Our Staff

Most of our staff comes from Golfito and surrounding towns. They are all passionate about sharing their amazing home with our guests and they will be happy to show you the special secrets that abound in the jungle.

Catalina Torres Portela, General Manager

Catalina has worked in eco-tourism for 25+ years, managing a variety of hotels and eco-lodges in Costa Rica.  She was the General Manager of Esquinas Rainforest Lodge for 16 years, helping to put it on the world map as a premier eco-tourist destination. She also founded and managed Hostal del Mar, a small hotel in Golfito that received exceptional Trip Advisor reviews and Certificates of Excellence.

Catalina is passionate about having a positive impact on the local economy. Throughout her career as a GM, she has created new job opportunities for female heads of family. And she partners with micro companies such as woodworkers, fisherman, tour operators, and individual boat owners who source their products for her hotels, thereby sustaining the livelihoods of local people.

Catalina speaks English and Spanish fluently, and her warmth and kindness pervade her every interaction.

German, William, Ronald, and Nelson - pictured from left to right

Our Buildings and Grounds crew are magicians. German joined us from our builder's crew, having worked on the project's construction since the beginning. William and Ronald, in the middle, are our earliest employees, having been with us 7+ years. They are from the area and we are fortunate to have hard-working individuals who are passionate about re-growing the rainforest, and know which trees and plants attract the most animals. Nelson and Jason (not pictured) round out the crew. Together, they are all extremely knowledgeable about all of the behind-the-scenes systems that make Cielo Lodge run.

Yendri and Clarita

Born and raised in Golfito, Yendri and Clarita make up our housekeeping crew. They are both quiet and unassuming, yet in our estimation they are larger than life. Fresh sheets, fresh flowers…they keep Cielo Lodge immaculate and humming.