Age limits for hike on Mt. Pinatubo

I am planning my vacation to Philippines and am interested to book a hike on Mt. Pinatubo, but I have been receiving mixed messages about the age restrictions regarding the hike. I have found some companies that state specifically on their websites that anyone over the age of 60 is absolutely banned from climbing. I contacted other companies that does not mention the restriction and told them that I am over 60, and none responded to that particular question although the did send me their itineraries and rates. Could someone please clarify this for me, or direct me to a link that will tell me specifically what the restrictions are exactly. I don't want to pay and then find out once I get there. Thanks in advance.

Hello, @mangosteen! I don't think there will be no link/website stating specifically what are the restrictions in general because the rules vary depending on the company/agency you are booking. Consider the guidelines set by these companies/agencies:

Age Limit: Minimum of 8 years old and a maximum of 60 years old on the longer hike. All guests are required to present identification as proof of age.
From www.trekkingpinatubo.com

9. I’m already retired. Can I still join your hikes? Age is never a factor in hiking. We had climbers as old as 70 years old who successfully climbed with us.
From www.trailadventours.com/faqs under “On Trips” tab

60 years old and up are required to bring medical certificate from refutable medical institution certifying that they are physically fit to participate in this activity. Travel Insurance is also accepted.
From www.pinaykeypoint.org/ under “Important Notes” section

As per tourism advisory, 60 years old above will only be allowed to trek if they can provide medical certificate or travel health insurance coverage and can pass blood pressure checking on the actual day. Please be guided.
From http://mtpinatubotourhomestayphilippines.wordpress.com
under “ANNOUNCEMENT” section

Prior to the last statement, I'm not sure if they are referring to the Department of Tourism advisory or just a Tourism Council advisory in their area. Have you got the chance to send an inquiry to any of the above? Let me know what else I could help. Cheers!

Thank you so much for doing all the research for me. I will contact some of those companies to find out more. They were not the ones I originally emailed with the exception of the first one. But it seems that blood pressure test, medical insurance, and dr. certificate are all required. The trek does not look or sound that difficult to me (I've done much more difficult ones). Perhaps there have been many medical problems that have occurred on the hike????

Perhaps there have been many medical problems that have occurred on the hike????

I wouldn't be surprised if they got fed up with all these sixty plus Balibago Bum fatso lardasses turning up with teenager Waray stick insect 'girlfriends' in hot pants, sinking SML's all the way up and not being able to handle it, and finally having to get carried down on hastily improvised bamboo stretchers. I can't say I blame them.

No problem! Yes, they are all required. After all, safety is the utmost priority. Let us know if you already have updates. Feel free to reach out also if you have questions. Cheers!

I notice that Trail Adventours is referenced above. I can personally recommend them. Went to Mayon with them in April 2011. They are a great really nice group of guys, totally reputable.

I did not go with them to Pinatubo. But I did go there with some friends. It was a tough workout, especially in the heat, but I do not recall that it was unreasonably strenuous (Mayon, on the other hand, kicked my ass). I think that if you've climbed Pacaya in Guatemala, as I see in your profile/posting history, then most likely you know what to expect and can judge for yourself.

If you feel resourceful, you could possibly just get yourself to brgy. Santa Juliana (Capas, Tarlac) and hire your own Jeep to take you to the trailhead, perhaps with a local guide.

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