What makes us an eco-lodge?
Eco Venao is set within a 140-hectare (346-acre) reforestation project — and planting trees was the first thing we did.
As dry tropical forests, the original native ecosystem, are now the rarest of the major tropical forest ecosystems, we are very dedicated to restoring this invaluable habitat. Our oldest parcels already look like natural forests, as you can see if you take a hike on our trail network.
A Reforestation Project
The Eco Venao project was first assisted by PROREINA, a research, education and outreach program led by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Yale School of Forestry. We have since supported many environmental research and education initiatives in the area.
The project has reforested over 30 hectares of land and we have planted over 50,000 trees in the last 15 years — and that doesn't include all the trees that have sprung up naturally. We have set aside over 100 hectares where we encourage natural regeneration of the forest habitat. We've planted tropical hardwoods, exotics and many fruit-bearing species.
We Reuse & Recycle
We take great care of your trash. We recycle everything we can, including organic waste, glass, metal, plastic and paper. Very little is spoiled. In fact, El Ranchito was built almost entirely with leftover building materials.
Our cabins and ranches are made with 100% organic materials and we use exclusively wood from plantations, not natural forests. The most recent river cabañas were built exclusively with the wood of trees knocked down by severe storms in 2018 and collected within our reforestation project — built on lightweight structures, avoiding large amounts of cement.
We Take Care of Our Water
We are located in the driest area of the country — the dry arch — so we are careful with water consumption. We use a combination of well water and spring water during the dry season to help maintain the level and quality of the aquifer.
We carefully measure our water consumption and have installed systems to save water throughout Eco Venao. Sewage is reused as nutrients for plants and trees through our percolation system, and we ask guests to be mindful of this precious resource.
Our Permaculture Farm
Since May 2015, Eco Venao has embarked on an ambitious permaculture project with the aim of inspiring a mutually supportive relationship with the Earth. Permaculture is an environmental design science that creates sustainable architecture, regenerative habitats and agricultural systems based on natural ecosystems.
The project consists of fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers, a robust composting system, a grey-water recycling system, an African bee farm, a free-range chicken farm that gives us daily eggs, and composting toilets with wood chips.
Energy Through Solar Panels
In August 2016 we launched our 52-kilowatt solar array. This grid-connected system was designed to meet our energy needs: when we produce more electricity than we need (at noon) we supply the grid, and when we need more than we produce (at night) we draw from it. This means we don't depend on batteries — come and meet it the next time you visit; it's right at our entrance.
Biodegradable Products & Handmade Soap
Almost all of our cleaning products are biodegradable and we only buy recycled toilet paper. We do not use plastic straws, food containers, or plastic cups.
We make hand-crafted soap through a cold process using the finest ingredients and essential oils. Our guests find these in the bathrooms of our accommodations and enjoy a chemical-free soap bar — these are also available for sale.
“Our mission is to keep protecting our surrounding habitat, becoming more sustainable with our green practices, and to keep developing experiences that bring our guests closer to nature so they can appreciate it even more.”
“Amazing place, with a wide range of really stylish accommodation (from budget to luxury), and a great relaxed and friendly feel to it.”
“Magical place to experience tropical nature at its fullest.”
“We had an incredible time. Go and surf and enjoy yourself in an amazing tropical beach destination.”
“What can I say… it was just perfect to be there. All the nature & animals, beautiful beach (also good for learning surfing at the Surf Dojo), super lovely staff.”
Come and see it for yourself.
Stay among the trees we’ve planted, on the quiet side of Playa Venao.