Callao Cave – Travel Guide, History, and How to Get There

Callao Cave

Jump to: About Callao Cave | Cave Features | How to Get There | What to Do | Travel Tips | Nearby Attractions

About Callao Cave

Callao Cave is one of the most famous limestone caves in the Philippines, located in Peñablanca, Cagayan Valley. Known for its seven-chamber cave where scientists and experts discovered 67,000-year-old fossilized remains of a Callao man in 2007, which is a thousand years older than the Tabon Man in Palawan. Callao Cave is definitely the top tourist attraction in Peñablanca, Cagayan. This cave is situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. By the way, Peñablanca, the name of the municipality, is a Spanish word that means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area.

Callao Cave
Callao Cave location

Callao Cave Features

  • Seven spacious chambers with dramatic limestone formations
  • A natural chapel with an opening that lets in sunlight – often used for weddings
  • Rich biodiversity and scenic views of the Pinacanauan River nearby
  • Home to archaeological finds, including the remains of the early human species "Callao Man"
Callao Cave history
Callao Cave drawing
7 chambers of Callao Cave

How to Get to Callao Cave

Callao Cave is located in Barangay Magdalo, Peñablanca, around 30 minutes from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. You can take a tricycle or hire a van from the city. There’s also an option to explore the Pinacanauan River by boat as part of the trip. Via air, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have daily trips to their local airport. By land, there are bus lines traveling from Manila to Tuguegarao. The travel time was 12 hours.

Things to Do at Callao Cave

  • Explore the cave chambers and take photos of the rock formations
  • Attend or observe a mass or wedding at the natural chapel
  • Ride a boat on the Pinacanauan River
  • Hike or climb the 180+ steps leading to the cave entrance
How to get to Callao Cave
Callao Cave river

Travel Tips

  • Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
  • Bring water and wear breathable clothes — it gets warm inside
  • There’s an entrance fee and an optional guide fee (to support the local guides)
  • Wear sturdy shoes — some paths inside can be slippery

Nearby Attractions

Final Thoughts

Callao Cave is a hidden gem that offers a perfect mix of nature, spirituality, and pre-colonial history. Whether you're visiting for the adventure or the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a place that will leave you in awe of the Philippines’ natural wonders. Our backpacking in Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela was remarkable. Read our 3-day Travel Guide for tips, itineraries, and top attractions.