The Banaue rice terraces are the world-famous terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines. It is believed that these ‘steps’ were set up by the ancestors of the indigenous people, some 2000 years ago.
The construction of the terraces is so perfect that they are often regarded as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. It also reflects the skills and knowledge of the lfugaos people that have been passed down the generations.
Interestingly, the terraces were built largely by hand, using minimal equipment. They are located approximately 1524 metres above the sea level and cover an area of 10,360 square kilometres.
An ancient irrigation system from the rainforests situated above the terraces is what feeds the crops. A popular saying in the region is that if the steps were put end to end, it would form a circle at least half the diameter of the globe! In short, the terraces are so attractive that each year thousands of people from across the globe visit the site just to enjoy this marvel.
