When planning a vacation north of Luzon the choice would likely be Baguio City. And no wonder-it’s the summer capital of the Philippines since September 1909. Baguio, Philippines has since been among favorite tourist destinations in the country and even in Southeast Asia.

Baguio, Philippines used to be known for vacationing in mountain cabins on hilltops and hillsides during holidays, summer time, Christmas, or even ordinary days in earlier times. Today, mountain cabins still flourish in the city with chimneys, like those at Teachers Camp along Lenard Road. But most lodges in Baguio today are hotels and inns.

Having an altitude of 1500 meters, temperature can drop to 7.1 degrees Celsius like in March 1963. It even fell at a low 6.3 once in January 1961. It can also soar to 30.4 degrees Celsius like in the summer of 1988. Baguio, Philippines is sometimes referred to as Little America or Europe especially in cold months when people in the streets wear thick colorful sweaters or jackets and bonnets.

Going to Baguio from Manila takes some 5 hours to travel via bus or car. The North Central Luzon Expressway (NCLEX) is taken past the picturesque provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, and parts of La Union. At the foot of Baguio, Philippines there are 3 routes to choose-the historic Kennon Road, Naguilian Road, and Marcos Highway. The trek up from here often takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Kennon was designed by Americans in the 1900s and constructed with the help of native Igorots. Somewhere halfway this route is the fascinating Bridal Veil Waterfalls with a hot spring underneath and past several camps is the huge carved rock, the Lion’s Head. After some more ascending turns and twists Baguio City, Philippines emerges.

Naguilian and Marcos Highway ascend more gradually than Kennon but takes longer to traverse. Buses and trucks take these routes. There’s a point along Naguilian where the China Sea and parts of Pangasinan and La Union sprawl in the panorama. Going up Baguio, Philippines is quite breath-taking.

The traditional stop once in the city is at Session Road. Historic and romantic Session Road is the city’s financial center and thriving businesses line up along it. Session is a gauge of the city’s progress. When everything’s upbeat at Session so is everything else in Baguio, Philippines. Be sure to drop by Baden Powell Inn and Baguio Museum on top of uphill Session Road.

Burnham Park is the most frequently visited tourist spot here. It’s just at the lower end of Session Road. Daniel Burnham-the park was named after him-was the city planner and architect who designed Baguio, Philippines in the 1900s, intending it to look similar with how US cities were planned. The park is lively with boat-riding, biking, concerts, food, and sometimes tribal festivals.

Vacationers also visit far-off tour sites outside the city proper where pines and thick mists abound. Places like Mines View Park, Manor House, Wright Park, the thickly forested Camp John Hay and the Philippine Military Academy, Crystal Cave, Lourdes Grotto, and more.

Taking a break in Baguio City is not just a vacation; it’s an adventure.