El Silencio Lodge & Spa is tucked away among the valleys and waterfalls of picturesque Bajos del Toro.
This beautiful area has been declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site and is in the perfect location for a relaxing getaway.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa offers a luxury hotel experience within a 500-acre private cloud forest reserve that is flanked by the Juan Castro Blanco and Poas Volcano National Parks.
Their story
El Silencio Lodge & Spa is committed to being one of the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica.
The lodge itself features an array of initiatives and sustainable programs that help to reduce its environmental footprint and protect the vital natural resources of the cloud forest.
The lodge aims to allow visitors to reconnect with nature and become fully immersed within Costa Rica’s charming landscapes.
Misty tropical cloud forests, roaring waterfalls, and colorful culture are showcased through heartfelt hospitality and upscale facilities.
When you stay at this eco-lodge, the staff will make you feel right at home as you enjoy the best of everything during your Costa Rica honeymoon, wedding, family vacation, or special event. Read more about them here.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- El Silencio’s 250-hectare property is a former dairy farm recovered through reforestation and environmental stewardship.
- This recovery is significant because this swath of land is part of a region that feeds three clean-energy hydroelectric plants and provides potable water for many communities.
- Furthermore, it’s trimmed by the Poas Volcano National Park and the Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
- Only local and natural materials were used during construction, and the paints for the infrastructure were water-based.
High level of energy efficiency
- Efficient equipment is used when it comes to energy consumption. This includes lighting devices with motion sensors and energy-saving light bulbs. Since Costa Rica is one of the leading countries in renewable energy, electricity from the grid also comes from more than 90% renewable sources.
- The overflow from the water catchment is used in the trout hatchery, whilst rainwater is used for the irrigation of the gardens.
- El Silencio is also currently involved in a project to have its own hydroelectric plant, which will help make its lodge even more energy efficient.
Pioneer in waste management
- To protect the forest and preserve water sources, the water here is under strict control when it comes to quality and quantity.
- The water is disinfected with ultraviolet light, a process that does not leave chemical residues in the water.
- There is also a wastewater treatment plant on-site that meets all discharge parameters.
- Sprinkler devices are placed on all taps to use as little water as possible without compromising the customer experience.
- To further promote water savings, guests are requested to let staff know when they want sheets changed, rather than just changing them daily.
Fully organic and chemical-free operation
- El Silencio Lodge has a restaurant called Las Ventanas which features a seasonal menu designed around the organic farm and greenhouse located on-site.
- Only the freshest, most flavorful, and nutrient-rich ingredients are selected from the farm throughout the year to offer the best dishes and highlight the local produce.
- The 5,000 sq ft (4.65 a) organic greenhouse ensures year-round access to colorful vegetables, fragrant spices, and delicate herbs.
- Free-range chickens provide morning-fresh eggs, while trout ponds are a fun place for guests to catch their main course.
- This wholesome, back-to-roots experience enhances the primal connection to nature that places the El Silencio Lodge & Spa dining experience on par with the best restaurants in Costa Rica.
Actively protects nature and community
- The El Silencio Lodge offers a complimentary ceremony upon arrival. It requires planting a living legacy in Costa Rica’s carbon-offsetting forests to help bring back beautiful Quetzal birds to the region.
- Following a strong commitment to Sustainability Programs, the business is leading efforts towards the preservation of endangered tropical stingless bees and hummingbirds.
- The Lodge has two very close-to-heart projects, the Hummingbird Garden and the new Melipoonary, that seek to increase the number of these two wonderful species.
- At El Silencio, the priority is given to local producers, located no more than 25 miles (ca. 40 km) from the hotel.
- This reduces the use of processed and imported culinary products, as well as mass-produced products.
- They aim to give back through wildlife preservation, local purchases, and the growing relationship with its closest neighbor, the Los Bajos del Toro community.
- El Silencio also gives back through employment opportunities, with over 80% of staff being local.
Most Popular Activities near El Silencio
- Complementary mystic hike
- Guided waterfall hikes
- Adventure Park: Ziplining and/or waterfall rappelling
- Horseback riding
- Mountain & e-bikes
- Bird-watching tours to see many of the 20 Costa Rican birds.
- River fishing
- Coffee tasting
READ ON – 36 Eco-friendly Things to Do in Costa Rica (From A to Z)
Best time to visit El Silencio
- The humidity in Costa Rica is high all year around.
- To avoid the rainy season, plan your visit outside May-June and September-October.
- If you want to enjoy this place the sunniest it can be, visit in March or December.
- Smaller showers or thunderstorms can be expected all year around, so please be prepared.
READ ON – Best Time To Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons, What to Expect)