasibu. At 4.2 kilometres long, it is considered the fifth-longest cave in the Philippines. Its length and ranking give a concrete sense of the scale of this cave system. If you are particularly interested in geological formations, you can make Capisaan a focus of your trip.

The Imugan Waterfalls in Santa Fe are a two-tiered, 35-foot-high waterfall with a shallow plunge pool. There is more to do here than admire the falls: visitors can hike along the streams and rivers they feed. The hike pairs the waterfall area with time outdoors; check local trail conditions in advance.

In Diadi, LMET Park covers 1,200 hectares within the 24,000-hectare Lower Magat Forest Reserve. The two figures describe different areas: the park and the larger reserve where it is located. A report published in May 2025 describes accommodations there ranging from traditional huts inspired by the Isinay and Ifugao to modern structures such as the two-storey Yakal Hall.

Culture, History and Local Agriculture

The People’s Museum and Library in Bayombong houses ethnographic and historical artefacts of cultural significance to Nueva Vizcaya. Its exhibition areas cover agriculture and rituals, accessories and weapons, weaving and textiles, the Ilocano collection, church materials and the Second World War. The topics range from everyday culture and crafts to history; exhibitions may be updated.

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church, a national landmark, stands in Dupax del Sur. For a cultural visit, it complements a museum visit with a historic church building. In Bayombong, Macababbad’s Orchidarium, Cacao, and Coffee Farm offers a different glimpse of the area: the two-hectare site includes orchids, a cacao farm and a coffee plantation. Near Imugan Waterfalls, Imugan Mountain Fresh Factory makes jams and fruit spreads from wild berries and other fruits.

Activities with Different Appeal

In Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya Paragliding offers pilot training and tandem flights; paramotoring is also available. Before booking, check the current conditions and whether the activities are being offered. At Balete Pass, an 800-metre zipline offers views of lush, forested terrain. Check in advance whether it is currently operating. These activities offer a different focus from cave visits, hiking or cultural sites and may help you decide what to include in your stay.

Getting There and Planning Your Accommodation

Nueva Vizcaya is accessible by bus on routes to Cagayan Valley and via the Cagayan Valley Road, also known as Daang Maharlika. The nearest commercial airport is Cauayan City Airport in Isabela; the overland journey to Nueva Vizcaya takes three hours. Check routes, operators and current journey times before travelling.

Travellers prioritising nature and hiking will compare different destinations from those whose focus is museums and churches.

Discover more destinations: Bagabag, Cagayan.

See the broader travel overview: Cagayan Valley.