Quirino is a land-locked province found on the north eastern part of the Philippine’s Luzon Island group. Composed of six municipalities, it is bordered by the provinces of Isabela on its north side, Aurora on its south east, and Nueva Vizcaya on its west. Named after former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino, it used to be a sub-province of Nueva Vizcaya.

Popularly known as Quirino Province, the place is not usually found on the tourism map. But this does not mean that it has nothing to offer for visiting tourists. The province has massive and pristine caves for spelunking, river rapids for canoeing and tubing, exquisitely carved mountain gorges, verdant rolling hills that can rival those in Batanes, and—as of last count—twenty waterfalls all within its land area.

Tourist spots in Quirino cater more to eco-adventurers more than the usual sight-seeing travelers. It is one of the most underrated places in the country for tourism, but has so much to offer once discovered.

An itinerary of three days is the minimum to see most of Quirino Province’s tourist spots, but for a more thorough visit, you can stretch your itinerary to at least five to six days.

QUIRINO PROVINCE TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG WHAT’S INSIDE? • How To Get To Quirino Province • Getting Around Quirino Province • Quirino Province Tours • Speak Quirino Province • Where To Stay In Quirino Province • Where To Eat In Quirino Province • What To See And Do In Quirino Province • Festivals In Quirino Province • What To Buy In Quirino Province • Quirino Province Tourist Spots Map • Quirino Province Sample Itinerary • Extend Your Trip

HOW TO GET TO QUIRINO PROVINCE

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There’s no easy way to access Quirino Province from Metro Manila. Directly, one can take an overnight bus from Metro Manila and arrive at the town of Maddela the next morning. It’s time-consuming but less expensive than taking a one-hour flight from Cebu Pacific Air to Cauayan Airport in the neighboring town of Isabela. From there, one still has to ride a one and a half hour van ride to Cabarroguis, the province’s capital. Alternatively, one can also ride a one-hour flight to Tuguegarao City via Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines, then board a three-hour van ride to Quirino.

►CHECK FOR THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT TO CAUAYAN

○ MANILA TO QUIRINO PROVINCE BY BUS ○ NINE TO TEN HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱500.00 +/-
There are bus terminals in Cubao (Quezon City) and Sampaloc (Manila) that goes directly to Quirino Province. Most have a daily schedule to the province and usually rides out at night, arriving the next morning. Ticket fares are usually at around ₱500.00, give or take, for a one-way trip. Please call the numbers provided for their respective bus schedules.

● FIVE STAR Cubao (02) 911-7359, (0927) 712-4349, (0943) 706- 5083 | Twice Daily
● GV FLORIDA Manila (0945) 226-7310, (0928) 987-5990
● NELBUSCO Manila (02) 712-5902, (02) 743-1332
● NORTHERN LUZON BUS LINE Manila (0927) 875-8105


○ MANILA TO QUIRINO PROVINCE BY PLANE VIA CAUAYAN / TUGUEGARAO ○ ONE HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE VARIES
● CEBU PACIFIC AIR (02) 8802-7169
Flies four times weekly to Cauayan, Isabela | Plus 1.5 hours van to Cabarroguis, Quirino
Flies daily to Tuguegarao | Plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino   
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (02) 8855-8888 
Flies daily to Tuguegarao | Plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino    
   

○ BAGUIO TO QUIRINO PROVINCE (MADELLA) BY BUS ○ SIX TO SEVEN HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱370.00 +/-
● KMS Bus Lines Baguio (0915) 947-1440, (0999) 849-2106, (074) 304-3113
● NA Liner Baguio (0999) 937-0313


○ BALER TO QUIRINO PROVINCE BY BUS ○ THREE TO FIVE HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE VARIES
Passenger vans, pick-ups, and ordinary buses regularly ply the Aurora-Quirino route. These trips last for about three to five hours on the mountainous road of Aurora's Dipaculao municipality.

GETTING AROUND QUIRINO PROVINCE

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During our stay in Quirino’s provincial capital, Cabarroguis, I noticed the lack of public transportation in the area. From what I observed, the most common mode of getting around Quirino is thru vans—both air-conditioned and air-cooled. I hardly ever saw jeepneys, but I’m sure they have a few, you probably just have to know their schedule. Tricycles are also available for short-distance travels.

The absolutely best way to tour Quirino Province’s tourist spots efficiently is by contacting the local tourism office (0917) 416-5945 and hiring a vehicle.

QUIRINO PROVINCE  TOURS

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There were no packaged tours available for Quirino Province when I first went there several years back. Now, there’s one! Explore Quirino Travel and Tours. They have tour packages that you can easily avail.

