Pamitinan Cave

Pamitinan Cave is a limestone cave in the Pamitinan Protected Landscape in Barangay Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines. Located at the foot of Mount Pamitinan, it is known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations and its historical association with the Katipunan movement. The cave features the rock inscription 'Viva la Independencia' and is linked to the legend of Bernardo Carpio. It is accessed via a guided hike and is a popular day-trip destination from Metro Manila.

Visitors can expect a guided hike from the Wawa jump-off through forested trails and rocky terrain to the cave entrance at the base of Mount Pamitinan. Inside, the cave has limestone chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations, dimly lit areas requiring flashlights, and the historic 'Viva la Independencia' inscription on the wall. The surroundings include the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, Wawa River gorge and views of nearby karst mountains.

On April 12, 1895, Andres Bonifacio and members of the Katipunan held a meeting inside Pamitinan Cave and inscribed 'Viva la Independencia' on its walls, declaring commitment to Philippine independence. The cave was later declared a historic site and is protected as part of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape established in 1996.

The cave is central to the folklore of Bernardo Carpio, a legendary figure in Tagalog mythology said to be trapped between the mountains of Montalban holding apart two boulders. The legend is associated with Mount Pamitinan and Mount Binacayan surrounding the cave.