Saladero Lodge

Property's Green Team Leader:
      Harvey Woodard - 561-283-1947

Mailing Address:
      
      Golfito, CR

We are a completely off the grid eco-lodge nestled in the Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica's beautiful Golfo Dulce. We strive to create a low-impact educational experience and continue to improve our site in an environmentally friendly way. While the lodge is situation on a 400 acre lot, only 15 acres is inhabited and the balance is protected primary rain forest.

Saladero lodge is situated in an area described by National Geographic as one of most the biologically intense locations on the planet and it shows! The area is teeming with an unbelieveable number of species concentrated in a small area. These species co-mingle in symbiotic relationships with other plants, animals and insects to create the magical balance of nature and diversity of life not found anywhere except in the primary rain forests.

Established in harmony with the natural environment, our goal is to provide to travelers seeking a unique location and experience, the opportunity to observe wildlife and natural wonders in a pristine and sustainable fashion while enjoying the comfortable and spacious accommodations. As responsible stewards we are obliged to take nothing from the ecosystem that surrounds us excepting photographs and memories. With this in mind we have implemented certain policies and standards to ensure its continuance with minimal or no impact to the environment.

General:

• Energy is supplied by hybrid systems of solar power and hydro. Generators are seldom used and solely for construction and repair purposes. • All organic waste is composted. • All efforts are made to purchase only products that can be recycled. • Hot water is provided by propane heaters that only heat when the water is turned on. • Grey water and black water are separated. • Energy efficient refrigerators and freezer. • Energy efficient lighting. • Use of fresh vegetables and fruit instead of canned products. • Organic eggs. Fruit and vegetables grown on site are without the use of pesticides or commercial fertilizer. • Natural fruit juices made from our various tropical fruit trees. • Gardens and landscaping fertilized with natural compost and manure.

Community: • Employ local Costa Rican staff from the work improvished area nearby Saladero. All employees are hired knowing personable guest interaction is part of the job description. • Sales of local Costa Rican artwork and handicrafts of indigenous tribes benefit them directly. • Education in best practices to all employees. In turn this affects the attitudes and social habits of their families as well. • Direct financial support to the park service of Piedras National Park by providing needed equipment and materials. • Invite guests to visit local homes and properties to experience the people and culture up close.



Future Goals: • Reassessment and improvement of our best practices programs on a continual basis. • To educate and promote awareness of the importance to our continued health and life that the rainforest biodiversity provides. • Develop with permission of www.mongabay.com an easy to read and informative pamphlet describing the distinctive and fragile ecosystem of the rainforest and on the interrelationships of plants, animals and insects of the rainforest. All profits to benefit the Piedras Blancas National Park service. • Certification by national and international ecotourism organizations.