What Are The Best Tours & Experiences In Cagayan De Oro? Our Top 11 Picks

Cagayan De Oro is a city that perfectly balances adventure with cultural charm. Known as the “Whitewater Capital of the Philippines,” it offers a mix of adrenaline-fueled activities and insightful sightseeing. Whether you’re eager to conquer rapids, soar across ziplines, or explore historic landmarks, you’ll find something to suit your style. We’re especially fond of the Dahilayan Zipline, which is the longest dual zipline in Asia, for its breathtaking views and family-friendly thrill. Plus, the White Water Rafting tours are a must for adventure seekers eager to navigate the exciting rapids while soaking in the scenery.

Cagayan De Oro’s diverse offerings make it a prime destination for active travelers, cultural explorers, and families alike. With so many options, choosing can be daunting—so let’s walk through the top tours, highlighting their best features and what makes each one unique.

1. Cagayan de Oro: Dahilayan Trip (Asia’s Longest Dual Zipline)

At number 1 on our list, the Dahilayan Trip stands out for its high-altitude adventure and family-friendly atmosphere. For around $101 per person, you get access to Asia’s longest dual zipline, offering a thrilling ride over lush pine forests and rolling hills. The zipline itself is a highlight not just for adrenaline junkies but also for those who want a panoramic vista of the mountainous landscape. Besides the zipline, the park offers activities such as Forest Luge, ATV & Buggy Trail Adventure, perfect for all ages.

The safety measures are solid, making it suitable for families with children, and the views are truly unforgettable. Many visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the chance to combine multiple adventures into a single day. If you’re after a mix of excitement and scenic beauty, this is a top pick.

Bottom Line: A perfect way to combine thrill and scenery, especially for families and first-time zipliners.

2. Philippines, Bukidnon Private Horseback Ride & Tribal Picnic

For a more relaxed but equally memorable experience, the Horseback Ride & Tribal Picnic offers a scenic journey through Bukidnon’s vast ranches. Surrounded by rolling green hills and majestic landscapes, this two-hour private horseback ride is suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders. The highlight is the chance to enjoy a “tribal picnic” lunch, which offers an authentic taste of local culture.

The tour includes a safety briefing, a one-hour horseback ride, followed by a delicious picnic lunch with time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. The experience is intimate and educational, making it ideal for travelers interested in culture and nature. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to the experience.

Note: The tour is best suited for those comfortable in the outdoors and with a moderate level of activity. It’s a fantastic way to feel like a true haciendero for a day.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a cultural, scenic experience with a touch of luxury and adventure.

3. Cagayan de Oro: Bukidnon Adventure Park Day Trip

A day trip to Bukidnon blends scenic exploration with adventure. This 10-hour tour covers the lush Camp Phillips pineapple plantation before heading to the Dahilayan Adventure Park for ziplines and forest trails. It’s a comprehensive way to see Bukidnon’s natural beauty with stops that include striking vistas and opportunities for photos.

The tour’s itinerary is flexible, as it may change due to weather or safety concerns. The key feature is experiencing the thrill at Dahilayan, along with the chance to walk through pineapple fields. The tour is suitable for those who want a full day of outdoor fun combined with sightseeing, but be prepared for a long day on your feet.

Bottom Line: Excellent for adventure lovers who want a full-day itinerary combining scenic drives and adrenaline activities.

4. Cagayan de Oro: Bukidnon Day Trip with Dahilayan Forest Farm

This full-day Bukidnon trip offers a blend of ziplining, pineapple plantation visits, and serene highland scenery. Starting with the Dahilayan Forest Farm, you’ll experience the thrill of the zipline, then relax among verdant farms and learn about local agriculture. The tour includes visits to pineapple fields, and the trip is ideal for those wanting a mix of adventure and cultural insights.

The itinerary may shift if weather conditions require, but the overall experience provides a well-rounded look at Bukidnon’s landscape. The tour lasts around 11 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with a full day to spare.

Bottom Line: Nature and adventure combined, suitable for families and active travelers wanting to explore Bukidnon’s highlands.

5. Cagayan de Oro: City Landmarks & Highlights Day Tour

For those who prefer exploring on land, the City Landmarks & Highlights offers an active, discovery-driven experience. Over 8 hours, you’ll visit the Divine Mercy Shrine with its impressive statue, learn about WWII at the MacArthur Marker, and stroll through Gaston Park—one of the city’s oldest parks. The tour also includes the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral and panoramic views from Eden Solace Overview.

This tour is ideal for travelers interested in the city’s history, culture, and architecture. It provides a solid overview in a single day with efficient transportation and entry to key sights. It’s a good choice for those who want an engaging city experience without the hassle of planning logistics.

