1. Homepage
Nestled at the heart of the Costa Rican jungle lies a secluded paradise called the Sabalo Lodge. It is home to monkeys, toucans, frogs and morpho butterfliesliving alongside human residents of a nearby village and travelers in search of a unique experience. Clustered in the mangroves, the Eco-Lodge sits next to the winding Sierpe River, which makes its way through the Osa Peninsulaand joinsthe Pacific Ocean rimmed by agleaming sandy beach. Like no other hotel of its kind, Sabalo Lodgehas committed to providing a sustainable recreational experience, offering guests anoutstandingarray of activities which tread lightly on thelocal ecosystem.
2 . The Eco-Lodge
a. Lodge
Casa Morpho
Casa Morpho is situated right beside a meandering canal, home to a family of crocodiles and a turtle. Guestsenjoya superb view of the surrounding palmand fruit trees, and the dazzling mix of birds who come to feedhere in the lush jungle canopy. This comfortablelodge can accommodate up to three people.
• 1 queen-size bed
• 1 single bed
• Electricity
• Electrical Outlet 120 Volts
• 1 front balcony
• Access to the toilet and shared shower
$ 60 per person per night
Includes three healthy meals per day
Casa Mono Blanco
This guest houseis situated just across an enchanting little bridge, and is guaranteed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. Observe a family of white-headed marmosets living in the majestic trees right from your backyard. Perfect for couples, a family of four, or friends.
• 1 queen-size bed
• 1 bunk bed
• 1 toilet and private shower
• 1 front balcony
• 1 rear terrace
• Electricity
• AC 120 Volt
$ 70 per person per night
Including three healthy meals per day
Casa Aracari
Located at the foot of a mango tree, this charming lodge with all its original architecture will seduce you. Listen to the soothing sound of a waterfall gently flowing into a natural swimming pool where you can stay cool on hot days, surrounded by the scent of blossoms and ripening fruit. Perfect for single travelers and couples, but with enough room to comfortably accommodate three guests.
• 1 queen-size bed
• 1 single bed
•Toilet and private shower
• Solar energy
• Electrical Outlet 120 Volt
• Front balcony
$ 80 per person per night
Includes three healthy meals per day
Casa Scarlett Macaw
The most majestic lodge on-site, this wooden cabin includes two private bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with home theatre, and a large en-suite bathroom. Ideal for a family or small group.
• 2 queen-size beds
• 1 sofa-bed
• Toilet and private shower
• Television and DVD
• Front Terrace
• Electrical Outlet 120 Volt
$ 90 per person per night
Includes three healthy meals per day
Other information
• $ 35 per child under 12 years old
• Free access to mountain bikes
• Free access to river kayaks
Camping
Sabalo Lodge welcomes campers. Pitch your tent and enjoy:
• Access to public toilet and shower
• Three healthy meals per day are served
$ 35 per person per night
b . Meals
Three delicious healthy meals are freshly prepared each day, the menu consisting mainly of local produce and seafood. Many of our home-made recipes include local Costa Rican favourites, prepared with a variety of flavourful fruits and vegetables grown on-site. For protein, indulge your taste buds in our fresh fish, shrimp, grain-fed chicken and savoury bean dishes. There are also several meal options suitable for vegetarian, vegan and raw-food diets.
c . Promotion
Brochure
d. Bookings
3 . Travel advice
a. Information on the hotel
To make the mostof your stay at Sabalo Lodge, be sure to come prepared for a wilderness adventure. Amenities are minimal as is contact with the outside world. Remember there is:
• No access to an ATM or bank at the Lodge
• No access to telephones
• No access to an internet connection
• Access by road onlywith an all-terrain vehicle or by boat
Boat transportation between Sabalo Lodge and Sierpe Town costs $ 10 per person. During your voyage downriver, admire the largest natural mangrove reserve in the world featuring spectacular wildlife, including monkeys and birds.
b . Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bringwith meto Sabalo Lodge?
