Melo Villareal
Mayon Volcano ATV Adventure in Legazpi, Albay
Returning to the city after our Mayon ATV Challenge makes me feel like a superhero. The real world is still here, but I know about another world out there where everything moves fast, and a lot is at stake. Okay, maybe that’s a bit overly dramatic, but you get the idea. I can’t believe how cool the trip was, and I can’t wait to get out there again. Off-roading in the Mayon Lava Trail has been on my bucket list for a while, and I’m sorry I waited so long to try it out.
Getting Ready for the Mayon ATV Challenge (photo by mayonatvtour.com)
The Volcano
Mayon volcano is a dramatic peak that stands out in the landscape outside of Legazpi City. The perfect cone shape grabs your attention immediately. It’s like it’s calling out to you to come to see it. Of course, it’s also one of the most active volcanos in the Philippines. In the past 400 years, it has erupted 49 times. It kind of adds a sense of danger to the whole experience. This is one deadly volcano between eruptions and mudslides caused by heavy rains. The good news is that the ATV trail has been well maintained for years now, and you won’t be in immediate danger.
The Rocky Mayon Trail
The ATV Trail
If you want to see a beautiful and incredible variety of the landscape of the Philippines, this is the place to do it. The ATV trail crosses from smooth dirt and soil into bamboo forests and across streams. This is a wet and muddy adventure. Not even 15 minutes in, my shoes were wet and muddy, and I had mud splatters up to my knees. I might have been a bit enthusiastic about the mud.
ATV Testing and Safety Orientation (photo by mayonatvtour.com)
As the trail climbs, you get more and more rocky terrain. The whole trail is 9 km long, and you can see the volcano the entire time. At one point, you get to ride through the river bed. Of course, you also ride through villages and see what the people are living like out here. The rice fields, animals (like water buffalo), and the people themselves are having a day like any other.
Group Shot at the Pit Stop (photo courtesy of Bryan Arevalo)
Enjoying the Ride (photo courtesy of Bryan Arevalo)
I’m not that experienced at riding ATVs, but this trail seemed right for beginners and more experienced riders. ATVs are nice because they’re not going to tip over. As the ride went on, I became more confident and enjoyed the scenery more. I think I might have focused for the first kilometer or so because I was trying to figure out how the thing worked.
Short Hike to the Lava Front
Go for a Hike
After signing off some waivers and listening carefully to a brief safety orientation, we were asked to go to the assembly area and choose our ATVs. Afterward, we tested our own ATVs and lined up before we finally rolled off.
First Kilometer.. More More! (photo courtesy of Bryan Arevalo)
Basic Reminders:
- The Mayon ATV Challenge is just a tour and not a Race
- Always Follow the Marshall Speed on a single lane only, no overtaking on officials, and Marshall
- Always wear a safety helmet while on tour
Like the rest of the team, I did a full tour, with the 9 km ride to the volcano, which took about 45 minutes, then a small hike to the lava front from the Mayon Volcano base camp, then the 9 km back. The hike itself was really cool. The volcano is right above you, and the lava front is pretty intimidating.
Group Photo at the Mayon Lava Front
I’ve never seen anything like it. I noticed that this is the place where the hikes up the volcano started. If you really want to get into it, you can hike to the summit, a 28km hike. I thought that was tempting fate, but maybe I’ll get over it and do it some other time.
I Survived Mayon ATV Challenge
On the ride back down, I tried not to think about how this would end soon. I realized I was totally comfortable on the ATV and got a little more adventurous, which means I did a lot more splashing in the wet areas along the muddy road.
This trip is a great time for anyone who enjoys adventure-packed activities. Our Mayon Volcano Lava Trail ATV Adventure was sponsored by DOT Bicol as part of our PHILTOA Bicol Familiarization Trip and PHILTOA’s (www.philtoa.org) 24th Philippine travel Mart 2013 Media Launch.
Are you up for the Mayon ATV Challenge?
For Bookings and Details on the Mayon Volcano Lava Trail ATV Adventure tour and Other Activities. You may contact YOUR BROTHER TRAVEL and TOURS at the Telephone number (052)742-98-71, or you can Text or call CYREL FRANCIS R. CHAN 09054557594, or you can email [email protected] for questions and inquiries.
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