When it comes to creating ecoresorts, Costa Rica has always been at the forefront. These boutique retreats in the bush or on the beach employ all the tenets of ecotourism. The lodging is built on land that will be preserved for future generations. They employ and thus give back to the local community financially. They educate both their employees and guests on the natural and cultural significance of the surrounding land. And they use renewable sources of energy and local fare for building materials. But lately, the price of staying at an ecoresort in Costa Rica has come with too hefty a pricetag. Especially when you can get the same scenery from one of its Central American neighbors.

On an archipelago in the northwestern part of the country, a short boat ride from the town of Bocas del Toro, is a three-cabana lodge socked in the middle of the verdant jungle and surrounded by a working cocoa plantation.  All of the cabins at La Loma Jungle Lodge were created from fallen trees and inspired by the architecture of the local Ngobe Indians.  The employees are also local, including your guide through the rainforest and beach to see sloths, armadillos, small crocs called caimans, and the graceful blue morpho butterfly.  At dinner, lobster and conch will not be served, as the owners try to use only sustainably harvested fish like yellow jack. Rates are $110 per person a night, including three meals, the boat ride over from Bocas town, and some of the excursions.