Costa Rica Sierpe Las Vegas Corcovado Jungle Eco Lodge

How do I get to Sabalo Lodge from the International Airport in
San Jose, Costa Rica?

By Air: There are two companies that fly directly into the Southern Part of Costa Rica: Sansa Air and Nature Air. Sansa Air is located next to the International Airport in San Jose, Nature Air is about a 20 minute cab ride away. These carriers both fly smaller planes carrying about 10 passengers. Nature Air has newer planes and they are a bit bigger. You can check the links below for flight information. They have restrictions on luggage weight and they will charge you a fee for overages.

You will be flying into the town of Palmar Sur from the carrier you choose to fly with. See links below for further information.

Sansa Air - www.flysansa.com

Nature Air - www.natureair.com

Once you land in Palmar Sur it is about a 20 minute taxi ride to the port town of Sierpe located on the Sierpe River. In Sierpe you will be picked up and taken by boat for a 35 minute ride down the river, (this river is calm) and through the worlds largest mangrove reserve. The mangroves are a wonderful sight with many types of birds and other wildlife to be seen on your ride in. The boat takes you to the edge of Sabalo Lodge where you will be greeted by your hosts with an ice cold coconut and a straw as you are welcomed for the start of your, “Unique Jungle Lodge Experience”.

By Bus: You can travel by bus from San Jose to Palmar Norte. You will need to take the 5:30 am bus from the Coca-Cola Station in San Jose to Palmar Norte. From Palmar Norte take a taxi to Sierpe, (about a 30 - 40 minute ride). You should arrive in Sierpe around 11:00 am.

The best way to get a boat to Sabalo Lodge from Sierpe is to arrange it with us a head of time. Otherwise, go to the Las Vegas (yes, Las Vegas) restaurant on the water and ask Jorge the owner for a boat taxi to Sabalo Lodge. Boats can only arrive at Sabalo during certain times of the day based on the tides. These times fluctuate year round so there may be a wait before you can depart. If you have time try the whole fish at the restaurant, that’s my favorite.

By Car: It is a six to seven hour trip from San Jose along the Inter-American Highway South to Palmar Norte. The highway will end at a “T” when you reach Palmar Norte. Turn right towards Palmar Sur which takes you over the suspension bridge. Take an immediate right on the other side of the bridge to Palmar Sur. Stay on the main road which veers left through town and continue to Sierpe about 15 - 20 minutes. Please drive slow through the towns along the road as there are children that play near the road.

What should I pack for my adventure?

The Southern part of Costa Rica is humid so lightweight clothing is recommended.

• A valid passport
• At least one pair of sturdy long pants like jeans
• At least one light weight (cotton) long sleeve shirt
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Swim suit
• Good hiking shoes
• A pair of sturdy thongs or tennis shoes
• Tube socks
• A hat for the sun
• 30+ sun block
• Lip Balm
• Insect repellent
• Flash light and extra batteries
• A metal whistle (found in any sporting goods store)
• Calamine lotion or other anti-itch ointment
• Toiletries
• Poncho or lightweight rain gear
• A plastic garbage bag for any wet clothes
• Extra cash
• Excitement for a “Unique Jungle Lodge Experience”

Additional things to consider but not necessary:

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Wireless devices; laptop, PDA, etc.
• A good book
• Writing or drawing materials (Sabalo Lodge is a great place to expand your creativity or
rediscover it)

Things not to bring as they will disappear:

• Stress
• Worries concerning work
• Anxiety about being stuck in traffic
• Wondering what’s on TV
• Cravings for processed food
• Irritation with car alarms, helicopters and noisy neighbors (oh wait, these were our pet peeves)

Are there better times of the year to come then others?

Summer in Costa Rica is between mid-November through April. This is when we get the least amount of rain, (although there still can be rain). May through August is popular with European travelers. Rain is more frequent but usually not until the afternoon or early evenings. This gives you most of the early part of the day to take tours, explore the area, look for wildlife or just relax. You will see less travelers during this time along with lush landscapes and flowering plants. September and October has the most rain in our area and is not recommended for travel unless you are an artist or writer looking to isolate yourself for some creative work.

Will I need immunizations for my Adventure?

Immunizations are not required and we leave this up to the individual travelers to decide on what’s best for them.

What about bugs?

National Geographic did call the Osa Peninsula, “The Most Biologically Intense Place on the Planet”. We have bugs, butterflies, birds, mammals and all sorts of things; it’s a package deal. The biting insects like mosquitoes and no-seeum’s are mostly bothersome at dusk. This is true throughout the Osa Peninsula. We wear shorts and tank tops during the day when our real concern is not getting too much sun. Long pants and a lightweight long-sleeve shirt work as well as insect repellent to protect you in the evening. Sabalo Lodge is also surrounded by 8 acres of well trimmed grass and no standing water which helps to minimize our biting friends too. They are not usually a real bother until three days before and after a full moon. We also have plenty of screened in areas including your cabins for added protection should you need it. All and all it’s just part of the adventure and a minor inconvenience for all the other amazing things you will see and experience being that close to nature.