Ideal 3-Day Sagada Itinerary That Doubles as a Travel Guide With Maps and Handy Tips

Ever since our 3-day trip to Sagada years ago, I’ve promised myself I would return (here’s why I’m going back). 

To prepare for this visit, I created my ideal itinerary to make the most of the experience. At first, I thought about planning a 4- or 5-day trip, but I realized that 3 days might be enough, especially since I might also visit nearby places like Maligcong, Batad, and maybe Buscalan. See my map of Sagada’s nearby attractions.

For travelers looking for the perfect inspiration for an extended weekend getaway, here’s my ideal 3-day Sagada itinerary.

By the way, I’m Eljon, the author of this blog. This is where I share my travel experiences as I work toward the life I want as a content creator. You can learn more about me here.

The Ideal 3-Day Sagada Travel Plan

In this itinerary, you’ll have two chances to catch a beautiful sunrise above a sea of clouds, at the Marlboro Hills viewpoint and at Isang Wow Cafe. 

Seeing the sunrise over the sea of clouds is one of the most magical experiences in Sagada, so I planned this to give you the best chance of witnessing it, or at least enjoying a clear, fog-free sunrise. I missed the sea of clouds during my first visit, and I hope you won’t have the same experience.

You can read my travelogue about my trip to Sagada to get an idea why I planned the attractions this way. It will also give you an idea of what to expect from each attraction.

Please note that the timestamps are only meant as a guide to help you manage your time at each attraction, not something you need to follow strictly. 

Importantly, this itinerary works well if you are bringing a private vehicle or have a customized tour. You can check my guide to renting a vehicle to Sagada or my guide to choosing a reliable travel agency for essential tips. 

Day 0 – The Road to Sagada

Have your bags ready the weekend before your trip. This way, you won’t have to rush packing your things on the afternoon or evening before departure.

• 10:00 pm — Leave Manila. The overnight trip is the most efficient way to reach Sagada. You can avoid heavy traffic and even save on a night’s accommodation. Provincial roads are also clearer at night, allowing you to skip toll roads and paying toll fees while still reaching Sagada in almost the same amount of time. Don’t forget to bring pillows and stuff to help you take a nap!

Day 1 – Cultural Sagada

Since you might arrive in Sagada without much sleep and little energy for adventures, we’ll start with something lighter. We’ll focus on the cultural side of Sagada.

• 4:00 am — Stopover early breakfast. Depending on your route, you may want to stop in Baguio or Solano in Nueva Vizcaya for a quick breakfast before heading deeper into the Cordillera mountains. After these towns, food options become limited, and the next good stop for a meal, Bontoc, is still hours away. You might get hungry. The driver might also need coffee to stay alert for the long stretch of road to Sagada.
• 9:00 am — Arrival in Sagada. When you arrive in Sagada, start by registering at the Tourist Information Center and arranging for a local guide. Guides are required. If you can, check in early at your accommodation. If not, leave your luggage in your vehicle and check in later. Take some time to relax and have lunch at Sagada Brew, located in the town center. Make sure to eat a heavy lunch!
• 1:00 pm — St. Mary’s Church, Hanging Coffins, Echo Valley. These are the three most accessible highlights of Sagada, where you’ll experience its history, culture, and scenery. They are connected by one trail, so it’s practical to visit them in a single hike. Your guide will tell you about the history of the hanging coffins and Sagada’s ancient burial traditions.
• 4:00 pm — Sagada Weaving. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Sagada. Here, you can witness another living tradition, the locals’ weaving techniques. Watching artisans work on handlooms is fascinating. Their handmade bags and textiles also make great souvenirs.
• 5:00 pm — Sagada Pottery. For a more engaging cultural activity, Sagada Pottery is the place to be. You can join a short hands-on class to shape clay on a wheel. It can be a surprisingly fun and therapeutic experience. The small shop also sells beautiful handmade cups and bowls. Sagada Pottery is located pretty close to Sagada Cellar Door, your next destination.
• 6:15 pm — Sagada Cellar Door. End your day by soaking in Sagada’s country vibes. After dinner in its rustic restaurant, step outside and relax by the bonfire, where local craft drinks and sausages are available. If you’re lucky, you might also meet other travelers and unwind together. Don’t forget to contact Sagada Cellar Door for the food and reservation.
• 9:00 pm — Homestay. Get a full night’s rest because Day 2 starts early with a sunrise hike.

Day 2 – Adventure & Nature

With over 6 hours of rest, you should have enough energy for Sagada’s adventures. That’s why on the second day, we take on these activities to create the most unforgettable moments of your trip.

