The Story of Silvery
The Story of Silvery
Two decades ago, my sister and I made a life-defining decision: to invest in a piece of land in San Carlos, Antioquia — a municipality in Colombia we had never visited, where the memories of violence were still fresh. At the invitation of one of our closest friends, we purchased an abandoned cattle ranch and began transforming it, tree by tree, into a forest. Today, Silvery Refugio Natural is a place to rest, learn, and reconnect. It is a project that measures its impact and cares for the territory with rigor.
The Starting Point
We began this journey at a time when fear was part of daily life. We chose a different path: to invest in land and change its purpose. Our goal was clear, restore life to the soil and leave the land better than we received it.
We carefully evaluated which native tree species to plant and began the long process of regeneration.
23,000 Trees and Blistered Hands
We planted nearly 23,000 trees, including cedar, ceiba, balso, abarco, guayacán, walnut, bamboo, and melina. During the planting process, more than 20 local jobs were created. We remember the blisters on our hands with a certain pride, they were part of the transformation.
Over time, the diversity of species helped restore the natural dynamics of the forest.
The Forest Responds
Months passed, and life began to return. More birds appeared. A family of Silvery Brown Tamarins (Saguinus leucopus) multiplied. Neighbors spoke of armadillos, anteaters, pacas, and wild cats. Today, our forest cameras confirm it: we have documented far more species than anyone initially expected. The ranch became a refuge for life. Water also changed. The springs flowing from the mountain increased in volume. Clean, steady water became the clearest sign that the forest was healing.
We Chose Hospitality
As the forest recovered, we understood that the next step was to open its doors. We left the timber business and entered the world of purpose-driven hospitality. We decided to build cabins in the forest, inviting people to experience nature with comfort, respect, and silence. The idea was simple yet demanding: complete privacy, deep rest, and experiences that transform.
Our Cabins in the Forest
Each cabin was designed to coexist with the forest, not dominate it. The architecture embraces natural ventilation and light, uses durable local materials, and opens to the landscape without disturbing its quiet rhythm. Every space has its own character: a suspended relaxation net, a forest-view shower, and warm water bathsinspired by Japanese Ofuro tubs, where perfectly heated water and wood dialogue with the surrounding forest.
Community and Research
Nothing that has happened at Silvery would have been possible without the surrounding community. Many of the first jobs were offered to neighbors from the Cañaveral area. Some of them continue to work with us today in maintenance and conservation. Together with the Geolimna research group from Universidad de Antioquia, we conducted a biodiversity study documenting more than 110 bird species. An environmental engineering student completed her thesis here. We have installed camera traps to record species that are difficult to observe, mammals, marsupials, birds, and wild cats. We also conducted an initial water quality assessment of the springs that emerge within the forest and continue to study the importance of protecting these sources. Silvery is a refuge that investigates, learns, and shares knowledge with those committed to doing things well.
What Comes Next
We continue to grow guided by a clear compass: measurable regenerative tourism and a net-positive vision. We want every visitor to help leave a positive trace, more trees, more water, more well-being. We are developing new forest-based wellness experiences, guided trails, citizen science initiatives, and local sourcing practices that strengthen the regional economy.
Silvery is a project in motion. The forest sets the pace.
Thank you for reading this far.
Silvery continues to grow thanks to those who believe in a different way of traveling.
We invite you to visit, walk among the trees, and discover that the forest knows how to care for us too.
Plan your visit and experience it for yourself.
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By Edgar A. Martínez Londoño
Sanitary Engineer, MSc, PhD in Environmental Engineering
Co-founder, Silvery Refugio Natural
