Best places to visit in Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is well known for its preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan. The province is home of  the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely, the Heritage City of Vigan and the Baroque Church of Santa Maria.

Planning to visit Ilocos Sur soon? Here are the must visit destinations in the province.

Calle Crisologo

If you are going to visit Ilocos Sur, Calle Crisologo is a must visit. It is also called The Heritage Village, a 15th Century Spanish Street in Vigan. It features antique houses, and specialty shops leading to the town's hundred year old churches. The best time to visit this spot is at night. 

Calle Crisologo

Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo

Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo is the much awaited event every holiday season. It's situated in front of the old church, right at the centre of the Plaza Salcedo. At night, the plaza became the main attraction in Vigan. Everyone is enjoying the sound, laser lights and the dancing fountain.

Bantay Bell Tower

Bantay Bell Tower

Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church, is the famous old church in Ilocos Sur. The old historic belfry of the church which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name - bantay (meaning to guard). This church houses the Nuestra Senora de La Caridad, the Queen of Ilocondia.

Baluarte Zoo

Baluarte Zoo is a perfect destination for kids, young at heart, and animal lovers. It  was established by local politician and businessman, Chavit Singson. The zoo is home of different kinds of animals like monkeys, tigers, pythons, iguanas, camels, deer, peacocks, parrots, ostriches, flamingos and many more. The zoo is open every day, and the entrance is free.

Santa Maria Church

Santa Maria Church

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, commonly known as the Santa Maria Church, is a beautiful baroque church in Vigan. It's designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The church features  a unique structure with a diversified architectural design of bricks and mortar. Aside from that,  it's situated on the top of the hill overlooking the town of Santa Maria.

Cabugao Beach Resort

Cabugao Beach Resort is a well known beach among the locals. It a nice destination during summer vacation. It features fine white sand beach, blue waters with some trees near the shoreline. Enjoy swimming, surfing, diving and other outdoor activities.

Pinsal Falls

Pinsal Water Falls

Pinsal Falls in the newest tourist spots in Ilocos Sur. Located in the  humble town of Sta. Maria, Pinsal Falls is a 85-foot waterfall with cascading icy cold waters down into a huge naural pool. To get to the waterfalls, one must trek along the forest trail or you can rent a boat.

What to Eat in Ilocos Norte: Bagnet, Pakbet, Empanada, Langgonisa, and Tinubong.

How to Get to Ilocos Norte: From Manila, take a Partas Bus in Cubao bound for Laoag. Travel time is 10-12 hours