Some adventures come with a guide. Others come with potholes, parrots, and a gas station made of wooden planks and good intentions. This one is the latter. If you’re staying at Geckoes Lodge and have your own wheels, here’s the perfect day trip from Geckoes Lodge: a loop drive through the soul of Talamanca. Bribrí, Bratsi, Suretka and Volio, where jungle roads meet hidden gems. It’s a half-day (or a full day) trip that feels like a full-on expedition.
The Route
2 hours of driving, longer with river admiration, tunnel photography and spontaneous waterfall swims.
Bribrí
This small but lively town is the cultural and economic hub of the region. Great place to grab some snacks, stretch your legs, or chat with a friendly pulpero. The road toward Bratsi begins here, and that’s where the real fun starts.
The Tunnel
Half-hidden in the greenery, the tunnel between Bribrí and Bratsi is a mossy, vine-framed monument that looks like it was designed by jungle elves. Drive through it slowly. Then stop. Walk back. Take at least seven dramatic photos. You won’t regret it.
Bratsi (Bambú)
Rolling green hills, wooden homes on stilts, and the kind of peaceful vibe that reminds you to breathe. Keep an eye out for the bus stop/bench combo. It may be humble, but it’s 100% operational. Also keep an eye out for that charming roadside “gas station”.
River crossing: Río Cocolis
Yes, you’re actually going to drive through a river. There’s no bridge (technically there is one, but it’s for foot traffic only. Cars take the fun route.), only a shallow ford where the road dips straight into the Río Cocolis and pops out on the other side. Pro tip: wait for a local to go first, so you know where to drive. It’s surprisingly doable, and extremely satisfying.
Suretka
Here the road ends at the Río Telire and the banana boats begin. Dugout canoes ferry crates of bananas across the river to remote farms. There’s no tourism here, just real life on the riverbank. It’s beautiful, in a quiet, workaday way.
Volio
Loop back via Volio: the road snakes through yet more jungle and fields that somehow manage to be both wild and orderly. One last stretch of off-the-grid magic before you rejoin the main road.
Consider adding an enriching stop along your route at the Catato Family Chocolate & Medicinal Plant Tour, just before reaching Volio. The Catato López family (Bribrí) share cacao harvesting, chocolate-making, and traditional plant knowledge learned through generations. Make your reservation directly with them, straight to the source, no middlemen.
Optional stop: Bribrí Waterfalls
On your way back toward Hone Creek, make a quick stop at the Cataratas, the Bribrí waterfalls. A short walk takes you to a couple of beautiful cascades and a cool pool perfect for a refreshing dip, or just a good excuse to get your feet wet and pretend you’re in a coffee commercial.
What makes this drive special? Well…
A tunnel that looks like a fairy tale swallowed it whole
A river crossing where bananas travel by boat
A jungle drive through Indigenous villages and lush farmland
Waterfalls, wildflowers, and the odd wandering cow
A rare glimpse of Caribbean Costa Rica without the surfboards and smoothies
Practical bits
Road: Gravel and charm. 4×2 is fine in dry season, 4×4 if it’s been raining.
Fuel: You might just get it from a plastic jug. It still works.
Bus stops exist. You probably won’t need one, but it’s oddly comforting to know.
Mobile signal is excellent. 4G all the way — no excuses for getting lost.
Snacks and water? No need. There are small shops and a couple of Soda’s along the way. Got cash? Even better – not everywhere takes cards.
After a day trip from Geckoes Lodge like this one, your hammock will feel extra sweet, and your camera roll suspiciously full of banana boats and tunnels. Rinse off the road, pour something cold, and enjoy the smug glow of a day very well spent.
Planning to go?
Guests at Geckoes Lodge can get a printable version of this route, complete with tips, landmarks, and local quirks. Prefer digital? We’ll send you a pinned map on Waze or Google Maps, so you won’t miss a turn or a tunnel. Just ask us at reception or send us a message, and we’ll get you jungle-road-ready.