Mt. Pico de Loro - First Day Hike (April 21, 2012)

PICO DE LORO (also knows as Mt. Palay-Palay)

Ternate, Cavite

Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate

LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

Every week is tiring because of work and stress but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we cannot do whatever we want to do. I decided to push through with my plan – to join  Rose Ann  and some friends to trek in Mt. Pico de Loro. Though trekking is really physically tiring, I find it as a good way for me to release stress and unwind. ^^

The group met at 4AM in 7/11 Baclaran. The bus we boarded was bound for Naic, Cavite and in two hours we arrived in Naic Bus terminal. From there, we had to ride a jeepney going to DENR. Upon reaching DENR, we registered our names and paid Php20 for registration fee.

Pico de Loro is a DENR Protected Area

The jump off point is 5 minutes walk away from DENR. We took some pics first at the jump off point and prayed before we start the trek. At exactly 8:30AM we started the trek.

Our first picture as a group - with Juxtapoz PUP, eskapaderas (office friends) and my housemates

 photo shoot while on our way to base camp 1

 in-effort ko talagang umakyat dito... rock on! \m/

a scenery while on our way to base camp 1

The first 30 minutes of the trek was quite easy. This mountain is interesting due to its uphill and downhill treks. The first section of the trek until the first stop was mostly descending. 

The camp is a nice first resting point. Upon reaching this place, we had to register our names again and paid Php20. We stayed here for 30 minutes to take some rest.

 another scenery after leaving base camp 1

The midpoint of the trek is a shaded area called Alibangbang. From Base Camp 1, it took us 30 minutes to reach this place. We stayed here for another 30 minutes to rest and hydrate.

The second part of the trail is a steeper hike. Mas marami na kaming pahinga sa point na 'to. Mas ramdam na rin ang pagod ng bawat isa. 

The trail going to the peak is easy to follow due to the trail signs and ribbons knotted on trees

After almost 3 hours of trekking, we finally reached the Summit campsite. 

view from the Summit Campsite

the view of the summit from the campsite

It was already lunchtime so we decided to stay at the Summit Campsite to eat and rest. After our eating session and a little rest we headed ourselves to the 2nd summit. 

a nice view on our way to the summit

Reaching the summit was really hard for me. The way up to the summit is more technical and difficult but the view is very rewarding than the first summit. It's really important that you wear the appropriate shoes. I had to ask some boys in our group to carry my bag and help me reach the summit. Steep slope and slippery trail were the obstacles that you need to surpass to reach the top. Good thing it as not windy that time. 

the Parrot's Beak

the 360 degrees view at the summit

the group upon reaching the summit

the boys together with Rose Ann and Bhie

I decided not to join them in conquering the Parrot's Beak but I reserved climbing that peak the next time I visit this place.

Pico de Loro is my 4th climb and considered as my most difficult trek. Regardless of the hardship, I'll definitely go back to this place and by that time I'll make sure that I'm physically and mentally prepared to reach the Parrot's Beak (of course with proper gear) ^^

Mt. Pico de Loro Expenses