Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are an agricultural heritage site in Ifugao Province, Philippines, formed by stone-carved steps that climb steep mountain slopes. Narrow paths connect the individual levels, and bamboo pipes carry water from springs to the fields where green seedlings grow in shallow pools.

The Ifugao communities built these terraces more than two thousand years ago using hand tools and working the rock layer by layer. Later generations expanded the system and created five separate areas that now belong to the world heritage list.

The Ifugao people call these terraces a living landscape because each generation maintains the walls and channels while performing old rituals before planting. During ceremonies they use rice wine and songs to ask for good harvests and strengthen their bond with the land.

The fields sit at different elevations, and visitors should bring sturdy shoes and enough water because the paths can be slippery and steep. The best time to visit is between December and May when less rain falls and the view of the mountains stays clear.

The five clusters of Batad, Bangaan, Mayoyao Central, Nagacadan, and Hungduan each show their own patterns in how the stones are arranged and the walls are shaped. Each area uses different methods of water distribution that adapt to local springs and slopes.