Cordillera Central (Luzon)

The Cordillera Central is the major mountain range of northern Luzon in the Philippines and is the largest highland mass on the island. It includes Mount Pulag, the highest point on Luzon at about 2,922 metres.

The highlands contain forested mountains, deep river valleys and extensive terraced agriculture in areas inhabited by indigenous Igorot groups. The terrain and climate attract trekking, highland agriculture, and cultural visits to traditional communities and rice terraces.

The range was formed by tectonic uplift and volcanic activity and has long been home to mountain peoples whose settlements and land-use patterns shaped much of the upland landscape. It spans multiple Philippine provinces and forms much of the backbone of northern Luzon.

Geographically the Cordillera Central runs roughly north-south across central northern Luzon and forms the interior highlands between the western and eastern lowlands of the island.

• Highest peak: Mount Pulag is the highest peak in the range and in Luzon, rising to about 2,922 metres and popular with hikers and sunrise viewpoints.
• Cultural and administrative significance: The range gives its name to the Cordillera Administrative Region and contains extensive forested highlands and terraced agricultural areas inhabited by Igorot communities.