Name: Sabalos Lodge
Address: Raudal El Toro, Municipio El Castillo Rios San Juan, Boca de Sabalos, Boca de Sabalos, Boca de Sabalos, 050-088-1, Nicaragua
Rating: 9

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Family room

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Mosquito net

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Diet menu (on request)

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Bottled water (at extra charge)

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Sabalos Lodge

Boca de Sabalos

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ocean-front

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Beautiful river-side location just passed the village of Sabalos on Rio San Juan. Cabanas are rustic, open air, but with proper mosquito nets, and face onto the rapidly flowing river. We stayed in the "Jaguar Cabin" which is the furthest away down through the beautifully maintained garden and felt secluded. There is also a great chill out area with several hammocks from where you can watch the sunset. Food was simple but pretty decent (like the usual Nica combo of grilled chicken and rice or a very good and meaty soup) and for breakfast the pancakes were outstanding. 

There are a couple of walking trails if you are into bird watching which are well worth following. You can also get to nearby El Castillo for a half-day trip by taking the 30 mins fast-boat service which stops off at the property on the way down the river. Otherwise, this is a place to get out the binoculars and a book, take a seat in a hammock and watch the days pass by.

My only criticism is that it feel a bit pricey for what you get - at 80 USD/night I think some improvements could be made. The bed is too small, even for two short travellers we found it a bit of a squeeze. Although there was only one other cabana taken, they ran out of the right size wellington boots (needed for very muddy trail walks). Service is friendly but haphazard, depite there seeming to be more staff than guests for the 5 nights we stayed (the owner said many of the talented, hard working people have left Nicaragua since 2018 political crisis which I understand makes finding staff very difficult). They have contacts to nature tour guides for eary morning jungle walks, but at twice the price we had paid (for better and longer tours) at Cabanas Caiman in Los Guatuzo natural reserve.

Overall though, of you want to retreat from the world for a few days, this place is a stunning place to do that.

Stunning location, but just a bit pricey for what you get

This is really within my top 5 places in Nicaragua and I come here frequently since 2005. Amazing service and staff, perfect get away in the jungle and starting point for exploring Rio San Juan. The food is very good and prices are fair considering the amount of food, drinks and dessert included. Amneties are simple but with a lot of love and hotel standard in terms of bed sheets, towels, soap etc. We will definitely come back! 

Outstanding place. Don't miss it

A magical place, where you are in contact with nature. Very reasonable prices and rooms with the rustic touch that you should have.
The restaurant serves the typical of the country and very good quality. The staff rampages for attending to the guest.
Thank you

Magical Place

Stayed two nights towards the end of January 2019. The cabin (called Tarzan) was spacious and right on the river. Open air but private, safe and secure. Alarm clock? Not really needed since you have the Howler Monkeys that start their barking about 5am! The food is exceptional. Chef Glenda could work at any restaurant in the US. The staff are very helpful and can arrange day trips to El Castillo or even tarpon fishing. And finally, the owners (Rafael and Ninoska) are the most community minded people you could meet. They give back to the people of Sabalos on a non-stop basis. So ... have a wonderful time and support the people of Sabalos at the same time! John

Incredible San Juan River experience plus outstanding staff

What a beautiful place with every cabin having a lovely view if the amazing Rio San Juan. Able to completely “check out” and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area. Rustic but clean, exactly what i like. The Wi-fi was down, and it was perfect so i wasnt tempted to re-connect to the world and i read a book for the first time in years!! 

While getting here takes some time, it is worth it! But stay for awhile, 2.5 days was not enough! Wonderful and attentive staff was a great addition

Nicaragua needs your tourism investment and this is a wonderful experience worth every penny and more.

Want to get away? Rio San Juan

what a fantastic location, perched on the rio San Juan, you are literally living on top of the river.  be prepared, this is rustic not luxury - but if you are into that you would not survive the trip to Sabalos.  The lodge has super character, the people are wonderful and helpful.  I am so happy there are still places like this in the world.
The history of the river is fascinating, take some time to understand it.

We had a guide named Julio, who was just great.  Really enjoyed out time with him and we met his (large!) family.  Recommended!

Amazing experience

Staying in Sabalos Lodge was just awesome! The river is right in front of the cabins which ensires a beautiful view. You can book multiple trips or plan one on your own, the people at Sabalos Lodge are very friendly and help you with everyhing you need. Food is good and it was quite a luxurous stay for a wooden cabin in the jungle :)

Awesome stay!

Staying in a clean,comfortable cabin on stilts on the river San Juan with literally hundreds of cormorants and giant egrets flying around, as well as humming birds, swallows and many others, was an amazing experience. The staff were so friendly and helpful, especially Ismael . The lounge area had WIFI for those requiring it . The food was tasty and the juices gorgeous...hibiscus or dragon fruit for example.
The free Lodge boat taxies you whenever required across the river to Sabalos for efficient public boat services upriver to El Castillo or downriver to San Carlos...approx 120 cordobas... travel by boat the only option to get here but a fascinating way to travel.
Rafael, the owner , has  maintained the eco values and appeal of this place beautifully.

Sabalos Lodge

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