Manila: 3-Day Sagada, Baguio, & Banaue Rice Terraces Tour

If you’re eyeing a trip that combines mountain grandeur, cultural gems, and breathtaking landscapes, this 3-day tour from Manila might catch your eye. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, the reviews, itinerary details, and highlights paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. This tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, culture, and comfort, with some notable caveats.

What truly stands out are the stunning views at Kiltepan Peak and the chance to explore Sagada’s mystical caves and hanging coffins—authentic experiences that can make even the most seasoned traveler pause. The tour’s inclusion of comfortable accommodations and hassle-free transportation adds value, especially given the challenging geography of these areas. However, some reviews mention issues like late pickups and limited close-up views, which are worth considering.

This trip will appeal most to nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those eager for scenic mountain vistas. If you’re comfortable with group tours and are seeking a reasonably priced way to see some iconic Philippine sights, this package offers a compelling option.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Experience panoramic views from Kiltepan Peak and trek through the UNESCO-listed Banaue Rice Terraces.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visit Sagada’s ancient coffins, Echo Valley, and local crafts.
• Comfort & Convenience: Stay in shared accommodations with private bathrooms, with transportation included.
• Cost-Value Balance: At $223 per person, the trip offers a fair price considering the destinations covered.
• Potential Drawbacks: Some reviews mention delays and limited access to certain sites; flexibility is key.
• Ideal For: Travelers wanting an organized, scenic, and cultural experience, suitable for those comfortable with group travel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the 3-Day Tour: What You Can Expect

This tour whisks you away from the urban buzz of Manila into the cooler, elevated parts of Luzon, giving you a taste of the Philippines’ rugged beauty and indigenous culture. It’s designed as a stress-free, all-in-one package—though, as with any adventure, a few considerations are worth noting.

Day 1: Leaving Manila for Sagada

The journey begins with a pickup at One Ecom Starbucks Mall of Asia, with a set departure for the north. Expect to spend several hours in transit, but the scenery en route is part of the charm. Once in Sagada, the focus shifts to exploring its mystical caves and hanging coffins—a practice that dates back centuries and offers a profound glimpse into local customs.

Travelers who have visited praise the awe-inspiring views at Kiltepan Peak, especially at sunrise, which many describe as leaves you speechless. You’ll also get to walk through Echo Valley, where the serene tranquility makes a perfect backdrop for reflection. Keep in mind that some sites have entrance fees, so packing extra cash is advisable.

Day 2: Baguio’s Cool Mountain Air and Strawberry Farms

After a restful night, the tour takes you southward to Baguio, known as the “Summer Capital” due to its pleasant climate. Here, you’ll find Burnham Park, with its relaxed lakeside ambiance, and the renowned Strawberry Farm—a favorite for those wanting to indulge in fresh-picked berries or simply enjoy the vibrant farm scenery.

Reviews highlight Baguio’s refreshingly cool climate as a major plus, especially if you’re coming from the tropical lowlands. The visit to the Strawberry Farm offers a fun, hands-on experience, though some travelers note that the tour may not include all local attractions, so managing expectations is wise.

Day 3: The Iconic Banaue Rice Terraces

The highlight for many is the trek through the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvels that showcase human ingenuity. You’ll get to witness spectacular terraces carved into the mountainside, providing both a visual feast and a sense of connection to Filipino culture.

While many guests love the views, a review points out that they only saw Banaue’s rice terraces from a distance, rather than up close. This underscores that the tour’s structure might limit the time available for personal exploration. Still, the panoramic vistas are unforgettable, and the experience of seeing such ancient engineering is well worth it.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation & Accommodation

The tour’s use of comfortable transport with an English-speaking driver makes the long drives more manageable. The shared accommodations with private bathrooms offer a good balance of privacy and social ambiance, with upgrade options available for private stays.

One important point: this is a group tour, which means the success relies on good coordination. Travelers have mentioned some delays and changes, such as late pickups and site access issues, which can affect tight schedules. If flexibility is a priority, a private tour might suit you better.

Costs and What’s Included

At $223 per person, the price covers roundtrip transportation, two nights of shared accommodation, driver’s meals, and fees like tolls, parking, and fuel. However, entrance fees, tour guide fees, and meals are extra, with a suggested extra cash budget of Php 1,700-Php 5,000 per person.

The tour’s affordability is part of its appeal, but travelers should be aware that most of the cost is for convenience, not all-inclusive luxury. The experience’s value depends on your interest in the destinations and the level of comfort you desire.

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Encounters

What makes this tour special are the authentic sights—Sagada’s hanging coffins and Echo Valley, the vibrant strawberry farms of Baguio, and the ancient rice terraces. These are places where you can see how local traditions and natural landscapes intertwine.

One reviewer notes that even if the price is higher than local costs, the experience felt worthwhile, especially given the convenience. Others have expressed some disappointment, such as only viewing Banaue’s rice terraces from afar and encountering delays, but overall, the highlights remain compelling.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring extra cash for entrance and guide fees, as these are not included.
• Pack light—only one backpack per person, as big luggage isn’t suitable for the transport.
• Prepare for weather with a jacket, umbrella, and trekking gear; mountain weather can be unpredictable.
• Book ahead if you want private accommodations or specific timings, especially during peak seasons.
• Be punctual to maximize your time and reduce the impact of delays.
• Adjust expectations for site visits; some attractions may be limited by time or weather.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic mountain vistas, cultural insights, and manageable group sizes, this tour offers a solid balance of all three. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors who prefer a package to cover key highlights without the hassle of planning detailed logistics.

However, if you crave more personal freedom or up-close exploration of each site, you might want to consider a private tour or customizing your trip. The group nature and fixed itinerary mean you’ll need to be flexible, especially since the tour can be affected by delays or weather.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking stunning views, cultural authenticity, and the convenience of organized transport and accommodations, this 3-day tour provides good value. It’s a chance to see some of the Philippines’ most iconic landscapes and cultural sites without the stress of logistics.

While some reviews point out issues like delays and limited site access, the overall experience seems to offer a memorable glimpse into Luzon’s mountain treasures. It’s a fine choice for those who want a well-rounded, scenic adventure with enough comfort and structure to keep things simple.

If your priority is seeing breathtaking landscapes and experiencing local traditions in a manageable format, this tour will likely meet your expectations. Just remember to keep an open mind about timing and site access, and enjoy the beauty of what these incredible places have to offer.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
You get roundtrip transportation from Manila, two nights of shared accommodations with private bathrooms, driver/driver’s meal, tolls, parking, and fuel. Entrance fees, guides, and meals are extra.

Can I join if I don’t want shared accommodations?
The standard package includes shared accommodations. However, private options might be available at extra cost.

How long is the travel time?
Travel time from Manila to Sagada and onward to Baguio and Banaue is considerable, but included in the experience. The focus is on sightseeing rather than short drives.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the package, so bring extra cash for food.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 12 or travelers with altitude sickness, high blood pressure, or mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, change of clothes, towel, camera, jacket, toiletries, cash, flashlight, trekking gear, and a power bank.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this 3-day scenic tour through some of the Philippines’ most iconic mountain spots. Whether you’re after spectacular views, cultural insights, or just a break from city life, this trip offers plenty to enjoy—just go with an open mind and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: