Overview
Cloud forest and pristine waterfalls
Set in its own portion of lush cloud forest, its stilted casitas feeling almost suspended in the rainforest canopy, the chic El Silencio Lodge and Spa offers you a secluded and peaceful escape coupled with experiences created to get you closer to nature and 'pure vida'.
El Silencio’s eco-concierge is on hand to make sure the activities you choose are unforgettable, from a romantic torch-lit forest dinner if you’re celebrating with someone special, to hikes and horseback tours through the spectacular Hummingbird Garden and along Cloud Forest trails. Go zip-lining through the forest canopy, rappel down a waterfall or discover how your morning cup of coffee is made from bean to roaster.
Food is an essential part of your El Silencio experience. The seasonal menu at Las Ventanas Restaurant is designed around what is available from the organic farm and greenhouse. Dishes showcase the very best of Costa Rican produce.
Facts
At a glance
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18 suites and six villas
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Restaurant, bar and private dining experiences
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Spa
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Yoga deck
Experiences
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![El Silencio costa rica 23]()
Plant your tree
Take part in this complimentary ceremony and plant a living legacy in one of Costa Rica’s carbon-offsetting forests. These forests are helping to entice the quetzal birds back to the area. This ceremony is bound to be one of the highlights of your stay.
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![El Silencio costa rica 7]()
Mystic hike
Make time to experience the cloud forest from a holistic perspective, with intention and meditation at the fore. This walk will take you through the magical knot garden, along hidden paths and into the hummingbird garden. Focus on consciousness and your higher purpose as you follow the four-element trail.
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![El Silencio costa rica 8]()
Waterfall magic
Together with your eco-concierge you’ll make your way along paths beside a creek to discover beautiful waterfalls, learning the secrets of the cloud forest eco-system along the way.
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![Toucan El Silencio]()
Daybreak bird watching
Get your day off to a magical start surrounded by some of the area's most stunning bird species. The trails around El Silencio are home to a variety of birds, including diminutive hummingbirds, black guans and seasonal quetzals. No matter your birding experience, you can be assured of great photo opportunities.
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![Family exploring the lush Costa Rican jungle]()
Horseback adventure
Enjoy stunning views of Poas Volcanoes slopes, green pastures and the beautiful Bajos del Toro community on this relaxed adventure. You may also have the chance to stop and meet local community members.
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![El Silencio costa rica 18]()
Cook like a Costa Rican
Pick your own organic herbs and vegetables before you join the chef in the kitchen to prepare a few of Costa Rica’s hearty traditional dishes. You’ll learn all about these culinary favourites as well as the traditions and culture surrounding them.
Community & Culture
El Silencio runs environmental stewardship and people-positive initiatives. There are a collection of small rural communities near the lodge and farming plays an important role in the livelihoods of the local people. The establishment of the hotel has opened up even more opportunities for people, while keeping the balance between development and conservation thanks to El Silencio’s Social Responsibility Model. None of this would be possible without ongoing partnership with the local communities.
Conservation
The team at El Silencio is committed to not only protecting the natural surrounds but ensuring the area thrives. The Hummingbird Garden and Meliponary projects are designed to help conserve the small birds and local stingless honeybees. For the past decade the team has worked with neighbours and community leaders to help champion the importance of conservation and sustainability.
Footprint
The lodge’s organic greenhouse provides the kitchen with year-round access to vegetables, spices and herbs. They also keep their own free-range chickens and trout ponds. El Silencio’s sustainability model has been recognized by Costa Rica’s Travel and Tourism Ministry and Environmental Authorities. They have been awarded a 5-Leaf CST rating as well as Blue Flag Awards for their river basin management, climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection. The team is continually working to build on these green credentials and have set their sights on making more impact in the sustainable construction, organic farming and sustainable mobility fields.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
