TUGUEGARAO CITY, – At least five eco-tourism tour packages in the three provinces of the Cagayan Valley region are now being promoted.

Tourism Regional Director Blessida Diwa said the network of caves at the Callao Caves Tourist Zone (CCTZ) in nearby Penablanca town still tops the list of ecotourism destinations where local as well as foreign tourists experience cave spelunking, boating, swimming, kayaking and viewing the circadian flight of bats at dusk.

Alternative tour package of three days and two nights in this city, Callao Caves and in Sta. Ana in Cagayan’s northeastern section likewise provides tourists an experience of spelunking to snorkeling and beach-combing.

In between the distance from this city to Sta. Ana’s Palaui Island where white sand beaches are located, are centuries old churches, the oldest bell in the Far East and the Cape Engano lighthouse which is a Spanish colonial structure still being operated to guide seafarers.

On certain days of the year, tourists can also have a bonus of sightings of dolphins and reef flats in scallop beaches.

Still another tour package will include a pilgrimage trip to the Piat Basilica Minore of our Lady of the Holy Rosary which is home to the miraculous image of the Black Mary traversing Buntun bridge, the longest river bridge in the country spanning the Cagayan river.

The five days and four nights Palanan ecotourism itinerary will involve homestays in the town in the forest ” where General Emilio Aguinaldo’s last stand is located.

The tourists’ stamina are put to test as they trek through the Palanan river for local color.

Included in this itinerary are river cruise with visits to Dibungco which is the first Agta organized community in town, and passing through mangroves for panoramic view of Palanan Bay, the Pacific Ocean and the northern ranges of the Sierra Madre mountain and Dicotcotan where Palanan Point’s barrier reefs are located.

A stroll on a deserted white sand beach where the Palanan rainforest stops the breaking swells of the Pacific Ocean and where a few nomadic Agta indigenous families have set up their mobile lean-tos along the seashore is also a must-do activity.

Fun and frolic along the Sabang beach and hike through the 16-hectare botanical research plot to discover the rich biodiversity of Palanan and the dynamics of a rainforest ecosystem is part of the itinerary.

The Quirino special adventure on the other hand, involves treks to the Susong Dalaga hills in Cabarroguis town, eco-adventure to the Governor’s Rapids, boating, swimming along the longest and mighty Cagayan river, visit of the Wasid Nagtipunan ecotourism hub, a treat to the Bugkalot Tribe cultural Dance presentation and bonfire, and a hike to Taygido Talls and Bat Caves.

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