Mt. Pico De Loro is a beginner-friendly day hike in Ternate, Cavite rated Difficulty 3/9, with a summit at 664 MASL and a total trek time of 2–4 hours. Online registration via mppmngnp.com is mandatory — no walk-ins are allowed, and slots fill up 2–3 weeks in advance. The iconic Monolith (Parrot’s Beak) is currently closed for climbing but remains the most breathtaking thing you’ll see from the summit view deck.
Mt. Pico De Loro Quick Guide
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Mt. Pico De Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay) |
| Location | Ternate, Cavite / Maragondon, Cavite |
| Province | Cavite (borders Nasugbu, Batangas) |
| Elevation | 664 MASL |
| Difficulty | 3/9 (Minor Climb) |
| Jump-off | DENR Station, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite |
| Best Season | November to May (Dry Season) |
| Trek Time | 2–4 hours to summit |
| Registration | Online only — mppmngnp.com |
| Campsite | Overnight camping strictly prohibited |
Table of Contents
Where Is Mt. Pico De Loro Located?
Mt. Pico De Loro is part of the small mountain range known as Mt. Palay-Palay, located in Ternate, Cavite and the boundaries of Nasugbu, Batangas. The northern half of the mountain lies within the municipality of Maragondon while the southern half lies within the municipality of Nasugbu in Batangas province.
It is considered the highest mountain of the province of Cavite, with an elevation of 664 MASL and a difficulty level of 3/9. Located within the Mts. Palay-Palay Protected Landscape (MPPMNGPL), this mountain has shifted from a mass-tourism destination to a highly regulated ecotourism zone.
The iconic rock spire — the “Parrot’s Beak” — still towers over Ternate, serving as a historic navigational marker for galleons entering Manila Bay and a natural wind barrier shielding the province from the South China Sea. I climbed it in March 2026, and even before reaching the summit, that monolith is already visible from one of the mid-trail rest stops — a visual reward that hits you mid-climb and completely recharges your tired legs.
If you love discovering mountains near the Cavite-Batangas corridor, check out our guide to mountains in the Philippines for more options, or our beginner-friendly hike guide if this is your first mountain.
How to Get to the Mt. Pico De Loro Jump-off Point
The official jump-off point of the mountain is located at a DENR post in Ternate, Cavite. Getting there from Metro Manila takes roughly 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point.
By Public Transport:
You can reach the park from the Coastal Mall Terminal via bus bound for Ternate, Cavite — just tell the driver you’re going to Mt. Pico De Loro. The bus fare costs ₱80. From the bus stop, take a tricycle (₱225 for 3 persons) to the DENR Office where you are required to register and pay fees.
Alternatively: Ride a passenger bus or jeep bound to the PITX terminal in Parañaque City, then ride an air-conditioned bus going to Naic, Cavite. From Naic, ride a jeep going to Ternate, then a tricycle to the Mt. Pico De Loro registration area.
By Private Car:
The best way via private car is through CAVITEX, traveling through Kawit – Gen. Trias – Tanza – Naic – Maragondon, then taking the road to Ternate, going past Puerto Azul resort toward Magnetic Hill until you reach the DENR registration site. Private vehicles are allowed, and there is parking space near the jump-off point.
For a convenient early start, leaving Metro Manila by 4:30–5:00 AM gives you enough time to arrive at the DENR station by 6:30–7:00 AM for the orientation and a 7:30 AM hike start. I had bowls of batangas lomi at a carinderia near Naic before arriving at the jump-off — it’s one of the best pre-hike meals you can have in the area, and fuel you’ll genuinely need for the staircase ahead.
Permits, Fees, and Guide Requirements at Mt. Pico De Loro
Online registration is not optional at Mt. Pico De Loro — it is the single most important logistical step of the entire trip.
Mt. Pico De Loro Online Registration
Online booking is mandatory for Mt. Pico De Loro via the official portal, mppmngnp.com. The 90-person daily limit is strictly enforced by the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). Security personnel at the DENR Station in Ternate hold a printed manifest derived from the online database — if your name isn’t on it, you don’t hike.
The park operates only Wednesday to Saturday with a hard daily cap of 90 hikers. You must secure your slot 2–3 weeks in advance. Peak weekends in summer (March–May) sell out even faster — book at least 3 weeks ahead if your target date falls on a Friday or Saturday in summer.
Payment is typically settled in cash at the jump-off, but the reservation is non-negotiable. My insider tip: screenshot your QR code and save it offline before you leave Manila. Cell signal along the CAVITEX stretch can be unreliable early in the morning, and you do not want to be fumbling for your confirmation at the gate.
Fees
The entrance fee is ₱200 for local hikers and ₱300 for foreign nationals. The guide fee is ₱500 for a group of up to 5 persons.
Upon arrival, you’ll show your permit to the park officer, complete your registration, and watch a short 15-minute AV presentation to get familiar with the park and its guidelines. After that, you’ll meet your guide.
Rules at the DENR Gate
- No walk-ins. Walk-ins are strictly prohibited at the DENR gate.
