Mt. Mago in Carmen is one of the easiest hiking trails in Cebu. It also offers one of the best hiking views in Cebu. And it’s only a one to two hour trek depending on your pace.
Going to Mt. Mago by Public Transportation
To go to Mt. Mago by public transportation, ride a bus bound for Carmen at Cebu North Bus Terminal. The bus fare is around 40 to 50 pesos. Then, inform the bus driver to drop you at Carmen Public Market. While in the market, you can eat breakfast or buy some goods for the hike. Then, ride a habal-habal to Brgy. Santican. The habal-habal fare is ₱100 per head. Each habal-habal can accommodate two passengers. And if you are the only passenger, they usually ask for ₱150. The habal-habal ride is 30 to 45 minutes long and the road going to Brgy. Santican is not concrete.
Once in Brgy. Santican, get a guide to lead you to the peak. The guides are usually local kids and they are usually okay with how much you are willing to pay so just pay them fairly and give extra tips if you can.
The Trail
There are two trails to the peak, the first one is more challenging and the second is easier. However, both trails are still beginner friendly. We just found the first trail harder because it’s usually ascending and it’s more tiring than our trek to Mt. Naupa.
You can inform your guide to lead you to the harder trail first. And even if the trek is tiring, the views are relaxing.
The endpoint of the trek is a boundary to the three towns Carmen, Danao and Tuburan. You can eat here while regaining energy for the descent. Don’t forget to share some food and drinks to your guide.
For the descent, you can ask your guide to bring you to the easier trail. I personally love the views from the second trail since you see more rolling hills.
There’s a small store in Brgy. Santican where you can rest and snack after the trek. Overall, the trek is very pleasant. The trail is beginner-friendly and the views are lovely. The local people are also helpful and friendly.