This really is "away from it all", though actually only 15 kms from Sierpe, where you take a car ferry across the river and then take a winding dirt road to the Finca. But those 15 kms take you away from traffic, noise, tourists and you are in a beautiful tropical garden, with water meadow, horses, chickens, ducks, turkeys and a friendly dog and cat.
The river is either a 15 minute drive away or Luis the guide will take you there in his boat. This involves some wading along a muddy creek, but rubber boots are provided.
Luis can take you hiking, fishing, riding, going to the beach at the river mouth, and tubing. All you pay is gas for his outboard motor (and some extra to say thanks is nice!)
Doli and Evilio the housekeepers live right there in their own quarters and are ready to help in every way. As there are no shops for miles and miles (and across the river) Doli can cook for you as often as you need. Her meals are very good, fresh, varied and reasonably priced . How she manages to cater with no electricity and only one small solar-powered fridge is a feat, but she manages beautifully.
Sleeping is youth hostel style - one bedroom with two double and three single beds, all with mosquito nets.
On the ground floor is a toilet, shower and wash basin. There is no hot water, but you really don't need it in that climate.
Children will love the adventure of living off-grid, with solar powered lights and all those animals around. Adults will love the beauty of the garden, the river, the mountains - it is so restful and remote.
I would say, though, that this is not the place for 'mint on pillow' people. You should not go if you need complete privacy or are sharing with people you don't know intimately. A communal bedroom, one shower, one toilet...this all needs you to be on close terms, so the ideal place for a young family or a group of close friends, but grandparents might prefer their private space.
Light sleepers should note that the cockerel is up and crowing way, way before dawn and the howler monkeys too and the only thing between you and them is an insect screen.
Nervous people would find the river crossing and dirt road intimidating too.
There is another lodge, with restaurant and bar and natural swimming hole about 1.5 kms further up the road, run by delightful youngsters.
One word of warning. Don't believer the panel in Sabalo village that tells you Drake is15kms away. It's 33 kms of rough track and you have to ford the river!
