Mount Maculot

Facts

• Elevation: 957 m (3,366 ft)
• Prominence: 612 m
• Peak category:  Spesial
• Region:  Luzon
• Coordinates: 13.9212, 121.0519
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Mount Maculot, also known as Mount Macolod, is a dormant stratovolcano located in Cuenca, Batangas. It is a popular hiking destination known for its scenic views, including close proximity to Taal Lake and a famous rock formation called “The Rockies,” which is a steep volcanic rock wall with panoramic vistas. The climb is considered mild to moderate in difficulty and typically takes a few hours depending on the route. The mountain is visited both by hikers and pilgrims during Holy Week as part of local religious traditions. Trails feature tropical forest and rocky outcrops, and the summit provides extensive views of surrounding areas. Mount Maculot is part of the larger Taal Caldera rim system and is geologically significant as a remnant of past volcanic activity.

There are two routes up just a kilometre apart, both starting in the south near Cuenca, so a circuit is feasible. The western trail starts at Don Juan (300m) up to the Maculot campsite (700m). Left from here (west) leads to viewpoints over Taal Lake and right leads to the summit. The eastern trail (known as Grotto trail) starts at Pinagkaisahan (320m) and leads straight up to the summit.

Practicalities

• • Getting there: Travelers usually reach Mount Maculot by going to Cuenca, Batangas province. Cuenca can be accessed by bus or private vehicle from Manila and other parts of Luzon. From Cuenca town, local transport or motorcycles can bring hikers to the jump-off point near the Grotto or trailheads leading to the summit and to the Rockies formation. Coordination with local guides or barangay officials is often recommended for trail information and registration.

• • Permits: There is no widely published formal permit system specific to Mount Maculot on major mountaineering sites. However, it is common to register at the jump-off point with local authorities or tourism offices to monitor safety and support community management of the area. 

• • Water sources: Water sources along the trail are not extensively detailed in public sources.

Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Manila)

Location