BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• What to expect in the jungle? The jungle is a fascinating and mystical place full of life and diversity. When you enter its world, you will be surrounded by the rustling of leaves, the singing of birds, and the sounds of animals. Expect to see stunning flora, from towering trees to colorful flowers and vines that cover every corner. The jungle is home to many unique animal species, including monkeys, parrots, snakes, sloths, and a variety of insects. Many of these species are rare and hard to spot elsewhere. During your walks in the jungle, you may encounter not only these animals but also unusual plants with medicinal properties. However, there are also dangerous plants—never touch them without a guide. Prepare for the constant heat and humidity that create a unique atmosphere. You may need durable clothing and quality footwear to navigate the diverse terrain comfortably. The jungle also offers opportunities for adventure, such as hiking, boating, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Don’t forget to enjoy the quiet moments when you can observe the nature around you and soak in the atmosphere of this amazing ecosystem. The jungle is a place full of surprises, and each day here may bring something new. You can look forward to unforgettable experiences and memories to take home. Just relax, observe, search, and remember that life is everywhere; if you can’t see it, you might be looking at it wrong.
• Special cuisine / Restaurant options Thave allergies to certain foods? In our kitchen, we approach each guest individually. We prepare every meal specifically for you to meet your dietary needs. Since we are located in the heart of the rainforest, it’s important for us to know your dietary requirements in advance. This way, we can ensure that we prepare the right ingredients. It is also important to keep in mind that the terms vegetarian and vegan may not have the same meaning for everyone. Please describe your diet as accurately as possible, and we will do our best to accommodate you. On our website, you will find a menu, so you can check if the standard offerings will suit you. Personally, I believe that vegetarians can easily choose from a varied selection. For other diets, you can get an idea based on the meal prices. The menu is partially dependent on the season, as, like elsewhere in the world, the availability of ingredients can vary throughout the year, and out-of-season items may be very expensive.ext...
• Using taxis/transport services We are located in the heart of the rainforest, so the likelihood of a taxi driver bringing you to us is not very high. If you want to arrange this type of transportation, we offer two options: Take a taxi to the edge of the rainforest and have a pickup arranged from there to us. Choose a water taxi. This can be arranged in Sierpe at the restaurant in the harbor (Don Jorge Restaurant) or at accommodations in Drake. The usual way to reach us is by boat or by your own 4x4 vehicle with a driver who is experienced with forest roads. Boats can be either taxi-style—an individual ride for you—or in the form of a water bus, or you can request a boat from us, and we will pick you up. Water transport stops in Sabalo at "Pailon," the local dock. From there, we will drive you to our lodge. If you choose to come by your own vehicle from Sierpe, you’ll take the Ferry. The ferry operates from 6 AM to 6 PM (safely between 7 AM and 5 PM) and then you'll drive approximately 1 hour on dirt/muddy roads through the mountainous rainforest. It is necessary to travel during daylight hours and be cautious of the road conditions.Text...
• Nearest hospital/emergency doctor? If you need medical treatment: In Sabalo, we have Melvin, the boat captain. He is trained and very experienced in basic first aid. Since we are far from civilization (like everyone on the Osa Peninsula), he has successfully treated open fractures for transport. He is not a doctor, but an experienced local who ensures that everyone here stays healthy and is safely transported to a doctor if needed. Common ailments such as coughs, bites, nausea, or dehydration are usually managed on-site. By law, we are required to have equipment and training suitable for rainforest conditions. If you are feeling unwell, please inform the staff. They know what to do. Everyone here must be able to take care of themselves, and tourists are essential. They provide work for the locals. Their health and satisfaction are our priority. If transportation to a hospital is necessary, there is a clinic in La Palma, but its capabilities are closer to our staff than to a hospital's equipment. In Palmar Norte, there is a pharmacy with experienced staff who can handle various issues, and in Puerto Cortés, there is a hospital. Always contact our staff first. Given the current situation, they can assess the appropriate form of transportation and the direction to take for the patient. In an extreme emergency, there is a heliport 300 meters away.
• Security The area is in a remote location with limited access. Therefore, it is not easy for potential thieves to move around unnoticed. Once you drive through, the locals will know everything about you. Even so, we take your safety seriously. Staff is present on-site throughout the night. They are usually around during the day as well, and if it seems like you don’t see anyone, it is possible they are working in more remote areas or cleaning the cabins. Most properties are permanently unlocked. Key areas are monitored by recording cameras, with access limited to the owner. There are no cameras inside the accommodations or in their vicinity. Only at Tienda el Bosque is there a camera with night vision set low to monitor nocturnal mammals. Safety and Life in the Jungle: After dark, walk only with a light and along maintained paths. Do not enter the jungle and do not go swimming. During the day, stick to maintained paths. Grass areas are likely safe, but they can sometimes be waterlogged. The maintained area of the property—the garden from the entrance to the dock—is regularly checked and maintained. There are "traps" for uninvited guests at the edges of the property, so walking into the grass will deter them. Each building/tent is regularly cleaned and secured against unwanted animals. Before your arrival and if you stay longer than 3 days, we will ensure that the property and its surroundings are treated for insects and reptiles. If you have the lights on in your accommodation, we recommend keeping the doors closed. After all, you are in the middle of nature.