• 3:30 am — Wake up. Dress in layers (it’s cold before sunrise) and bring a flashlight or headlamp.
• 4:00 am — Leave homestay. Depending on how fast you can hike, you might start later, around 4:30. But to be sure you catch the sunrise, it’s better to leave early for the Marlboro Hills jump-off site. A short drive will take you there.
• 4:15 am — Jump-off trail to Marlboro Hills. The hike to the viewpoint can take 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Depending on the time of year, the sunrise can be before six or after six. Keep this in mind when planning your hike to Marlboro Hills. The trail is moderate, passing through pine trees and rolling hills, so wear proper hiking shoes.
• 5:30 am — Sunrise viewpoint, Marlboro Hills. To witness the full spectacle of the sunrise above the sea of clouds, be at the Marlboro Hills viewpoint at least 30 minutes before sunrise. While waiting, you can eat at the small stalls selling hot coffee and noodles near the viewpoint. Just a note, the prices here can be up to three times higher than what you’d pay in the lowlands.
• 7:30 am — Blue Soil. In less than an hour of hiking from Marlboro Hills, you can reach Blue Soil. It is one of the most famous attractions in Sagada because of its distinct bluish tint caused by natural minerals. If there is thick fog during sunrise at the viewpoint, head down to Blue Soil right away, ahead of other travelers. This way, you can enjoy its beauty fully and in peace without other people around.
• 9:30 am — Brunch at Gaia Café. Gaia Cafe is the nearest iconic restaurant in Sagada from the Blue Soil trail end. Stop by for a lovely brunch (check the opening hours, as they may vary during holidays) and enjoy vegetarian-friendly dishes and fresh fruit shakes while soaking in the panoramic views of the valley and rice terraces. Eat a heavy meal.
• 10:30 am — Cave Connection (Lumiang to Sumaguing). A few minutes’ drive from Gaia Cafe, you’ll find the entrance to the Cave Connection, where an adventure tour awaits. It’s a 3- to 4-hour spelunking challenge that involves crawling, climbing, and squeezing through limestone formations. It’s physically demanding but unforgettable, with stunning stalactites and underground chambers. Expect to get wet!
• 3:30 pm — Back to hotel. After caving, you’ll need a shower and some downtime. Rest. 
• 4:00 pm — Yoghurt House. It is another rustic and iconic restaurant in Sagada, known for its homemade yogurt mixed with fresh mountain fruits and honey. You can pair it with their hearty meals, which come in large servings, perfect for an empty stomach after the adventures in the Cave Connection.
• 5:30 pm — Lake Danum. A beautiful spot in Sagada for watching the sunset. See the golden hour light illuminate the trees around the lake and watch the mirror-like surface reflect their image. Don’t forget your camera; it’s a perfect photo opportunity!
• 7:00 pm — Socials (accommodation). Drop by your chosen restaurant in town to grab some takeaway meals and maybe a few beers. Spend the evening relaxing with your company, enjoying and reliving the fun moments of the day in your homestay.
• 9:00 pm — Bed. Get to bed early so you’re well-rested for another early start tomorrow.

Day 3 – Waterfalls & Farewell

While it’s the last day in Sagada, it doesn’t mean the fun is over. The separation anxiety is real, but the adventures continue until the afternoon.

• 4:00 am — Wake up. You need to be early because we want to be the first served with breakfast at Isang Wow Cafe. More importantly, being early lets you choose the best spot to watch the sunrise while you eat. Bring trail food for Bomod-ok Falls hike.
• 5:00 am — Isang Wow Café (breakfast). From the tables and benches of Isang Wow Cafe, you can enjoy a stunning view of the mountains, sometimes draped in a blanket of clouds. It’s a heavenly sight, especially when the sky clears during sunrise. The experience is made even better with their delicious rice meals, like longganisa, tocino, or tapa, served with fresh coffee.
• 7:30 am — Start hike to Bomod-Ok Falls. There are a few different jump-off sites and trails to Bomod-Ok Falls, such as the Fidelisan or Aguid route. You can ask your guide to take you on the trail that matches your preferred difficulty level. Bring sun protection since parts of the trail pass through rice terraces with little to no shade. You can also rent a hiking stick at the jump-off site, which is especially helpful for the return hike that can feel like climbing endless stairs.
• 9:30 am — Bomod-Ok Falls. The towering 200-foot waterfall is one of Sagada’s most iconic natural spots. The cold mountain water is refreshing for a quick dip, so bring swimwear if you want to take a plunge.
• 11:30 am — Back to hotel (check out). Wash up, pack, and get ready to leave Sagada.
• 12:00 pm — Log Cabin Restaurant. Enjoy a hearty farewell lunch here. It is known for its smoked meat dishes, wild mushroom soup, and hearty pork steak. If you visit on a Saturday, don’t miss their famous buffet featuring a mix of European and Filipino dishes, homemade bread, and desserts.
• 2:00 pm — Return home. You can make a quick stop in Baguio or Urdaneta City for dinner around 6 p.m.
• 10:00 pm — Arrive Manila. Depending on the day of your return, your travel time from Sagada to Manila can vary. NLEX is often clogged with traffic on Sunday afternoons. This is when people from Northern Philippines return to Manila for the workweek. It can extend your trip by 1 to 2 hours.

More Tips for Your Trip to Sagada

As you can see, this itinerary is based on my first trip to Sagada with my workmates. If you are traveling with a group, this plan will work for you too. Still looking for a place to stay? Here is a map showing the best homestays and hotels in Sagada.

Before you go on this trip, it is a good idea to have a backup plan. This will help you stay prepared in case of bad weather or changes in the opening hours of the attractions. To make planning easier, check out my map of Sagada, which shows the locations of various attractions, restaurants, and cafes in town.

I have more tips to share, and if you want to visit Sagada when there is less chance of fog blocking the view or when it is safer to travel, check out my 10 tips for visiting Sagada.

Enjoy!