Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake Base Camp (Capas Trail)

Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake — Lake Pinatubo — sits at approximately 15.13°N, 120.35°E on the tripoint boundary of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. The preferred access route is via Barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac, using 4×4 jeeps across dramatic lahar badlands followed by a 2–3 hour trek. The Capas LGU manages the tourism program through the Capas Tourism Office. Fees as of published government rates include a ₱300 environmental/eco-fee per person and a mandatory guide fee of ₱500 per group, plus ₱2,500–₱3,500 per 4×4 jeep (good for up to 5 pax). The Capas trail was temporarily closed and reopened June 23, 2025. Overnight camping at Ana-An Falls (near the crater approach) is available through accredited tour operators, with packages around ₱4,000/person including camping gear. Camping on the crater rim itself is not permitted. The surrounding lahar landscape — vast grey badlands carved by pyroclastic flows — is one of the most dramatic terrains in the Philippines. Swimming in the crater lake is prohibited. Cell signal is very weak to absent along the trail.