For two millennia, the Igorots of Sagada have been laying their loved ones to rest by putting their bodies in snug wooden coffins and hoisting them onto brackets secured to the cliffside. They also have the tradition of burying them inside caves. The deceased are arranged in a half-fetal position to fit into the compact coffins. This custom is intended to protect the dead from floods and animals, and they believe it aids the departed in transitioning to heaven more peacefully.

You can see rows of pine coffins, some dating back a hundred years, with names painted on them, hanging from the steep cliffs of Echo Valley. The Igorots are proactive about preparing for the death of their elders, often carving their own coffins ahead of time if they sense that death is near.
So, why is it called Echo Valley?
Echo Valley Famous for its stunning scenery and intriguing cliffside burial customs. It is primarily recognized as the entrance to the Hanging Coffins, a top tourist attraction in Sagada.

Burial Cave – Stack of coffins inside the cave
Sagada: Burial and Ritual Traditions
If you yell while strolling down the path to the burial site, your voice will definitely bounce back throughout the valley. During the burial, the ancestors will yell and scream at the top of their lungs to awaken the previous dead, letting them know that an elder is about to join them in heaven. The echoes can be heard all over the valley.

Echo Valley was explored on the third day of our Sagada adventure. The hike was somewhat challenging, as we navigated up and down past the cemetery. Along the way, you’ll encounter towering cliffs and caves before arriving at the hanging coffins. It was a fascinating sight to see how the Igorot people carry out this unique burial practice.

It was April and summer in the Philippines when we visited this location. This is the optimal time to explore Sagada. The temperature was pleasantly cool, reaching 18 degrees Celsius, and dropping to a chilly 14 degrees at night. The journey by car from Manila to Sagada takes approximately six hours. However, during the rainy season, travel time can double, and access may be restricted due to landslides. Therefore, summer is the ideal season for a visit.
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