If you want to do things DIY, contact the local tourism office at this number: (0917) 416-5945 or Quirino Tourism Facebook Page, give them the number of days you’d be staying and allow them to make the best itinerary for the activities you want. Just be sure not to miss out on the Siitan River Cruise!

SPEAK QUIRINO PROVINCE

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Most Quirinians use Ilocano as their language although most of them speak Tagalog and English fairly well. Some native tribes speak Bungkalot and a few in the upland regions speak Ifugao and Kankana-ey. There are also some places where locals speak Pangasinan.

Thank You – Agyamannak apo
Good Morning – Naimbag a bigatmo
Good Afternoon - Naimbag a malemmo
Good Evening – Naimbag a rabiim
How Much? – Mano?
Where is… – Ayanna ti…

WHERE TO STAY IN QUIRINO PROVINCE

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Being an off the beaten destination, Quirino Province is a bit lacking when it comes to places to stay in. You can literally count the number of accommodations, inns and lodgings in each town, but there are quite a few homestays one can sleep over at. That being the case, the rates for lodgings in Quirino is much lower than more popular touristy provinces.
~ PHOTOS FROM QUIRINO PROVINCIAL WEBSITE EXCEPT CAPITOL PLAZA HOTEL

DA-QUIRINO EXPERIMENT STATION GUEST HOUSE  
Address: San Ramon, Aglipay
Contact Number: (0995) 402-9632
GPS Coordinates: 16.405069, 121.653029
SABER’S LODGE
Room Rates: P350 Room,    
Address: San Leonardo, Aglipay
Contact Number: (0916) 544-4140
GPS Coordinates: 16.489944, 121.587167

ABRASA MPC
Room Rates: P425 Dorm, P850.00 Room
Address: Gundaway, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0905) 546-2742
Email: ampchotel@gmail.com | abrasampc@yahoo.com
GPS Coordinates: 16.523500, 121.521389
CABAQUIR HOMESTAY
Room Rates: P200 Dorm
Address: Gundaway, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0915) 205-4688
CADIENTE’S HOMESTAY
Room Rates: P200 Dorm
Address: Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0905) 751-4475
CAPITOL PLAZA HOTEL QUIRINO
Room Rates: P400 Dorm, P1,200 Room  
Address: Capitol Crest Road, San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0917) 955-6277
GPS Coordinates: 16.524889, 121.519222
CFFQI DORM 
Room Rates: P100 Dorm
Address: Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0975) 243-4506
EXPLORE QUIRINO HOMESTAY
Room Rates: P300 Dorm
Address: San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0916) 635-9978
GERMINAL’S HOMESTAY
Room Rates: P200 Dorm
Address: Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0927) 312-8910
JOYCE HOMESTAY
Room Rates: P600 Room
Address: Capitol Crest, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0917) 682-0418
GPS Coordinates: 16.524293, 121.520269

DISADECO LODGE
Room Rates: P250 Dorm, P700 Room
Address: Andres Bonifacio, Diffun
Contact Number: (0917) 658-5623
PUSUAC MPC HOMESTAY 
Room Rates: P300 Dorm
Address: Purok 2, Andres Bonifacio, Diffun
Contact Number: (0935) 216-8146

QUIRINO TRAVELLERS HOTEL (VILLACARIDAD) 
Room Rates: P200 Dorm, P1,700 Room
Address: Villa Sur, Maddela
Contact Number: (0912) 635-5593
GPS Coordinates: 16.348061, 121.681643

D’FIELDS TRAVELERS HOMESTAY
Room Rates: P200 Dorm
Address: Dipantan, Nagtipunan
Contact Number: (0906) 900-0301
GPS Coordinates: 16.216651, 121.600045

WHERE TO EAT IN QUIRINO PROVINCE

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Quirino Province is a very provincial place, don’t expect to find fancy restaurants and fast food places in the area. What it has are simple eateries like carinderias and panciterias where home-cooked dishes are served at very affordable prices. Be sure to buy early for dinner as most close by ten in the evening.

AKEL’S PANCITERIA
Type: Noodles, Filipino Food
Address: Provincial Rd., San Marcos, Cabbaroguis
Contact Number: (0927) 406-9089
GPS Coordinates: 16.523306, 121.521667
CAPITOL PLAZA RESTAURANT
Type: Filipino Food
Address: Capitol Crest Road, San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0915) 352-3963 | (0915) 267-7981
GPS Coordinates: 16.524889, 121.519222

MJ SNACK AND PANCIT CABAGAN RESTAURANT
Type: Noodle House
Address: Purok 3, Brgy. Ponggo, Nagtipunan
Contact Number: (0949) 342-2150
GPS Coordinates: 16.220417, 121.606056

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN QUIRINO PROVINCE

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Quirino Province is like uncovering a pile of unpolished gems when it comes to tourism. It has almost everything an eco-adventure traveler craves for; motocross mountain grounds, a wakeboarding complex, lots and lots of waterfalls (20 as of last count), two river rapids, a beautiful gorge, huge caves systems, and scenic rolling hills. There are so many places to see and things to do in Quirino that a weekend is not enough to see all its tourist spots.

