Into the Inferno

A volcano within a volcano, Taal's beauty and uniqueness make it one of the must see sights in the Philippines. It is also one of the country's most active volcanoes, and most enjoy Taal from a distance on the tourism and leisure hub that is Tagaytay ridge. While the view from Tagaytay is truly picturesque, on this adventure we go deeper into the Taal experience by trekking into the volcano's main crater and exploring what's inside. Only there, in the heart of the beast, can we appreciate the full glory of Taal Volcano.

As we explore the shores of Taal's crater lake and feel the volcano's barely contained fury, two questions are likely to come to mind: 1) Is this for real? 2) Are we crazy?* Here's our answer: This experience is much more real and not much crazier than missing the real Taal Volcano by viewing it only from afar.

* Taal's volcanic activity is well monitored and we check risk levels with the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) before and during every trip. Note that PHIVOLCS advises against entering Taal's main crater at any time and participants of this adventure go at their own risk. To learn more about the risks involved in visiting Taal Volcano, please visit the PHIVOLCS website. Should a trip be canceled or aborted due to safety concerns, booked participants will be given a full refund.

Highlights and activities

• View Taal Volcano from all possible vantage points: from afar, up close and from inside.
• Explore the surreal landscape of Taal's main crater.
• Have an unforgettable lunch inside an active volcano.

• hiking / trekking

1. 

   Day 1: To the inferno and back

   We drive from Manila to the shore of Taal Lake where we get our first look at Taal Volcano. Then we take an outrigger boat to the volcano island and our trailhead. After a steep hike up the slope of the volcano, we reach the crater rim. From there, it is an even steeper descent to the crater lake. On the way, we pass steam vents, scorched earth and a raging pit of boiling mud. When we get to the bottom of the crater, we spend the rest of the morning exploring its alien features and having lunch in the unique wasteland. After an hour and a half or so of tempting fate inside the crater, we hike out and sail back across Taal Lake to safety. We arrive back in Manila in the late afternoon.

This adventure is offered throughout the year. Contact us to schedule your Private Tour.

Includes

• All land and water transportation for the duration of the trip (private vehicle and chartered boat).
• All fees associated with the specified activities.
• Guiding service.

Excludes

• Breakfast and packed lunch. We will bring you to a place where you can have breakfast and buy packed lunch.
• Travel insurance.

• We weren't kidding about the tour title. This trip can be very hot. The trek has little shade and once inside the crater there is no shade at all. This, added to the heat produced by volcanic activity makes the crater a real inferno on a sunny day. You should not do this trip if you are prone to heat exhaustion or overheating.
• Those with respiratory problems should consult their doctor before joining this trip. Aside from the aerobic demand of trekking, this trip involves exposure to volcanic fumes.
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Philippines if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country; if you are not, this vaccination is unnecessary. The following vaccinations are recommended:
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Measles, mumps and rubella