• Dangerous animals The most dangerous creature is man. Everyone in the jungle fears him. What should you be afraid of? If you follow the rules for moving about after dark (only on paths and always with a flashlight/light) and you stick to the paths during the day while keeping a good lookout, you should be safe. At the reception, we sell illustrated brochures about Costa Rican animals and nature. Dangerous creatures are marked so you can recognize them. As for extreme situations: Mammals—tapirs and jaguarundis. If you encounter them, it’s a miracle. Do not approach them and avoid sudden movements; they will move away. Tapirs walk on the ground, while jaguarundis climb trees. A jaguarundi is a larger cat. Insects—mosquitos are somewhat rare. If they do appear, it is usually off the paths, in the jungle, in damp areas, and with minimal daylight, especially when it gets dark and you are sweaty. Insects love sweat and perfumes. If you want them to ignore you, stay clean and avoid perfumes, deodorants, and other appealing scents. Spiders—the dangerous one is the tarantula, which appears at night near uprooted stumps and among the roots of larger trees. It is shy. If you are not allergic and it bites you, it will hurt and you might curse, but that should be the extent of it. Crocodiles—these may appear, but they usually want to avoid you. If you do encounter one, do not approach it and give it a chance to escape. They are typically found in the area for only a few days each year, but we are in nature, and some of them live around here. Snakes—we have one resident snake on the property. It is not venomous and occasionally makes an appearance. Our staff likes it, but in consideration of you, our guests, they try to keep an eye on its movements so you won’t be surprised. Venomous snakes—these settle in for 10 to 14 days and then move on. Melvin regularly checks the area around Sabalo Lodge and monitors their movements to ensure that none feel inclined to enter the property. The "traps" for snakes are piles of branches along the edges of the property. Do not go near them or try to touch them. Lost snakes like to hide there, but after a few days, they usually turn around and return to the jungle. They are not inclined to walk on the lawn, but you never know if one might get lost. If you choose to sleep in the jungle tents, the situation is the same. Be even more vigilant and shine your light even in the twilight. Keep an eye out and shine your light on the way to the bathroom. Scorpions—scorpions are rarely encountered in Costa Rica. However, they are creatures with low venom intensity. Do not test their abilities, and if you encounter one, report it. Do not try to chase it away. Take a photo and inform the staff—they will remain in the same spot all night, will hide in the ground in the morning, and will not return in the evening. If any animal bites you, attacks you, or if you notice swelling, an allergic reaction, or health issues, promptly report everything to the staff. They will take care of you, whether personally or through consultation with a doctor. In extreme cases, arrangements will be made for transportation to the hospital. Text...
• Earthquake/volcanic activity Earthquakes are relatively common in Costa Rica. They are usually weak and last only a few seconds. The ground shakes, and sometimes you feel like the ground is slipping away beneath your feet. This is a normal movement of tectonic plates. It’s an experience you will share back home, or you might forget about it in a week. Volcanic activity is not common. If it were to occur, it would be similar to what happens in other developed countries. We would most likely hear about the potential for it in advance through the news.
• Is it possible to arrive after dark? What if I miss the ferry in Sierpe? Yes, such an option exists, but it is at your own risk. It’s common for locals, but they also prefer not to drive after dark. In that case, please be sure to inform the staff. The drive by 4x4 vehicle is from road 245 (the road to La Palma) through the settlement of San Juan. Google Maps will likely suggest this route. This road goes through very steep mountains and may be impassable during the rainy season. It is essential to consult with the staff about the current condition of the road. Otherwise, under normal circumstances, it is a beautiful road, but you must remain alert in a 4x4 vehicle due to the suspension, though the views are stunning. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours from the turnoff on the main road. Be cautious, as it can easily take 2 hours of driving at night. In the rainforest, the windows may fog up uncomfortably due to the air conditioning. It’s best to turn off the AC and open the windows.
• The maps are suggesting a different route than the one through the Sierpe Ferry. Whenever possible, opt for the route via the Sierpe Ferry. The ferry costs $10 and typically operates from 6 AM to 6 PM every day, taking you to the safe side of the rainforest. The route via road 245 (to La Palma) and further through the rainforest mountains is impassable for inexperienced drivers and most vehicles. It's beautiful, and you'll reach your destination, but it presents numerous hazards in the form of rutted tracks, loose stones, and unpredictable hills. Personally, I enjoy it, but I know I could damage a 4x4 vehicle at any time... and there is no signal. If you choose this route, be sure to inform the hotel staff so they know when and where to potentially look for you.
• What is the capacity of Sabalo Lodge? Sabalo Lodge has a capacity of 23 beds. In case of interest for larger groups, there is the possibility of sleeping in their own tents or caravans. For these people, there is sufficient capacity for toilets and showers for another 50 people. In such a case, however, we ask for early booking so that we can prepare everything and there is no simultaneous booking of the area by individuals.
• What is the restaurant's capacity? The restaurant's standard capacity is 28 people. For groups, we recommend a buffet meal, which significantly increases the restaurant's capacity. In addition to the restaurant, we also offer a large bar. For smaller groups of up to 10 - 15 people, it is possible to cook individually. Given the location, method of food preparation and availability of food, we prefer to order food in advance. This guarantees freshness and timeliness.