I experienced another first on my most recent trip to Costa Rica, the Cloud Forest! One of the things I have always loved about this beautiful country is the diversity. This applies to the wildlife, the flora, the foods and the climate.
Travelers I consult with are usually aware of the amazing Pacific Coast, the Arenal Volcano region and a few other areas, but I was surprised and delighted by my recent visit to Bajos del Toro and the El Silencio Lodge and a chance to spend a few days in the clouds.
I love a good road trip and just getting to this area and the lodge was an adventure! It was paved road all the way to the property (not something you should take for granted), and it was a beautiful, steep, curvy road through the Central Valley into the mountains north of San Jose. As you wind your way to the higher elevations, the temperature drops, you start to notice clouds higher in the hills and some occasional rain drops. Eventually I found myself driving in the clouds and enjoying the respite from the tropical heat below that Costa Rica is famous for.
El Silencio eco-lodge was created to be a sustainable and luxurious retreat for a select few guests that happen to know about this place, and break away from their preconceived ideas of a visit to Costa Rica. The property is very remote and gives guests an opportunity to truly embrace the idea of Pura Vida, pure life.
You can relax in your Suite or Villa, hike the forest surrounding you or take in many of the activities provided right on site. Enjoy a morning hike through the hummingbird garden, horseback ride the cloud forest trails, immerse yourself in a bespoke coffee tasting experience, enjoy a private lunch experience by the river and so much more! We spent one afternoon hiking the trails down into the crater of a volcano and Catarata del Toro waterfall and back up again. Not a long hike, but straight up and down. Once completed we enjoyed a little break at the top and actually decided to do a second hike to the Blue Falls in the same area. Check out some of the images in the gallery below. It was a great day of hiking, and without the heat of tropics in the rest of the country.
Food is an essential part of traveling for many people, myself included, and El Silencio does not disappoint. The Las Ventanas Restaurant features a seasonal menu designed around their organic farm and greenhouse. We were able to take a tour one afternoon and it was spectacular, with fresh produce & herbs, beehives, chickens and even a trout farm. Of course we had to try it all back in the restaurant. The building itself is floor to ceiling windows, warm dark wood and soft lighting, all overlooking the forest and the river running outside. It was a magical experience.
Insider Tip:
El Silencio Lodge is part of our Signature Resort and Lodge Collection. Over 1000 of the finest hotels in the world have been accepted into our program. Not only do they offer Exclusive Amenities to our guests, but more importantly, they provide our clients exceptional service and insider access.
Explore El Silencio Lodge Here
