# Geckoes Lodge: four private jungle houses in Cocles

> Geckoes Lodge is a set of four private vacation houses in the jungle at Cocles, a short drive from Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. Each has its own garden and plunge pool, so it suits couples and small families who want privacy, wildlife and a kitchen near the Caribbean's best beaches.

Source: https://www.travelincostarica.net/geckoes-lodge/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Cocles, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
Type: vacation rental, lodge
Official website: https://www.geckoeslodge.com
Best for: Couples, honeymooners and small families who like to self-cater
Houses: Casa del Bosque, Casa Bromelia, Casa Heliconia and Casa Lirio
Each has: Private garden, plunge pool and a fully equipped kitchen
Wildlife: Howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and blue morpho butterflies are regular visitors
Setting: Jungle in Cocles, a short drive from Puerto Viejo
Fits a route: 3 to 5 nights at the end of a Caribbean trip

## What it's like

Geckoes Lodge is tucked into the forest at Cocles, just south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the southern Caribbean coast. Instead of hotel rooms, it has four separate vacation houses, each with space, privacy and its own plunge pool. We first wrote about it in 2015, and in 2026 it was taking bookings, with new posts on its blog.

The jungle is the backdrop. The lodge says howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, armadillos, hummingbirds and blue morpho butterflies all turn up regularly.

## The houses

The four houses are Casa del Bosque, Casa Bromelia, Casa Heliconia and Casa Lirio. They differ in size and layout, but all are fully equipped, with a private garden and a plunge pool. That makes Geckoes a good fit for longer stays and for travelers who like to cook some of their own meals. The restaurants and shops of Puerto Viejo and Cocles are a short drive away.

## Where it fits in a trip

The southern Caribbean has a different feel from the Pacific: Afro-Caribbean food and culture, reef beaches and a slower pace. Plan at least 3 nights. From Cocles you can reach Playa Cocles and Punta Uva for swimming and surfing, the Jaguar Rescue Center, the Gandoca-Manzanillo refuge to the south, and [Cahuita National Park](/cahuita-national-park/) to the north.

The Caribbean side is often at its driest in September and October, when much of the Pacific is at its wettest, so it's a good choice for an autumn trip. See our [Caribbean coast guide](/caribbean-coast/) and our guide to [Costa Rica's weather](/costa-rica-weather/).

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It suits couples, honeymooners and small families who want privacy and a kitchen, and who enjoy wildlife close by. It's not for travelers who want hotel service, a restaurant on site or to walk to the beach from their door. Read the lodge's FAQ and house rules before you book.

## Getting there

Puerto Viejo is about 4 to 5 hours by road from San José, by rental car, shared shuttle or public bus. Geckoes is in Cocles, a short drive south of town. The lodge sends directions when you book. Our [getting around guide](/getting-around-costa-rica/) covers shuttles to the Caribbean coast.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Geckoes Lodge a hotel?
No. It's four self-contained vacation houses, each with a private garden and plunge pool.

### Can I cook?
Yes. All four houses are fully equipped for self-catering.

### Is it on the beach?
No. It's in the forest at Cocles, a short drive from the beaches and from Puerto Viejo.

### What wildlife might I see?
The lodge lists howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, armadillos, hummingbirds and blue morpho butterflies as regular visitors.