- No overnight camping. Overnight camping is strictly prohibited.
- Age requirement: Hikers must be at least 17 years old.
- No pets allowed. No pets are permitted on the trail.
- Bringing deadly weapons or alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited. Smoking and vaping inside the mountain are also strictly prohibited.
What Is the Mt. Pico De Loro Trail Like?
The hike to Mt. Pico De Loro is rated Difficulty 3/9 (Minor Climb) with a Trail Class of 1–3. The “New Trail” (reopened 2023) features extensive concrete staircases, making it technically easier but cardiovascularly demanding. The trail is approximately 3.5 km one-way.
Phase 1: The Dipterocarp Forest Approach
From the DENR Station, the first kilometer winds through a dense lowland rainforest. The path is wide, compacted soil, often reinforced with bamboo handrails in muddy sections — a humid, shaded warm-up that feels like a standard walk in the park.
This stretch is genuinely pleasant. The forest is loud with birdlife — woodpeckers, cuckoos, and the occasional wild macaque rattling the canopy above you. The mountain’s seven years of healing is apparent in the rich forest at the early parts of the trail. There are tall trees and sprawling roots, and distinct bird cries echo throughout.
Phase 2: The “Stairway to Heaven”
About 45 minutes in, the “stairway to heaven” begins. This relentless ascent leads to the View Deck (the old campsite), where the forest canopy finally breaks. The most distinct development the DENR made is a 145-step staircase that leads to the summit. Complete with rails, it makes the last section ironically the most structured.
While the Mt. Pico De Loro Difficulty Level remains a manageable 3/9, do not underestimate the cardiovascular demand. Fit gym-goers have been seen struggling here more than on rugged trails, because the repetitive motion of climbing stairs spikes the heart rate faster than a gradual slope.
Phase 3: The Summit View Deck
At the Summit View Deck, the terrain shifts back to natural rock and loose soil — the only truly technical part where you need to watch your footing. From here, you get the famous view of the Monolith (Parrot’s Beak) and the coastline of Nasugbu, Batangas.
This was the moment that stopped me cold in March 2026. You round a natural rock outcrop, and there it is — the Monolith, a dark pillar of stone jutting skyward against the blue West Philippine Sea. No photo does it justice. Once at the top, you get a 360-degree view of Manila Bay, Corregidor, the far mountains of Nasugbu, Limbones Cove, and the rest of the West Philippine Sea.
The Monolith: What’s Allowed in 2026?
As of 2026, the iconic Monolith (Parrot’s Beak) is strictly closed to climbing due to geological instability. While you can hike to the Summit View Deck (664 MASL) for a close-up view and photos, accessing the land bridge or climbing the rock spire itself is prohibited by the DENR-PAMO for safety.
The monolith of Mt. Pico De Loro is a 50-foot-high single pillar of stone standing near the summit. It remains the defining visual of the mountain and every bit as dramatic to view up-close from the summit area — closure and all. The day that access reopens, it will likely require advance sign-up as a separate activity.
Mt. Pico De Loro Itinerary (Sample Day Hike)
- 04:30 AM — Depart Metro Manila (bus from Coastal Mall or private van)
- 06:30 AM — Arrive at DENR Station, Ternate. Present QR code, register, watch 15-min AV presentation
- 07:30 AM — Start trek
- 08:15 AM — First major rest stop with view of the Monolith
- 09:00 AM — Reach old campsite / bamboo area (good rest point, great views)
- 09:30–10:30 AM — Summit View Deck at 664 MASL; photos, snacks, views
- 11:00 AM — Begin descent
- 12:30 PM — Back at DENR Station; wash up
- 01:30 PM — Depart for Manila
Is Mt. Pico De Loro Good for Beginners?
Mt. Pico De Loro is one of the best first or second mountains in the Philippines for most hikers. It is a beginner-friendly day hike with moderate parts — as long as you are reasonably fit, you’re welcome.
The quota system is a genuine advantage for first-timers. The experience is now cleaner, quieter, and more organized, but it requires significantly more planning than any other day hike near Metro Manila. The mandatory guide removes the risk of getting lost, and the concrete staircases eliminate the scrambling uncertainty that intimidates new hikers on other mountains.
The one honest caveat: the staircase sections are harder on the body than they look. First-timers who are not used to sustained uphill effort may need more rest stops than experienced hikers. Build in extra time and bring more water than you think you need. For more beginner options nearby, check our guide to beginner-friendly mountains in the Philippines.
Best Time to Climb Mt. Pico De Loro
Schedule your trek during the dry season, from October to May. The best time to hike Mt. Pico De Loro is during summer, around March to May.
I went in March 2026, and the trail was bone-dry, skies clear, and the summit view stretched all the way to Corregidor and the Bataan mountains across the bay. Avoid June through September — the wet season turns the concrete stairs into a slip hazard and heavy rain can close the park entirely. Climbers often catch a sea of clouds in the early morning during the cold months (December–February), which makes that period equally magical for the views.
