BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• What to expect in the jungle? At Sabalo Lodge on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, you'll experience the rainforest up close, surrounded by tropical greenery and the sounds of nature. Expect monkeys, toucans, colorful birds, butterflies and countless opportunities to observe wildlife. With a little luck, you may even spot some of the rainforest's more elusive animals. Enjoy the jungle from your private terrace, explore our marked rainforest trails or join a guided wildlife tour. Every day brings a new discovery, at your own pace.
• Restaurant & Special Dietary Options Our restaurant at Sabalo Lodge serves freshly prepared meals inspired by traditional Costa Rican cuisine, using local ingredients and produce from our tropical garden. We offer vegetarian options, children's meals and dishes adapted to special dietary needs. Please let us know your preferences or food allergies in advance so our cook can prepare something suitable for you. Enjoy delicious homemade food surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
• Can you help arrange transportation? Yes! We are happy to help you organize your journey to Sabalo Lodge on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. You can travel by taxi or private transfer to Sierpe, where we can arrange a scenic boat transfer through the mangroves to Sábalo. We will coordinate your arrival and any necessary pickup from the landing point. Alternatively, you can reach us with your own 4x4 vehicle or arrange a private transfer with an experienced local driver. Contact us in advance and we will help you choose the most convenient option.
• First Aid & Medical Assistance At Sabalo Lodge, guest safety is important to us. We have fully equipped first aid kits in our restaurant and on our boat, in accordance with applicable operating regulations. Our local guide and boat captain, Melvin, undergoes first aid refresher training and assessment every two years. If medical assistance is needed, our team will help you arrange access to appropriate healthcare services.
• Safety at Sabalo Lodge At Sabalo Lodge, you can enjoy peace and privacy in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest. Our team is present on the property throughout the night and is always happy to assist you. We regularly maintain the areas around our accommodations and our marked trails. Selected shared and operational areas are monitored by security cameras, without compromising guest privacy. For a comfortable and safe stay, we recommend using a flashlight after dark and staying on maintained paths. Nighttime jungle walks are organized with a local guide.
• Wildlife at Sabalo Lodge One of the most memorable experiences at Sabalo Lodge is discovering wildlife in its natural habitat. Our rainforest is home to monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws and many other fascinating animals. With a little luck, you may spot wildlife right from your accommodation or along our marked trails. Wild animals deserve space and respect. Please observe them from a safe distance, never feed or touch them, and follow the advice of our local guides. For an even closer connection with nature, join one of our guided jungle walks or wildlife tours.
• Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity Costa Rica is a seismically active country, and occasional earthquakes are a natural part of life here. Most are minor and do not affect everyday activities. Sabalo Lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula, away from Costa Rica's active volcanoes. Our team is familiar with local conditions and can help guests follow appropriate safety guidance if needed. You can enjoy your rainforest stay with peace of mind while respecting the natural environment around you.
• Can I Arrive After Dark? We recommend arriving at Sabalo Lodge during daylight hours so you can enjoy your journey through the rainforest. The easiest way to reach us is by boat from Sierpe, arranged in advance. If you are driving a 4×4 vehicle, the Sierpe ferry officially operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We recommend planning your crossing between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM and allowing enough time for the jungle road. If you are delayed or miss the ferry, please contact us as soon as possible. Our team will help you find the best available solution.
• Which Route Should I Take to Sabalo Lodge? If you are travelling to Sabalo Lodge by car, we recommend the route via the Sierpe Ferry. Some navigation apps may suggest an alternative route through the mountains, but this road can be considerably more challenging. For the recommended route, you will need a 4×4 vehicle. After crossing the Sierpe River by ferry, continue along the jungle road towards Sábalo. Allow approximately one hour from Sierpe, depending on road conditions. Alternatively, you can leave your car in Sierpe and arrive by boat through the beautiful mangrove forests. We will be happy to help you plan your arrival in advance.
• 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.