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Itogon is a municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. Historically a mining town, it is gradually becoming a tourist destination on account of its mountain landscapes.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Itogon is at the southeastern corner of Benguet, at its triboundary with Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan provinces. Situated at the upper reaches of the Agno River, it has historically been a mining town home to some of the country's biggest reserves of gold, copper and other precious metals. It is also undergoing a slow urbanization from neighboring Baguio, resulting in some attractions being mislabeled as being in Baguio itself.
It is home to about 60,000 people (census, 1 July 2024) 
Get in
[edit | edit source]Itogon is primarily connected to Baguio via the Baguio-Bua-Itogon Road, previously the only way in or out of town. It is also along Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, but that highway is useful only if going to the northern barangays. Both jeepneys and passenger vans ply the said routes. Parts of Itogon bordering Baguio are also accessible by taxi.
Get around
[edit | edit source]There are tricycles in town, but a 4WD or any vehicle suitable for mountain roads is best used. Most attractions in town are accessible following extended hikes.
See
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- 1 Mount Ugu (Mount Ugo), Pito. At the boundary with Nueva Vizcaya, the 2,150 metres (7,050 ft) high peak offers trails that pass through native communities of the Kalanguya tribes and is becoming a favorite mountaineering destination among outdoor enthusiasts.
- 2 Saint Charles Borromeo Parish Church, Poblacion, ☏ +63 998 227 6841, stcharlesitogon@gmail.com. Itogon's main Roman Catholic church, somewhat resembling a small chalet.
- 3 Binga Dam, Tinongdan. A massive hydroelectric complex built in 1960 to control the waters of the Agno River. There is a viewdeck on site.
- 4 Mount Ulap, Ampucao. A 1,846 metres (6,056 ft) peak with grassy slopes on the boundary with Tuba. On a clear day, hikers can expect a sea of clouds below the summit.
- 5 Mount Pigingan, Dalupirip. A 1,328 metres (4,357 ft) high peak.
- 6 Mount Bidawan, Poblacion. A 1,120 metres (3,670 ft) high peak. Along its trail is a shrine to the Virgin Mary called Ave Maria.
- 7 Mount Kotkot, Ampucao. A 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) high peak.
- 8 Balatoc Miner Statue, Balatoc Road, Virac. A small monument to the town's mining industry at one of the first exploited areas of Itogon, featuring a statue of a miner in his work attire carrying his tools.
Do
[edit | edit source]There are several hot spring resorts in the downtown area (Poblacion) and in Barangay Dalupirip.
- 1 Crosby Park, Virac. A popular recreational and picnic spot with pine groves.
- 2 1300 Level Swimming Pool, Poblacion. A hot spring-fed watering hole
- 3 Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events, Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Sitio Peday, Loacan, ☏ +63 917 184 9461, info@mtcamisong.com. 7AM-8PM. An extensively-developed high-end mountain resort.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Eat
[edit | edit source]Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]There are a few inns and homestays in town, although most tourists tend to make daytrips to Itogon and stay overnight in Baguio.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Accidents and landslides are common along the mountain roads, with the danger compounded by low or nonexistent guard rails and fog. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition.
Permits are required from local authorities to undertake any hikes or climb mountains. The hiking season runs during the dry season from November to May. While Itogon is often known for its cool weather, do not underestimate the effects of heat and exhaustion while climbing, especially as many of the slopes are directly exposed to sunlight.
Connect
[edit | edit source]The town’s postal code is 2604.
Go next
[edit | edit source]| Routes through Itogon |
| Baguio ← | W  E | → Bokod → Aritao |