Paracelis

Welcome to Paracelis, a vibrant upland municipality tucked away in the eastern frontier of Mountain Province, Philippines. This highland escape offers an enchanting blend of majestic landscapes, indigenous culture, and undiscovered adventures. Often overlooked by mainstream tourists, Paracelis is your next off-the-beaten-path destination!

Paracelis is beautifully framed by rolling mountains, rice terraces, and rich river valleys. The municipality is a natural border to Isabela, Ifugao, and Kalinga, making it a melting pot of diverse ethnolinguistic groups like the Ga’dang, Balangao, Ifugao, and Ilocano. The locals are warm, grounded in tradition, and fiercely proud of their roots.

• Anagacan Falls – A hidden multi-tiered waterfall perfect for a cool mountain dip
• Danao View Deck – Marvel at the sea of clouds and sunrise views that rival Sagada
• Paracelis Rice Terraces – Echoing the famed Banaue terraces, these are hand-carved by ancestral farmers
• Siffu River – Great for kayaking and riverside picnics with unspoiled forest views
• Mt. Nambaran – A favorite hiking spot with panoramic views of the Cordillera and Cagayan Valley

A mix of highland Cordilleran and lowland Ilocano traditions influence everyday life. You’ll hear a musical blend of Ga’dang, Balangao, Ilocano, and Tagalog in conversation. Storytelling, woodcarving, and traditional farming are still part of the local way of life.

Don’t miss out on these local delicacies:

• Etag – traditional salted pork, a Cordilleran classic
• Pinikpikan – a controversial but culturally significant chicken soup
• Inanchila – steamed sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves
• Freshly milled mountain rice and root crops served with native coffee or sugarcane wine

The Say-am Festival, celebrated every November, is a colorful explosion of ritual dances, chants, traditional games, and tribal unity. It’s the perfect time to witness indigenous rituals, including the playing of gangsa (Cordilleran gongs) and wearing of vibrant ethnic attire.

The music in Paracelis is deeply tribal. Expect the resonating sound of gangsa gongs, nose flutes, and bamboo instruments. Dances mimic farming motions and ancestral rituals, offering a hypnotic window into the soul of the community.

• Rich Indigenous Heritage and multi-ethnic harmony
• Undisturbed nature spots for eco-tourism
• Sustainable upland farming and rice terraces
• Tribal artistry in weaving, woodcraft, and rituals
• A gateway to the Cordillera’s eastern frontier

• Best time to visit: October to February for cool weather and clearer skies
• Bring cash, mobile signals may be limited
• Respect tribal customs, especially during rituals and sacred ceremonies