Top Things to Do in Cortes, Surigao for an Unforgettable Vacation
Cortes is a fourth-class town located in the northeastern part of Surigao, it has a total land area of about 61.7 square kilometers. The city is surrounded by the communities of Barobo to the north, Llanga to the east, Tagvina to the west, and the Philippine Sea to the south.
The city is named after Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes, known for his exploration and conquest of Mexico. City he formally incorporated in 1948 after three barangays were separated from the city of Barobo. Cortés is an agricultural city whose main crops are rice, maize, coconut, and abaca. Fishing is also an important industry, with the city's coastal waters teeming with a wide variety of fish and other marine products.
Cortez's population, as of the 2020 census, has him living in 3,394 households with 14,540 people. The city is made up of 12 barangays, each with its own culture and traditions. The main language of Cortes is Surigaonon, but Tagalog and English are also widely spoken.
Tourism is also a growing industry in Cortez, with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and natural attractions that draw visitors from different parts of the country.
1. The Ecological Importance of Preserving Laswitan Falls and Lagoon
It's a popular destination for tourists and locals alike because the waterfalls cascade into the Pacific Ocean, forming a natural lagoon. The name 'Laswittan' comes from the local word 'Raswit' which means 'splashing'. The waterfall flows into a narrow channel between two rock formations, creating a splash that can be seen from a distance. When the water flows into the lagoon, it creates beautiful natural pools for visitors to swim and relax.
In addition to natural pools, Raswitan also has rock formations formed over time by Pacific waves. These formations are unique in shape and size and are a sight to behold. Visitors can also climb the rock formations for a better view of the surrounding landscape.
Laswitan Falls and Lagoon is a popular spot for adventure seekers. The raging waves of the Pacific crash against the rocks, giving visitors an exhilarating experience. It is important to exercise extreme caution and follow safety guidelines when visiting this area.
To get to Laswithan Falls and Lagoon;
- visitors can take a bus or van from Tandag City to Cortez
- from where they can rent a tricycle or motorbike to reach the site
- Travel time is approximately 1 hour from Tandag City
2. Enjoy the stunning Beaches
Cortes is known for its beautiful beaches and is home to numerous pristine beaches with clear waters and fine white sand;
- Baybay Beach is a picturesque white sand beach in the town. This beach is known for its crystal clear blue waters, stunning sunsets, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, stroll, and relax under the shade of coconut trees on the beach. The area also has several beach resorts and restaurants that offer accommodation and local cuisine.
- Tagonton Beach: Tagonton Beach is another beautiful beach in Cortez, Surigao del Sur. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and fine white sand, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing. You can also rent a boat to explore nearby islands or sample local seafood dishes at beachfront restaurants.
- Cancon Beach: This beach is known for its calm waters and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, swim on the beach, or rent kayaks to explore nearby coves and rock formations. There are also several cottages and resorts in the area that provide accommodation and meals.
- Other famous beaches in Cortez are Ramandauis Beach, Maputi Beach, and Esperanza Beach. These beaches offer a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. The area is also known for its local fish dishes served at seaside restaurants and resorts.
- Overall, Cortez is a great destination for beach lovers and nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of the Philippine coast.
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to Cortez in Surigao del Sur from Davao City,
- take a bus or van to Tandag City.
- From Tandag city you can take jeepneys or other vans to Cortes.
- The distance from Davao City to Tandag City is about 277 kilometers and takes about 6-7 hours by car.
- Several bus and van companies operate daily between his two cities, with fares ranging from 350 pesos to 500 pesos, depending on vehicle type and company.
- Once in Tandag City, you can take a jeepney or van to Cortes, about 20 kilometers away.
- Fares for this short trip range from Php 30 to Php 50 and the journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
How to get from Butuan
- To get from Butuan to Cortes and Surigao del Sur, take a bus or van to Tandag City.
- From Tandag city you can take jeepneys or other vans to Cortes.
- The distance between Butuan City and Tandag City is about 120 kilometers and it takes about 3-4 hours by car.
- Several bus and van companies operate a daily service between the two cities, with fares ranging from 150 pesos to 200 pesos, depending on vehicle type and company.
- Once in Tandag City, you can take a jeepney or van to Cortes, about 20 kilometers away.
- Fares for this short trip range from Php 30 to Php 50 and the journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
How to get from Surigao City
- To get from Surigao City to Cortes, Surigao del Sur, take a bus or van to Tandag City.
- From Tandag city you can take jeepneys or other vans to Cortes.
- The distance between Surigao City and Tandag City is about 129 kilometers and it takes about 3 to 4 hours by car.
- Several bus and van companies operate a daily service between the two cities, with fares ranging from 150 pesos to 200 pesos, depending on vehicle type and company.
- Once in Tandag City, you can take a jeepney or van to Cortes, about 20 kilometers away.
- Fares for this short trip range from Php 30 to Php 50 and the journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
