2024 ULTIMATE COTO MINES DIY ITINERARY & BUDGET: Everything You Need to Know

Tucked in the lush greenery mountains of Masinloc, Zambales is a crystal clear river and a recent favorite go-to destination of tourists around the province. Coto Mines promises a relaxing weekend vacay as you jump in to its refreshing water, camp by the river and breathe in nature. So if you are planning to go to this place soon, don’t forget to save this Coto Mines DIY Itinerary & Budget for your future reference!

Recently in 2023, Coto mines has been taking social media platforms by storm. Various videos and photos of this laidback paradise have been circulating around the internet. Thus, resulting to tourists crawling to this place every weekend. It’s like when Mapanuepe Lake rose to fame back in 2022.

Table of Contents

About Coto Mines in Masinloc Zambales

To give you a bit of information, Coto Mines is also known as the Coto Chromite Mine in Sitio Coto, Barangay Taltal, Masinloc, Zambales. It was discovered way back in 1925 and the primary mineral extracted from this mining site was chromite.

Nowadays, it is a famous go-to destination because of its stunning crystal clear water where tourists can bathe and enjoy a refreshing atmosphere with their love ones.

Coto Mines Pre-Trevel Guide

Below are some of the important details you need to know before your trip to Coto Mines in Masinloc, Zambales.

How to Get to Coto Mines DIY Way?

Here’s how you can visit Coto Mines DIY way. For travelers with own vehicle, make sure to secure entry permit before going straight to Coto Mines. Also take note that there is about 20KM rough road, lowered vehicles cannot pass through the road.

coto mines in masinloc, zambales — Coto Mines DIY Itinerary

STEP 1: MANILA – MASINLOC TOWN PROPER

Assuming that you are coming from Manila, ride a Victory Liner bus going to Sta. Cruz in Zambales and drop off at Masinloc town proper. The travel time is approximately 4-5 hours and the fare is Php507.

Moreover, the bus schedule of Victory Liner in Pasay leaves at 12:30AM, 2:30AM, 4:00AM, 7:00AM, 11:30AM and 4:00PM. You can also check the updated schedules here.

STEP 2: SECURE A PERMIT AT MASINLOC MUNICIPAL HALL

Once you arrive in Masinloc town proper, charter a tricycle to take you to the Municipal Hall. Secure a permit and pay the environmental fees. **Refer to the table in the expenses section**

Take note that securing a permit is REQUIRED. There are 2 checkpoints on your way to Coto Mines, if you don’t have permit to enter from the Municipal Hall you are not allowed to proceed.

STEP 3: RIDE A JEEPNEY FROM MASINLOC TOWN PROPER TO COTO

Check the schedule below for the jeepney schedule from Masinloc town proper to Coto and vice versa. The fare is Php70-100.00/way and the travel time is 1.5-2 hours.

Masinloc town proper – Coto	12:00PM, 2:00PM and 6:00PM
Coto – Masinloc town proper	7:00AM, 9:00AM, 12:00PM and 4:00PM

Where to Stay at Coto Mines?

Whether you are planning to do a day trip or camp overnight, there is only one way to stay here and that is to camp. As of today, there are no rooms for rental at Coto Mines. So be prepared to bring your camping essentials like tent, hammock, cook set, food, etc.

Other FAQs & Important Reminders/Tips

Is there signal reception? For Smart users only.
Are there stores around the area? YES.
Is there toilet? Yes.
For overnight campers, mosquito repellant is a must.
Is bonfire allowed? In some areas, yes.
For more information, feel free to reach them on their Facebook page at Masinloc Tourism.
What type of vehicles can pass through the 20KM rough road? Standard vehicles can enter the rough road. I don’t recommend sedan cars. For motorcycles, do this only if you are a confident driver.

Things to do at Coto Mines

Swim & Dive at Coto Mines Kidz Pool

The crystal clear water of the river will definitely invite you in for a swim. It’s super clear you can bring your goggles and/or mask&snorkel with you so you can swim and dive. Mind you, the water is really cold too!

There are shallow areas for children and there is also a part where the river is about 3-4 meters deep.

Jump in its Platforms

Calling forth all adrenaline junkies out there! There are 2 jumping platforms you can choose from. I highly suggest you to try this. To those who cannot swim, there are available life vests around the area. Just ask the life-guards around.

Moreover, the first platform is lower than the second one. It is about 10 feet high and the 2nd platform is about 20-25 feet high.

coto mines drone shot — Coto Mines DIY Itinerary

Camp at Coto Mines

Although Coto Mines is open for daytrippers, I still recommend you to camp overnight. Get the best of your Coto Mines experience if you stay there for 2 days.

Sample Coto Mines DIY Itinerary & Budget / Expenses

Here’s our sample itinerary below and our expenses for a 2 days 1 night trip.

DAY 1: DAGUPAN – MASINLOC MUNICIPAL HALL
7AM	Masinloc Public Market (buy food for camping)	Php300/each
8AM	Masinloc Municipal Hall (secure permit)	Php60.00/each environmental fee; Php100.00/each overnight fee
9AM	Breakfast at a local eatery	Php100.00/each
9:30AM	ETD to Coto Mines
11:15AM	ETA Coto Mines, rest
12:00NN	Lunch
1PM onwards	FREE TIME, swim, camp set-up
6PM	Early dinner
8PM	Socials, bonfire
DAY 2: COTO MINES
6AM	Early swim, jump to platforms
12NN	Pack up, ETD to Pangasinan
6PM	*end of tour*

Refer to the table below for fees for Masinloquenos (locals):

Environmental fee	Php60.00
Day Tour fee	FREE
Overnight fee	FREE
**The following night	Php20.00
6 years old and below	FREE

Refer to the table below for Non-Masinloquenos:

Environmental fee	Php60.00
Day Tour fee	Php70.00
Overnight fee	Php100.00
6 years old and below	FREE
Senior Citizens & PWDs	20% Discount

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Drone shots credits to Milo Quinantoto.
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