Sagada Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights & Region Guide

Located in the mountain province, Sagada provides a cool refreshing distraction from the typical hot sticky climate found in the majority of the Philippines.

If you are searching for a nature retreat, far unique to the rest of the Philippines, we highly recommend this trip. Sagada will transport you into what feels like an entirely different country; towering pine forests, cold refreshing waterfalls, unique geography and impressive mountain views. Sagada is truly a treat for the eyes!

This guide will dive into everything you need to know for planning a trip to Sagada including logistics, tips and our very own Sagada Itinerary (4 Days 3 Nights).

Table of Contents

How to Get To Sagada

Route Options:

Navigating your way to Sagada is undoubtedly a challenging journey. The route involves embarking on at least one lengthy bus ride that navigates through winding mountainous roads. Fortunately, there’s a convenient option with direct buses departing from Manila destined for Sagada.

For those wishing to make the journey less intense, we strongly advise considering a pitstop in the captivating city of Baguio for a few days.
Baguio’s unique charm and cultural richness make it a worthwhile destination to explore and stopping here enables you to break the journey in half.

The bus trip to Sagada is inherently scenic in itself. Unfolding over a span of 12 hours and covering a distance of 380 kilometers, you will drive through lush pine forests, across mountains and find yourself high above the clouds. The journey adds to the excitement and magic Sagada has to offer.

How comfortable is the trip to Sagada?

Initially, the absence of air conditioning on the Baguio-Sagada bus raised some concerns for us. Yet, these worries swiftly disappeared as we discovered the refreshing coolness of the mountain air was more than sufficient to keep us comfortable. In fact, reality proved to be quite the opposite; I found myself feeling rather cold and longing for my jumper.

The only major downside of the journey was the toilet facilities. The rest stops were infrequent and unclean, making it less than comfortable.

Price of the trip (Manila - Sagada):

Ticket price:

Top Tip: The easiest way to get to Sagada is to book a flight using Trip.com to Manila and then book a Bus north using 12Go.

Looking for more places to visit in Luzon? Explore the Luzon interactive map.

Accommodation in Sagada

Sagada is a predominantly rural area that is gradually developing its tourism infrastructure. While there are a handful of pleasant hotels, the majority of lodging options consist of guesthouses, BNBs, hostels, and locally rented rooms. Embracing the local charm and simplicity of these accommodations can enhance your experience and help you connect with the area’s distinctive character.

Sagada Tourist Spots

Sagada Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights

Sagada Itinerary 4 Days 3 Nights: Our Experience & Tips

Day 1: Check into Hotel - Sagada Blue Mountain Cabin

After a very long drive, we were looking forward to relaxing, unwinding and of course, adjusting to the cooler climate. We booked our stay outside of the main town, to trek the Blue Soil Hills: A less well-known, unique scenery we were excited to witness.

Arriving in the early hours, we swiftly checked into the Blue Mountain Cabins, freshened up, and found our trainers, ready for adventure. Wandering to the reception area, the exceptionally friendly staff offered us a guide for the mountain trail, but seeking solitude, we opted to discover the path on our own. Armed with directions from the staff and assisted by a friendly local family nearby, we navigated our way.

The trek unfolded through lush forests, and across hills and eventually, after about 30 minutes, we reached the captivating Blue Mountains.

While not the most awe-inspiring landscape, the hike provided us with a valuable opportunity to reconnect with nature, a welcome break coming from the city. The uniqueness of the experience left us thrilled, and we wholeheartedly recommend this excursion if you love the outdoors.

Returning to the hotel, we plunged into the pool to refresh. Shock ran through my body – I had misjudged the water’s temperature entirely! Nonetheless, it was a refreshing experience after our trek. The evening was left to soak up the peaceful ambience of the surrounding forest and stare at the starry sky overhead.

Day 2: Bomod-ok Falls

Ready for a change of scenery, we hopped on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service and headed into town. After dropping our bags off at our new guesthouse and finding breakfast, we headed to the tourism desk. We discussed our tour options for the following day. We opted for the Hanging Coffins, followed by a beginner spelunking trip to the nearby Sumaguing Cave

With administrative tasks sorted and tomorrow’s tour details exchanged, we set out for Bomod-ok Falls. Guided by a friendly local operating the tours here, we were taken on a captivating 45-minute trek through the rice terraces. A swift pause for a mouthwatering Banana Cue snack proved to be a revitalizing treat, especially after the hot trek.

Upon reaching the waterfall, we were in awe – it towered far above us, showcasing its impressive strength. We opted to head downstream, where the water was calmer and the current gentler, allowing us to enjoy a tranquil swim.

The entire experience was nothing short of perfection – The genuine warmth of our guide, the captivating beauty of the rice terraces, and the breathtaking waterfall united with the rejuvenating dip that washed away the stickiness from the trek.

Day 3: Hangings Coffins & Spelunking

An early morning pick-up whisked us away from our hotel to the beginning of the Hanging Coffins trail. Nestled within the Echo Valley, lies a series of coffins tied to the cliff face, each signifying a unique cultural tradition spanning thousands of years. This ancient practice was rooted in the belief that positioning the departed on the cliff’s edge facilitated a closer connection to the afterlife.

Following the Hanging Coffin’s exploration, our journey led us to Sumaguing Cave. Guided through the cave’s expansive chambers, the entrance proved to be the most challenging aspect of the entire cave system. Navigating rocky and uneven terrain, we carefully manoeuvred to avoid the abundant bat droppings that added an extra layer of slipperiness to the path. Throughout the journey, we had the privilege of standing tall, a testament to the immense size of the cave.

The afternoon unfolded in a leisurely fashion, as we relaxed, reminiscing about the day’s adventures and indulging in some people-watching in the small town.

As evening approached, we gathered our belongings and transitioned to our new accommodation at Sagada Sunrise View Homestay. Nestled in a serene locale devoid of nearby activities, it offered a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the idyllic landscape, marvelling at the stars that illuminated the night sky above us.

Day 4: Sea of Clouds

Our choice to stay at Sagada Sunrise View Homestay was fueled by the promise of witnessing the famous sea of clouds. In the morning, our luck manifested in a truly remarkable way. With our alarm sounding in the early hours, we ventured to the viewing deck, finding ourselves pleasantly surprised to have the space all to ourselves. What unfolded was beyond our wildest expectations—a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. It proved to be a moment that not only lived up to but surpassed every anticipation we had, marking it as the most incredible sunrise of our lives.

Following our enchanting early start, we treated ourselves to a delicious coffee and breakfast courtesy of the hotel. With the assistance of the friendly staff, we successfully flagged down the southbound bus heading back to Baguio. As we bid farewell to Sagada, the memories of our unforgettable journey lingered, promising a reunion with this magical town in the future.

Our Sagada 4 days 3 nights itinerary is just a guide—feel free to swap out or skip activities that don’t appeal to you! Customise the itinerary to suit your preferences and make the trip uniquely yours.

If you hate planning, there is a top-rated, delightful 5-day Sagada, Bananue & Batad tour which covers the best of Northern Luzon. Check it out here!