Callao Cave

Callao Cave is a seven-chamber limestone cave located in the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape in Barangay Quibal, Peñablanca, Cagayan, northern Luzon, Philippines. Accessed via 184 concrete steps, it features a cathedral-like chamber with natural skylight housing a chapel. It is internationally notable as the discovery site of Homo luzonensis (Callao Man), dated to about 67,000 years ago, making it a key archaeological and ecotourism destination in Cagayan Valley.

Visitors can expect a climb of 184 concrete steps to the cave entrance, followed by exploration of large limestone chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and natural skylights. The first chamber is a vast cathedral-like hall converted into a chapel with pews and natural lighting. Interiors are dim, cool and uneven, with concrete walkways and railings. Guided tours lead through up to seven chambers, with views of the surrounding karst landscape and Pinacanauan River valley.

Callao Cave is an important archaeological site where a 67,000-year-old third metatarsal was discovered in 2007 by archaeologist Armand Mijares, initially identified as Callao Man. Further excavations yielded additional fossils and in 2019 the remains were classified as a new human species, Homo luzonensis, providing key evidence for early human migration and evolution in Southeast Asia.

The cave's first chamber has been developed as a natural chapel with altar and pews, used for religious services and local ceremonies. It is a central ecotourism and cultural landmark within the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape and holds significance for local communities as a natural heritage site.