Sierra Madre, Mountain range in northeastern Luzon, Philippines
Sierra Madre is a mountain range in northeastern Luzon in the Philippines and runs parallel to the Pacific coast for more than 500 kilometers (310 miles). It stretches from Cagayan province in the north to Quezon province in the south and separates the lowlands to the west from the narrow coastal strips to the east.
The mountains served as a refuge during conflicts for centuries and influenced the distribution of settlements on Luzon. During Spanish colonial rule and later in World War II resistance groups used the difficult terrain for shelter.
Several indigenous groups have lived in the valleys for centuries and keep their own language and ways of using the land. Many settlements lie far from paved roads and can only be reached by narrow paths or by boat.
The eastern coastal towns can usually only be reached by unpaved roads or small boats and often require planning over several days. Those heading to higher areas should hire local guides and be ready for changing weather conditions.
A large natural park in the north is home to almost 300 bird species and rare mammals such as the Philippine eagle. The dense forests also provide habitat for species that exist nowhere else on Earth.
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