AGLIPAY CAVES
Address: Brgy. Villa Ventura, Aglipay
Entrance Fee: ₱25.00 (Environmental Fee)
Guide Fee: ₱250.00 (Suggested)
GPS Coordinates: 16.480278, 121.618222
MABO FALLS
Address: Sitio Mabo, Brgy. Nagabgaban, Aglipay
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.372839, 121.541432 (Approximate)
PHOTO BY SIRPAT PHOTOGRAPHY
PENSAL FALLS
Address: Brgy. San Benigno, Aglipay
Entrance Fee: Free
PHOTO BY ORLAN BALITON

DIBIWEN FALLS
Address: Dingasan, Cabarroguis
Entrance Fee: Free
PHOTO FROM PROVINCIAL TOURISM WEBSITE
MOTOCROSS MOUNTAIN TRACK
Address: San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.523869, 121.509164
PHOTO BY JELO CADIENTE FABROS

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL
Address: San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.523694, 121.516889
SUSONG DALAGA
Address: Gundaway, Cabarroguis  
GPS Coordinates: 16.511717, 121.513799
PHOTO FROM PROVINCIAL TOURISM WEBSITE

WAKEBOARDING COMPLEX
Address: San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.521278, 121.517417
PHOTO FROM PROVINCIAL TOURISM WEBSITE

BATUMBAKET ROCK FORMATION
Address: Don Mariano Perez, Diffun
Entrance Fee: Free 
PHOTO FROM PROVINCIAL TOURISM WEBSITE
NAGBUKEL CAVE
Address: Cajel, Diffun
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.570833, 121.512222
PHOTO FROM WIKICOMMONS

NANTUGAW / GANANO FALLS
Address: Baguio Village, Don Mariano Perez, Diffun
Entrance Fee: ₱15.00 (Environmental Fee)
Guide Fee: ₱500.00 (Good for 5pax)
GPS Coordinates: 16.475148, 121.397690
PHOTO BY IAN RICHIE NICOLAS
SINIPIT FALLS
Address: Baguio Village, Don Mariano Perez, Diffun
Entrance Fee: Free 
PHOTO BY ORLAN BALITON

GOVERNOR’S RAPIDS
Address: Barrio Bisangal, Divisoria Sur, Maddela
Entrance Fee: ₱10.00
River Cruise Rates: ₱360.00
Water Tubing: ₱80.00
Cottage Rental: ₱500.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.368167, 121.723722
MADDELA WATERFALLS
Address: Brgy. Dumabato Sur, Maddela
Entrance Fee: ₱20.00
GPS Coordinates: 16.329722, 121.633409
PHOTO BY EDWIN ANTONIO

BIMMAPOR ROCK FORMATION
Address: Sitio 1, Brgy. Ponggo, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.218028, 121.615361
DIAMOND CAVES
Address: Gibien, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: ₱25.00
Environmental Fee: ₱25.00
Guide Fee: ₱150.00 (Good up to 5pax)
GPS Coordinates: 16.160746, 121.530821
PHOTO FROM PROVINCIAL TOURISM WEBSITE
JUNUAN FALLS
Address: Brgy. Dissimungal, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.220550, 121.730035
PHOTO BY ORLAN BALITON
LANDINGAN VIEWPOINT
Address: Brgy. Landingan, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.180861, 121.577972
MACTOL FALLS
Address: Brgy. San Pugo, Nagtipunan
Contact Number: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.098449, 121.502770
PHOTO BY EDWIN ANTONIO
SIITAN RIVER
Address: Sitio 1, Brgy. Ponggo, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: ₱25.00
River Cruise: ₱175.00
Water Tubing: ₱100.00   
GPS Coordinates: 16.218028, 121.615361
TAPAO VIEWDECK
Address: Brgy. Ponggo, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 16.231389, 121.604750
VICTORIA CLAREGITA FALLS
Address: Brgy. Sangbay, Nagtipunan
Entrance Fee: Free
PHOTO BY ORLAN BALITON

FESTIVALS IN QUIRINO PROVINCE

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MAIN FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Panagdadapun Festival - September 8 to 10
Aglipay's Aquero Patronal Festival - February 14th
Motocross Event - Every March and June
Paskuhan sa Quirino - Every December

