El Silencio Lodge & Spa

With a vast biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to ample wildlife, and El Silencio Lodge & Spa aims to keep it that way by safeguarding native stingless bees and the American Cinchona Plantation treefrog. Part of these efforts deal with the resort’s eco-friendly design that promotes water infiltration, renewable energy pulled from hydroelectric plants, biodegradable swaps, recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel, and procedures that divert waste from landfills.

Celebrated as the Cradle of Costa Rica, Sarchi has become known as the cultural heart of the country, thanks in large part to its iconic, hand-painted oxcart industry. The vibrant, living art form is honored at El Silencio Lodge & Spa with painting lessons that explore the traditional techniques used and allow guests to try it for themselves while creating a colorful souvenir to take back home. Cultural excursions like Bajos del Toro further showcase local heritage with the chance to make fresh tortillas just down the road.

A variety of actions support the community that the lodge is part of. El Silencio Lodge & Spa provides green-area maintenance and donations for projects like a greenhouse or educational programming at nearby Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Additionally, funds for school infrastructure, cafeteria food, and transportation extend to the schools in Bajos del Toro and collaboration with the Public Force of Costa Rica and local development associations improve rural roads and enhance other shared features of the community.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa plays a large role in the regional economy, sourcing goods and services from surrounding communities like Bajos del Toro and Zarcero. Aside from injecting funds locally, the resort supports residences by offering them employment. About 90 people are employed by the lodge, enjoying stable income and fair wages, but there is also a voluntary employee solidarity association that encourages saving to promote financial wellbeing. Financial education workshops are also available.