Well slap me silly and call me Mowgli, have I found a treat for you. If you ever dreamed of escaping to the jungle to live like George (you know, of the Jungle), then you’ll probably love it. This is where those dreams come true. Today I’m sharing an epically cool eco-friendly jungle treehouse in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your trip.
Here’s An Epic Eco-Friendly Jungle Treehouse In Puerto Viejo
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for the Tree House Lodge in Puerto Viejo
Booking and availability info:
Check the availability and book your stay here.
Where is it located?
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! Of course you know your kids best though, so use this guide and your best judgment as far as what is best for them.
Who is it good for?
Families, couples, small groups of friends, people looking for unique accommodation, solo travelers who are OK with quiet, alone time.
Who is it not good for?
Travelers who prefer luxury resort style, solo travelers who prefer a more social trip, people without a sense of adventure.
What should you bring with you?
Outside of your regular packing, I recommend bringing:
- Plenty of bug spray
- Toiletries
- Good walking shoes (I used these sandals)
I also have a detailed packing guide and video if you’d like more packing tips, as well as a Costa Rica list on my Amazon Store.
What to expect at the Tree House Lodge in Puerto Viejo
There are actually six different accommodation options at the Tree House Lodge, each with its own unique theme and style.
They’re spread out around the 10 acre property and the paths are signed so you can easily find your way around. Unless the guests in a house close to you are super loud, you won’t really hear them because there’s distance and privacy between them.
Even though you are sharing the space with others, the design of the property is such that it feels like an isolated oasis.
I booked the ‘Tree House’ and that is what you’ll see reviewed here and in my video. Keep in mind there are other options though like the Crystal House and even one that is a converted school bus!
The Tree House itself is not a luxury resort type room, which is why I mention that it’s not suited for luxury style or high maintenance travelers. It’s not the type of accommodation where you’re going to be amazed by the water pressure of the shower or have a room full of new and fancy facilities.
It’s a little more rugged than that. What will amaze you though is the experience of staying in a jungle tree house, the relaxation of the environment, and the creative expression of the house you stay in.
When I was a kid I always thought it would be the coolest thing to have a tree house. I never had one though so I spent my afternoons sitting in the branches of the mango tree in our backyard. Staying in this tree house was like being a big kid for a few days, living out those George of the Jungle childhood dreams.
Hot tub and grill area
Lounge area by the grill
What do you get at the Tree House
On the ground level you have a spacious, open air lounging area complete with hammock, bathroom, and kitchen. The kitchen has plenty of utensils, so you just need to bring the food if you plan to cook your own meals.
The bathroom is a really cool jungle bathroom. Here you’ve got a shower and toilet sitting at the edge of the tree with a view out into the jungle.
There’s also a bedroom on the ground floor that has air conditioning.
Then you’ll walk up a few stairs, across a couple of super cool suspension bridges, and you’ll be up in the tree! In this section there’s another bedroom, bathroom, and a safe to lock away your valuables. This room has no air conditioning.
Outside you also have a second lounging area, with a hot tub and grill.
There are also a couple of little extras that come in handy like a flashlight and machine with filtered water.
What wildlife can you see at the Tree House Lodge?
You’ll be staying at the edge of the Gandoca- Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, so many of your neighbors will be from the animal kingdom.
And there’s a lot of them. If you enjoy wildlife spotting, you’re in luck.
In my short stay I saw all sorts of cool birds including Toucans and Macaws, iguanas, lizards, crabs, a never ending amount of bugs and spiders, and plenty of Howler Monkeys. You don’t need to set a morning alarm because those monkeys will become your new alarm clock. Once they are awake, they like let everyone know! It was a highlight for me seeing them climbing the trees all around the property and especially cool to see them with little babies.
Since you’re sharing the space with so many animals, it’s important to make sure your food isn’t left out and place organic trash in the appropriate trash can that they will show you when you arrive.
Things to do nearby
If you simply want to relax, the Tree House Lodge is a perfect place for that. You can lounge around the tree house, visit the nearby beach, and soak in the hot tub.
For a little more adventure, you could also take a horse riding tour in the jungle and on the beach with Ride The Rainforest Costa Rica. The meeting point for that is a 20 minute walk from the lodge.
There are some amazing beaches in the area. My personal favorite was Punta Uva which was about 40 minutes walk from the lodge. Playa Chiquita was also gorgeous.
Of course you could also visit Puerto Viejo town and do some shopping at the local boutiques or check out one of the many amazing restaurants. The lodge is about 15 minutes drive from town.
In terms of getting around, there’s a lot within walking distance. You can also rent a bicycle easily from one of the vendors along the street.
Punta Uva
Places to eat near the Tree House Lodge
You have everything you need to cook your own food at the Tree House Lodge. For supplies, there is a small grocery store called El Duende Gourmet about 10 minutes walk from the lodge.
There are also fresh fruit stalls on the side of the road for the freshest and most delicious fruit ever! Of course you can also get a fresh coconut to sip on for the walk back too.
However, if you’d like to try some local restaurants there’s a great selection in the area.
I loved GypSea Cafe which is about a 5 minute walk from the lodge. It has the best acai bowls I’ve ever had and the ginger lemonade is also super refreshing on a hot day.
Soda Playa Chiquita is another great local spot for big portions of flavorful food for a reasonable price. The Caribbean chicken was fantastic here!
Lastly, I want to share Tostas which is a little pricier but certainly delicious. I loved stopping by here for avocado toast, fresh smoothies, and you just have to try the vegan Snickers.
GypSea Cafe
More information:
This was another one of my amazing finds on Booking.com, and I used it to book my stay.
Check the availability and book your own stay here.
Other guides to help you plan your Costa Rica vacay
All The Tips You Need For Solo Female Travel In Puerto Viejo
- What To Pack For A Trip To Costa Rica – Essentials That Made My Trip Awesome!
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