The Philippine volcano Pinatubo came alive on the 9th of June 1991 after more than four centuries of peace.

In a series of destructive eruptions which lasted for about one week, the Pinatubo blew more than five billion cubic meters of ash and dust into the air. The consequences of this greatest volcanic eruption of the century were not only felt in the Philippines: This dimension made the global average temperature half a degree lower in 1992. As a result the ozone layer was weakened and the sunsets were temporarily much more colorful than usual. Ash and stones were swirled in the air and temporarily darkened the sky; the once pointed cone collapsed and became a crater in which there now is a turquoise lake. Thunder and terrifying earthquakes accompanied the eruption which created a very own, scary acting location. The lava streams tore whole villages with them – leaving a bizarre, fascinating landscape with tower-like hills and canyons behind.

Your program should definitely include a day trip to the volcano Mount Pinatubo.

With a booked trip you will usually receive a warm welcome by a (local) tour operator and a team and they will accompany you after a two hours drive. We had two charming local ladies and five guys who showed us around as supporters and mountain guides. With the necessary catering and a great deal of entertainment we didn’t miss anything!

Together you experience wonderful, hilly landscapes of the Philippines, driving through them in open jeeps. Due to the light green rice fields and plowing water buffalos in the foreground there are picturesque and breathtaking views on the way to Mount Pinatubo. The road leads several kilometers through an almost dry riverbed about 100 meters wide. Hard to imagine that all life was buried here under glowing ash fall 19 years ago. In front of us large dark mountains rise which give you an idea of Mount Pinatubo. The narrowing riverbed is bordered by hills made of volcanic ash that have been given bizarre forms by rain- and river water.