For nearby beaches and post-hike relaxation, the Cavite-Batangas corridor is loaded with options. Our 36 Batangas tourist spots guide and the Fortune Island guide are worth reading for trip extensions from Nasugbu.
Budget Breakdown for Climbing Mt. Pico De Loro
All fees are paid in cash at the DENR Station jump-off. Bring exact change where possible.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Bus fare (Coastal Mall to Ternate, one-way) | ₱80-150 |
| Tricycle (bus stop to DENR, per head) | ₱100–₱200 |
| Entrance / Environmental Fee | ₱200 (locals) / ₱300 (foreigners) |
| Guide Fee (per group of up to 5) | ₱500-800 |
| Food & water (bring from Manila) | ₱150–₱300 |
| Post-hike meal near Naic / Ternate | ₱100–₱200 |
| Estimated Total (DIY, per person) | ₱900–₱1200 |
Tour packages bundling transport, guide, and all fees from Manila run around ₱2,000 per person for groups of four, which is a reasonable option if you don’t want the logistics hassle.
What to Pack for Mt. Pico De Loro
Because of the hard concrete surface, leave heavy trekking boots at home. Cushioned trail running shoes are strongly recommended — the rigid soles of hiking boots will hurt your feet on the concrete steps.
| Item | Essential? |
|---|---|
| Cushioned trail running shoes |  Yes |
| 1.5–2L water (minimum) | Yes |
| Light snacks / energy food | Yes |
| Sunscreen | Yes |
| Insect repellent | Yes |
| Rain jacket / windbreaker | Yes |
| Printed/screenshot QR booking confirmation | Yes |
| Trekking poles | Optional |
| Trekking boots |  Not recommended |
| Tent / camping gear | Prohibited |
Bring enough water and light snacks — there are limited stores along the trail. Even though the trail is shaded, the humidity in the Cavite lowlands is suffocating — I burned through 1.5L before reaching the summit in March and wished I had packed more.
Safety Tips for Climbing Mt. Pico De Loro
- Some parts of the trail are steep — there are ropes installed to help you climb safely. Use them. Don’t rush the rope sections.
- At the Summit View Deck, the terrain shifts to natural rock and loose soil — the only technical part where you need to watch your footing.
- Note that the Monolith’s “Parrot Beak” smooth walls are sometimes wet, especially after an evening or early-morning rainfall. Stay behind the barrier regardless.
- Mobile signal is mostly present throughout the whole trail, with the exception of the summit and monolith area. Download your offline map before you go.
- Screenshot your QR code and save it offline — save your return trip driver’s number too.
- Start early. The trail opens at 5 AM and closes at 3 PM for safety reasons.
- The guide is not just a formality — they carry a radio and know evacuation routes. Follow their pace cues, especially on the descent, when knee injuries are most common.
For another great Cavite-Batangas hike in a similar difficulty range, check out our Mt. Gulugod Baboy guide and our Masasa Beach Tingloy itinerary if you want to extend your trip with a beach day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mt. Pico De Loro
1. Is Mt. Pico De Loro open for walk-ins?
No. Walk-ins are strictly prohibited at the DENR gate. The park operates only from Wednesday to Saturday. You must book in advance at mppmngnp.com and present your confirmed QR code upon arrival, or you will be turned away at the security checkpoint.
2. How difficult is Mt. Pico De Loro?
The Mt. Pico De Loro trail is rated Difficulty 3/9 (Minor Climb) with a Trail Class of 1–3. The New Trail (reopened 2023) features extensive concrete staircases that are technically easier but cardiovascularly demanding. Beginners with decent fitness can complete it comfortably, but expect your legs to feel the staircase the next day.
3. Can you climb the Mt. Pico De Loro Monolith in 2026?
As of 2026, the iconic Monolith (Parrot’s Beak) is strictly closed to climbing due to geological instability. While you can hike to the Summit View Deck (664 MASL) for a close-up view and photos, accessing the land bridge or climbing the rock spire itself is prohibited by the DENR-PAMO.
4. Is overnight camping allowed at Mt. Pico De Loro?
Overnight camping is strictly prohibited. Camping is no longer allowed, but the old campsite area still gives you a great vantage point for views of the summit and Monolith. The hike is structured as a day trip only, and all hikers must return to the DENR Station before the 3 PM trail closure.
5. How far in advance do I need to book Mt. Pico De Loro, and where?
The park has a hard daily cap of 90 hikers, and you must secure your slot 2–3 weeks in advance. Book via mppmngnp.com — this is the only official portal. Do not transact with random Facebook pages offering “guaranteed slots” unless they are accredited tour operators with their own block bookings.
Final Verdict: Should You Climb Mt. Pico De Loro?
5 out of 5 for first-time and intermediate hikers near Manila. Mt. Pico De Loro is the rare mountain that delivers a genuine summit moment, protected wildlife, dramatic views, and a well-managed trail system — all within a half-day from Metro Manila. The registration process demands planning, but that planning is exactly what makes the experience so good once you’re on the trail: quiet, clean, and worth every step of that staircase.