Bottom Line: An excellent introduction to Cagayan de Oro for first-timers wanting a balanced glimpse of history, culture, and scenic vistas.

6. Cagayan de Oro: Eden Solace, Gaston Park, and Skywalk Tour

A van tour of about 10 hours, this experience takes you to the Eden Solace viewpoint, Gaston Park, and Noah’s Ark Sky Walk. The tour highlights highland charm and offers opportunities for scenic viewing and photo stops. The Sky Walk at Noah’s Ark Vineyard provides an elevated perspective of the landscape, perfect for snapping memorable photos.

Weather can affect the itinerary, so flexibility is key. The guided trip includes transport and a driver, making it convenient for those who want to relax and focus on the sights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic overview of Cagayan de Oro’s highlands and parks.

7. Cagayan de Oro: Half-Day City Tour

For a quick but comprehensive city experience, the Half-Day City Tour covers essential sights like Gaston Park, the Cathedral Church, and Eden Solace. It’s perfect for those with limited time or for a relaxed introduction to Cagayan de Oro’s urban charm.

The tour includes round-trip transfers and entry tickets, reducing hassle. The itinerary is flexible and subject to weather, but it covers the highlights efficiently. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a snapshot of the city with minimal fuss.

Bottom Line: Great for those with limited time who want a quick, well-organized tour of Cagayan de Oro’s main attractions.

8. Cagayan de Oro: Private White Water Rafting Upper Section

Looking for a personalized adventure? The Private White Water Rafting Upper Section offers an exclusive experience on the river, with professional guides, all necessary gear, and a scenic jeepney ride to the launch point. This tour lasts about 2 hours but delivers exciting rapids and beautiful river scenery.

It’s suitable for those who want a more tailored experience or wish to avoid large group tours. The activity is safe for beginners but requires a basic level of fitness—expect to get wet and enjoy the adrenaline rush.

Bottom Line: Best for adventurous travelers seeking a private, guided whitewater rafting experience.

9. Cagayan de Oro: Sunrise Mountain Trek (BUKIDNON)

For truly memorable mornings, the Sunrise Mountain Trek offers panoramic views from Bukidnon’s highlands. Starting early, you’ll hike from Cagayan de Oro, Manolo Fortich, or Impasug-ong to catch the sunrise over the mountains. The walk includes visits to the Communal Ranch and a hearty lunch afterward.

This 15-hour adventure is perfect for early risers and those eager for a deep connection with nature. The views at dawn are spectacular, and the experience is a great way to appreciate Bukidnon’s scenic beauty while breaking a sweat.

Bottom Line: Ideal for dedicated hikers and sunrise enthusiasts wanting a full, rewarding day in highland paradise.

10. Cagayan de Oro: White Water Rafting

The classic White Water Rafting experience in Cagayan de Oro is a full 2-hour adventure that takes you through 14 exhilarating rapids. With roundtrip transfers and professional guides, the activity balances thrills with scenic views of the river canyon.

Suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, it’s a great way to get your adrenaline fix while soaking in the natural surroundings. The tour is well-organized, safety-conscious, and offers the chance to paddle through some of the most famous rapids in the country.

Bottom Line: A must-do for rafting fans wanting a reliable, exciting, and scenic adventure.

11. Cagayan de Oro: Whitewater Rafting Adventure

This Whitewater Rafting Adventure provides a 5-hour journey on the Cagayan de Oro River, conquering 14 rapids in a guided, team-oriented experience. It’s perfect for those wanting a longer, more immersive rafting experience.

Participants will enjoy breathtaking views, thrilling rapids, and the camaraderie of navigating the river with friends or new acquaintances. The tour includes all gear and safety briefings, making it accessible for most fitness levels, though participants should be comfortable getting wet.

Bottom Line: For those seeking an extended, adrenaline-filled day of whitewater fun, this tour is hard to beat.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Cagayan De Oro

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, physical fitness, and interests. For adrenaline junkies, the Dahilayan Zipline or white water rafting tours are obvious choices. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the horseback ride with tribal picnic or city landmarks tour might suit you better.

Think about the logistics—some tours like the Bukidnon Adventure Park Day Trip require a full day, while others like the Half-Day City Tour are quick and straightforward. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like white water rafting or ziplining, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Cagayan De Oro offers an impressive mix of adventure and culture, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers. For a high-adrenaline day, the Dahilayan Zipline or white water rafting are top contenders. If you want a taste of highland life and local culture, the horseback riding and tribal picnic or the Bukidnon day trips deliver memorable experiences.

For those who prefer exploring at a more leisurely pace, the city landmarks tour and scenic van trips provide a comprehensive introduction to Cagayan de Oro’s charm. No matter your interest, plans, or fitness level, early booking is advisable to make sure you get the most out of this exciting region.