Atok, Benguet Day Trip Guide
I’ve always wanted to go to Atok so when I arranged a Baguio trip with my family in December last year, I made sure it would be part of our itinerary. And if you’re planning to do the same, here’s my simple Atok, Benguet day trip guide.
❓Where is Atok, Benguet?
Atok is a small town in Benguet, about 2 to 3 hours away from Baguio City. It’s one of the highest places in the Philippines known for its cold weather, mountain views, and flower farms. Unlike Baguio, Atok is less crowded, and people often go there on a day trip.
⛰️ Atok, Benguet Elevation
Atok sits at around 2,250 meters above sea level. The high altitude means the temperature here is much cooler than in Baguio. It can drop below 10°C, especially in the early morning. Our trip happened in mid-December, the temperature was cold but bearable with a light jacket. Kids may have less tolerance for cold though, so if you’re traveling with them, make sure they’re bundled up.
❄️ Best Time to Visit Atok, Benguet
If you want good weather and clear views, visit from November to May. This is also the best time to see the flower farms in full bloom, especially between January and March. The rainy season (June to October) can be tricky because of slippery roads and thick fog, which can ruin the experience.
⛅ Atok, Benguet Weather
Atok is cold year-round, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C. Mornings and evenings can be freezing, so wear a jacket and maybe even gloves. If you’re visiting between December and February, you might see frost in the early morning. The cold hits differently here, so be prepared.
🚌 How to Get to Atok, Benguet
✴️ By Car
If you’re driving from Manila:
- Take NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) and continue onto SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway).
- Exit at Rosario, La Union, then drive towards Baguio via Marcos Highway or Kennon Road.
- From Baguio, follow Halsema Highway north for about 2–3 hours until you reach Atok. The roads are steep and winding, so drive carefully, especially in foggy conditions.
✴️ By Bus
- Take a bus bound for Baguio. Bus companies like Victory Liner, Genesis, and JoyBus operate daily trips from Cubao or Pasay, with travel times ranging from 4 to 6 hours.
- Regular Air-Conditioned Bus: Fares range from ₱485 to ₱640 (USD 8.34-11.00), depending on the bus company and terminal.
- First-Class or Deluxe Bus: These offer more amenities and have fares ranging from ₱720 to ₱800 (USD 12.38-13.75).
- From Baguio, go to Dangwa Terminal and take a bus or van bound for Bontoc or Sagada.
- Tell the driver to drop you off at Atok, which takes another 2–3 hours.
🚐 Atok, Benguet Tour Operator
For this trip, I booked a private tour with Jeffrey Herreria, a guide I found in a Facebook group. He picked us up from our hotel in Baguio at around 5 AM in his van.
The tour rate was ₱5,000 (USD 85.96), but this amount is what we agreed on, not his fixed rate. Just negotiate a deal with him if you want to get his services. I just told him the places we wanted to visit, and he took care of the rest. Jeffrey was easy to talk to, and the whole transaction was smooth. His van was clean and comfortable, and he was considerate the entire trip. I’d recommend his services if you want a hassle-free tour.
📞 You may contact Jeffrey at these numbers:
- +63 956 264 2017
- +63 788 2466
🏞️ Atok, Benguet Tourist Spots
✴️ Our Northern Coffee House
We set out early and didn’t get to have breakfast so I asked Jeffrey to take us to Our Northern Coffee House. It’s a simple café adorned with native Igorot artifacts used as decorations. This is one of the best places to try Cordilleran coffee while enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains.
📍Address: GMFR+2W4, Atok, Benguet
🕙 Operating Hours: Mon to Sat, 6:30 AM–8 PM | Closed on Sundays
✴️ Northern Blossom Flower Farm
For me, the highlight of this tour was the Northern Blossom, one of the most popular flower farms in Atok. The place is huge, with colorful flowers spread across the hillside.
Northern Blossom Entrance Fee
| Fee | PHP | USD |
| Regular | 50 | 0.86 |
| PWD and Senior | 40 | 0.69 |
| Children 10 years and below | Free | Free |
Visitors can enjoy a small pack of bread and unlimited coffee for free. Take note that there are no other free drinks other than coffee. I asked the staff if they had any drinks for the kids because we were traveling with my niece and nephew. I wasn’t asking for anything special really, just water. But the staff said that all they could offer was coffee and with a straight face, told me these were just complementary. I found her tone a bit off-putting like she was telling me to just be grateful. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the free coffee, but I was thinking of the kids. Is it too much to ask them to have water available?
Anyway, the farm had so many beautiful flowers planted in rolling fields facing the picturesque view of the mountains covered in a sea of clouds. The sights were straight out of a postcard and I couldn’t help but take snapshots wherever I turned; it was that beautiful. Northern Blossom Flower Farm is also pet-friendly and our little furry friend, Edward had a grand time climbing up and down the fields with us.
📍Address: JQG9+8GC, Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet
🕙 Operating Hours: Mon to Sat, 6:30 M–4:30 PM | Closed on Sundays
✴️ Highest Point
We quickly stopped at the Highest Point to take photos and admire the view. Standing at 7,400 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point in the Philippine Highway System. The view of the mountains stretched as far as the eye could see.
📍Address: JQRG+635, Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet
✴️ Amando’s Lemon Farm
Our fourth stop was not in Atok but in Tublay, Benguet to visit Amando’s Lemon Farm. It’s a family-owned 2-hectare farm filled with lemon trees. There’s an entrance fee of ₱100 (USD 1.72) per person.
Here, you can experience picking lemons from the trees. They will provide you with a basket and a cutter, then later on, take them home for only ₱50 (USD 0.86) per kilo. You read that right, only 50 pesos! Had I known it was this cheap, I would have filled my basket.
After the lemon picking, we stayed for a little bit to eat our “baon,” which we shared with the dogs on the farm. We had a pleasant time chatting with the farm staff who were so nice and welcoming.
📍Address: Amcaway, Tublay, Benguet
🕙 Operating Hours: Mon to Sun, 6 AM–5:30 PM
✴️ Trinidad Strawberry Farm
Just like Amando’s Lemon Farm, Trinidad Strawberry Farm isn’t in Atok, but since we were already heading back to Baguio, we decided to make a side trip. Here, you can pick strawberries (if they’re in season), and buy strawberry products like ice cream, jam, wine, and taho.
📍Address: FH5P+2F La Trinidad, Benguet
Atok may not be as popular as Baguio, but that’s exactly what makes it special. This trip with my family was short but memorable, and I’m glad we had a reliable guide to make everything smooth. I know this is not a comprehensive article but I hope this Atok, Benguet day trip guide can help you if you’re planning a visit.
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