The ecotourism hub of the Americas—Costa Rica—is a hot spot for green globetrotters. Every year, tourists hungry for a change to their annual beach vacation routine consider the lush undergrowth of Central America, picturesque with its vast stretches of sandy beaches, mirrored by dense rainforests. For this reason, the country has rapidly grown into a tourism-driven destination, where eco efforts rise above greenwash, but oftentimes, not by much.

Travel company Aventouras is tackling travel in Costa Rica by offering an opportunity to connect with the villages and people in the natural wilderness of the jungle, far removed from the posh island resorts touted as eco escapes.

Among the authentic lodging options are Pacuare River Lodge (above,) which can only be reached by cable car or whitewater raft,

the rustic guesthouse La Carolina Lodge, (above), and Arenal Observatory Lodge, crafted in 1987 as a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station (bonus points for LOST fans).

Whether catching a public water taxi to the village of Tortugero, unwinding in the hot springs of Volcan Arenal, or throwing caution to the wind on a ziplining excursion, Aventouras’ 11-day “Hidden Costa Rica” tour reveals the sights and enchanting sounds of the country’s stunningly diverse core.

See tour departure dates here—and keep in mind that Costa Rica’s “green” season runs from December to April, making it an optimal time to squeeze in a getaway.

(author and friend, Jessica is founder of greenglobetrotter)