Mount Mayon (Mayon Volcano)

2,463m (8,081ft)

There are two trail options, the Buang Trail (North-West Approach), which is the safest and easiest trail, and the Buyuhan Trail (South-West Approach), which is a tougher trail but offers spectacular views of of Legazpi City and the ocean. Both take roughly 2-3 days to complete.

Mount Mayon is a difficult climb. The going gets particularly tough near the summit at around 2,195m (7201 ft) because the ascent turns to 40° on loose volcanic cinder and lava sand.

Day 1:

The starting point is the Philippines Institute of Vulcanology & Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Station. After about two hours of hiking, you will reach fields of talahib grass, and keep pushing through.

Four hours later you should Arrive at Buang Gully, where you’ll see the surreal landscape. Here you can have a quick break before proceeding up the gully.

After a total of about 8 hours of hiking, you should reach the transition line at around 1,920m (6299 ft). Here you can pitch camp. Take the rest of the afternoon and evening off to rest for the final ascent.

Day 2:

Start off the day by scrambling up the rocks to reach cliffs girdling Mayon. This will take about 2 hours before you’ll have to scale the cliff at around 2,210m (7250 ft).

You should reach the summit after hiking for four hours on the second day. Have an hour and a half to rest and take it in, and begin the descent back to camp after lunch.

Day 3:

Begin the descent through Buang Gully, talahib grasses, and forests. You should reach the PHIVOLCS Station within 5 hours.

The climate of Mayon is generally tropical and rainy and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

The temperature on Mayon depends on the time of year with lows of about 9°C (48.2 °F) and highs of around 20°C (68 °F).

Strong winds are common at higher altitudes and at the peaks, especially when storms roll in from the Pacific.

The best time to climb Mayon is during the dry season from March to May.

The rainy season, the wettest part of the year from November to January, is much more dangerous because of heavy rains and potential flash floods.

You’ll need basic climbing equipment for this hike. The steep upper reaches of the mountain present a falling hazard. Take your time, consider tethering each other together, and wear the right footwear for the job. Also, make sure to pack appropriate camping gear and warm clothes.

There is a registration kiosk at the trailhead, as well as food and potable water.

Along the trail food and potable water is only available from guides and porters.

The summit base camp also does not have food or water. This is only available from the guides and porters at the base camp.

Guides are recommended and it is advisable to book ahead. Porters are not required.

The Legazpi City Airport is right at the foot of the Mayon Volcano but on the Southeastern side. Although a Jeepney (local bus) will get you most of the way to the starting point of either trail, a taxi will take you exactly to where you need to get to.

Climbers need to be careful of poisonous fumes emitted by the volcano at the summit and the climbing part of the trek can be dangerous.

There’s unlikely to be any theft or crime of any sort along the way, but it’s always best to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.