• A pair of long, lightweight pants
• A long-sleeved sweater
• Lightweight clothing
• Swimsuit
• Hiking shoes
• Beach shoes
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Mosquito repellent
• Flashlight
• Toiletries
Other items that might be useful during your visit
• Go Pro video camera
• Camera
• Diving gear
• Kitesurfing gear
• Telescope
• Backpacking equipment
What is the best time of year to visit Sabalo Lodge?
Depending on the year, Costa Rica's dry season runs from December to April. From May to August the weather is quite pleasant. Itusually rains for brief periods in the late afternoons only, leavingmost of the day free forexploring andenjoying the many activities on offer. September to November is the rainy season,meaning a cooler and wetter climate.Travel here is usually not recommended during this season, though it can be a good time of year for sightseers with a keen interest in exotic plants, animals and marine life. Or for those who just want to escape into a secluded, peaceful world.
Are vaccinations necessary during my stay in Costa Rica?
No special vaccinations are requiredfor visitors toCosta Rica. However, it is strongly recommended to visit a travel clinic to bring your current vaccinations up to date before leaving.
Are there mosquitoes?
Guests aren’t normally bothered by mosquitoes at the Sabalo Lodge site. The likelihood of getting bitten is greater during the rainy season. Mosquitoes are more likely to come out in the evening, sokeep insect-repellent handy and be sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and pantsafter sunset.
c . On-site regulations and security guidelines
✓Never touch or feed animals. This helps to preserve the fragile ecosystem.
✓ If you intend to explore beyond the limits of theSabalo Lodge site, you must notify officials.
✓Beware of falling coconuts. Avoid walking directly under coconut trees.
✓Remain vigilant when hiking as you may come across dangerous animals such as scorpions, tarantulas, red ants, crocodiles, venomous frogs and snakes. It is also important to wear the proper gear even if the chances of encountering such animals are quite low.
✓ The sun rises at 6a.m. and sets at 6 p.m.
✓We are not responsible for any accidents associated with water sports such as surfing or kayaking. Remain vigilant during your outings at Playa Blanca and the Sierpe River.
✓ The water is drinkable, although some people may be more prone to sickness than others.
✓ Hygiene products such as toilet paper go in the trash cans since there are no sewage systems.
✓Keep lights turned off as often as possible. Moderate electricity consumption is recommended since it is being powered by solar panels.
✓ It is strictly forbidden to smoke in the huts.Those who violate this rule are subject to penalty.
✓ We are not responsible for any accidents.
6 . Location
a. How to get there
Flight
Two airlines offer flights to the Osa Peninsula: Nature Air and Sansa Air. The Sansa Air airport is located right next to the San Jose (SJO) International Airport. The Nature Air airport is an approximately20-minute taxi drive away from the San Jose International Airport. Both companies operatesmall planes with a seating capacity of 12 passengers. Please note that there are some baggage restrictions.
Sansa Air -
Nature Air -
Depending on your hour of arrival in San José, you maywish to arrange your flight to Osa Peninsula from one of these airports: Palamar Norte, Drake Bay or Puerto Jiminez .
Please notify us of your airport choice in advance so we can calculate the transportation fees to Sabalo Lodge.
If you arrive at the airport in Palmar Norte you can take a taxi which will bring you directly to Sierpe Town, where we offer provide transportation by boat for $10.
Bus
You can travel by bus from San Joséthrough Palmar Norte to Sierpe. There are several departure times at the Central Bus terminal of San José or from other bus terminals in Costa Rica. Depending on your time of departure, thebus trip to Sierpe takesbetween four-and-a-half and six-and-a half hours.
Vehicle
If you own your own vehicle or decide to rent one, it will take you betweenfour-and-a-half and five-and-a-half hours to get from San José to Sierpe. At Sierpe, you board the ferry ($12) which takes you down the Sierpe River toa landingby a narrow jungle road leading directly to the Lodge. An all-terrain vehicle will be required to travel this last stretch. Mind the road signs.