TOWN FIESTAS
Aglipay's Panagsalukag - July 23 to 25:
Cabarroguis' Ginnamulan - June 19 to 21
Diffun's Rammadayaw - July 2 to 4
Maddela's Pangsasalog - June 12 to 15
Nagtipunan's Penenkakasisit - February 23 to 25
Saguday's Pagay-Pagay - April 7 to 9
PHOTO BY EDWIN ANTONIO

WHAT TO BUY IN QUIRINO PROVINCE

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Fossilized flowers are one of the main product industries of Quirino Province. It is a part of their One Town One Product line and it’s so beautiful that they even export it to Europe. While there aren’t that many souvenir shops in the city, one can still find a few things to buy and take home as pasalubong even if they’re not usually found on gift shops.

FOSSILIZED FLOWERS
Where to Buy: M.M.J. Fossilized & Handicraft
Contact Number: (0927) 473-0720

Where to Buy: Alvin’s Floral Design & Blooms
Contact Number: (0917) 363-4656 | (0917) 600-2507
Address: San Marcos, Cabarroguis
TAPEY / TAPUY WINE
Where to Buy: Quirino Pasalubong Center
Address: Capitol Crest Road, San Marcos, Cabarroguis,
TILANGGIT
Where to Buy: Capitol Plaza Hotel Gift Shop
Address: Capitol Crest Road, San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0915) 352-3963 | (0915) 267-7981
VALOR TOMATO WINE
Where to Buy: Capitol Plaza Hotel Gift Shop
Address: Capitol Crest Road, San Marcos, Cabarroguis
Contact Number: (0915) 352-3963 | (0915) 267-7981
TUBIKOY
Where to Buy: RNB Bukohan
Address: Aurora West, Diffun
Contact Number: (0926) 538-4956.
PHOTO BY KARA SANTOS

QUIRINO PROVINCE TOURIST SPOTS MAP

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QUIRINO PROVINCE SAMPLE ITINERARY

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A weekend get-away is possible to tour the province of Quirino, but it’s quite short for the number of tourist spots found in the area. The best time to explore Quirino would be during long weekends, time your visit properly and get to experience the province’s many natural attractions. Below is a sample of a three-day Quirino itinerary, both for land trip and air travel. You can shorten this to two full days or lengthen it to cover more places, everything depending on your pace, time, and budget.

For an easier time in Quirino, I suggest that you avail of the tour packages offered by Explore Quirino Travel and Tours.

► DAY ZERO

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Depart Manila at night BUS ROUTE OPTION

► DAY ONE

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• Depart Manila in the morning  PLANE RIDE OPTION
• Morning Arrival from Manila
• Breakfast for those who took the bus / Lunch for those who took the plane
• Check in at hotel (we checked in at the provincial capitol town of Cabarroguis but there are also other hotels in the towns of Aglipay, Diffun, Maddela and Nagtipunan)
• Explore Cabarroguis
   - Provincial Capitol (coordinate with the tourism office)
   - Motocross Mountain Track
   - Watersports Complex
   - Susong Dalaga
• Lunch
• Visit Nagbukel Cave in Diffun
• Try Pancit Batil Patong in Akel’s Panciteria (you can also hang out here after dinner)

► DAY TWO

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• Breakfast
• Visit Governor’s Rapids and Cave Waterfalls
• Lunch at Maddella Waterfalls
• Visit Pensal Falls
• Visit Aglipay Caves
• Dinner

► DAY THREE

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• Breakfast
• Victoria Falls
• Visit Tapao View Deck
• Visit Bimmapor Rock Formation
• Siitan River Cruise (Canoeing and Tubing)
• Lunch (try MJ’s Pancit Cabagan)
• Visit Visit Nantugao Falls
• Sunset at Landingan Viewpoint
• Dinner BUS TO MANILA – END OF 3-DAY ITINERARY

► DAY FOUR

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• Breakfast
• Buy Pasalubong
• Van to Cauayan Airport PLANE TO MANILA - END OF 4-DAY ITINERARY

EXTEND YOUR QUIRINO PROVINCE TRIP

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BAGUIO CITY
Baguio Travel Guide
Hours Away: About six to seven hours away by bus
Departure Point:
Suggested Number of Days: Three to four days
TUGUEGARAO CITY
Tuguegarao Travel Guide
Hours Away: About six hours away by bus
Departure Point:
Suggested Number of Days: One to two days

QUIRINO PROVINCE TRAVEL BLOG, GUIDE, EXPENSES, MAP, & ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF MARCH 11, 2022