In short
- The boat ride takes two hours round-trip and costs 1,250 PHP.
- The hike requires descending 589 metal steps and vertical rappelling.
- Both routes end at the same waterfall and the Devil's Cave.
In this article
Choosing between the Pagsanjan boat ride and the Cavinti hike depends on your budget and physical fitness. The boat offers a guided river trip, while the hike provides a strenuous physical challenge.
What is the Pagsanjan boat route?
This is the classic 'Shooting the Rapids' canoe ride starting from Pagsanjan town.
Two skilled boatmen guide your traditional dugout canoe upstream. The journey passes through the 300-foot-deep Pagsanjan Gorge. It takes one hour to reach the falls. The return trip takes 45 minutes and navigates 14 river rapids. The official rate is 1,250 PHP per person.
What is the Cavinti hike route?
This is a steep land route starting from Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park in Cavinti.
Instead of a boat, you access the waterfall by hiking down into the gorge. The trail requires navigating 589 metal steps and sections of vertical rappelling. This alternative takes two to three hours. You must climb back up the same steep path after visiting the falls.
How do the costs compare?
The Cavinti hike is the cheaper option, while the Pagsanjan boat ride costs roughly 1,250 PHP.
The official Pagsanjan boat rate covers two local boatmen, safety gear, and municipal fees. The hike from Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park is the budget-friendly alternative. Package tours from Manila usually include the boat ride. These guided day trips cost between $60 and $130.
Which route is safer and easier?
The boat ride requires less physical exertion, but both have strict safety rules.
On the boat, you must wear a life vest and safety helmet at all times. Independent river exploration is banned. The hike demands high physical fitness due to the vertical rappelling and 589 steps. Heavy rains can make the river currents too dangerous for boats.
Do both routes reach the Devil's Cave?
Yes, both paths lead directly to the main 120-meter plunge waterfall.
No matter how you arrive, you end up at the large natural plunge pool. From there, you can pay for a bamboo raft ride. This raft pulls you directly under the heavy water curtain and into the Devil's Cave.
Questions travellers ask
Can I do both routes in one day?
Tour operators typically focus on the boat ride. You generally choose either the canoe trip or the hike for your visit to the falls.
Are kids allowed on the hike?
The hike is highly strenuous and involves rappelling. For the boat ride, parents must sign a liability waiver for children under 4 feet tall.
What should I wear for either route?
Wear quick-dry clothing and water shoes with good grip. Bring a waterproof dry bag, as you will get wet on the boat or the bamboo raft.
