Gap Year Volunteering - Tips & Information For Colombia

Project Background

Your journey through Colombia and Costa Rica will be guided by Chris Patterson, our long-standing partner of our Costa Rican Leap.

With over 15 years of collaboration and decades of experience running cultural, conservation, and community programmes across Latin America, Chris brings unparalleled insight and connection to both destinations. He will oversee both phases of the itinerary, ensuring continuity, local expertise, and a genuinely immersive experience.

In Colombia, you’ll join community and conservation initiatives in the Sierra Nevada region, and in Costa Rica you'll support long-term turtle protection and environmental projects on the Pacific coast. With Chris at the helm, each project has purpose, depth, and a strong local foundation, giving you the chance to contribute meaningfully while discovering two extraordinary countries.

gap year colombia costa rica chris patterson iguana

Accommodation + Food

Accommodation
You will stay in a selection of hostels throughout the adventure. Expect dormitory style accommodation with shared bathrooms, for example:
‍
Santa Marta: Republica Hostel
Tayrona National Park: Camping at Arrecifes beach and Cabo San Juan del Guia
Palomino: The Dreamer hostel
Rosario Islands: El Hamaquero Hostal EcoNativo
Cartagena: tbc

San Jose: La Rosa de America
Monteverde: Local hostel, dorm style accommodation
Santa Teresa: Jakera Camp - dorm style accommodation

Food
In Colombia, you’ll be provided with two meals a day (3x meals on camping phase). Expect a lot of local food with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, chicken or fish, tempered to western tastes. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know.

In Costa Rica, supper is included on your first night, 2 meals a day provided in Monteverde and Santa Teresa, 3 meals a day in Cirenas, Expect a mix of local style food and picnics.

A view of the pool in Costa Rica for The Leap gap year adventurers

Colombia + Costa Rica Essentials

Communication

Spanish is widely spoken in both countries. While not mandatory, knowing basic phrases will enrich your experience and help build deeper connections.

Don’t worry, though, you’ll be accompanied by an English/Spanish-speaking team guide to help with communication and ensure a smooth experience.

Phones + Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in most hostels and volunteer bases but can be patchy, especially in remote areas.

For better connectivity, buy a local SIM card (Claro or Movistar) on arrival, just make sure your phone is unlocked.

Weather & Travel Times

Colombia: Tropical on the coast, but expect cooler, mistier conditions in higher-altitude jungle regions.

Costa Rica: Rainforest humidity, cloud forest chill, and sun-kissed coastline - pack for diversity.

Visas & Entry Requirements

No Visa Needed: EU and US passport holders can stay in Colombia and Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days.

Check-Mig Form (Colombia): Complete the online Check-Mig form 72 hours to 1 hour before travel. Keep the confirmation email to show immigration upon arrival.

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Proof of Exit: You’ll need to provide proof of onward travel, such as your return ticket or evidence of departure by air or land.

Flights

You’ll fly into Santa Marta via Bogotá, then connect from Cartagena to San José. San José to home. Please don’t book your flights until we've given you the final itinerary, it’s important that your travel plans match up with the schedule we provide. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

We coordinate flights through Trailfinders, the UK’s most trusted travel brand, offering ATOL-protected "flight only" bookings (ATOL number T1458).

Insurance

For UK Residents: We recommend Campbell Irvine Ltd who have designed a policy specifically with our projects in mind. We suggest you purchase your travel insurance at the earliest opportunity, so you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you must cancel having committed to your itinerary or paid for flights.

‍USA Residents: We recommend Inext who can combine with your exiting medical cover. Most Leapers buy the Platinum Policy.

Vaccinations

The following list is a general guide, please consult your GP or a travel health clinic for personalised medical advice based on your health history and travel plans.
‍
Vaccinations commonly recommended for travel to this region may include:
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‍Hepatitis A
‍Tetanus (ensure your booster is up to date)
‍Typhoid
Yellow Fever

Money

We recommend bringing a combination of a debit card and a Revolut (or similar) card for convenience and security.

ATMs are widely available, making it easy to withdraw money as needed. We recommend you take both cash and a debit/credit card. Best currencies – US Dollars, Colombian pesos for Colombia and Costa Rican Colon for Costa Rica.

No getting around this, Colombia and Costa Rica are expensive, so you really must be careful and budget. Drinks can really add up, plus all the adventures you may want to include. Most Leapers report that they spend about £200 extra per week, though this may vary based on your weekend activities and dining choices.

What to Pack?

Clothes

Prepare for both warm days and cooler evenings in the Central Highlands
A selection of light weight trousers and shorts
A selection of nice clothes for going out in the evenings
T- shirts – long and short sleeved
Dark long sleeved t-shirt and trousers for the night work at the turtle sanctuary
UV vest for surfing
Warm hoody/fleece for cooler evenings
A lightweight waterproof jacket
1 pair trail shoes for the hikes
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair casual shoes
1 pair water shoes - useful, not essential - good for walking in the rivers
Beach wear: sun hat, swimmers etc.

Equipment

80 litre rucksack - no hard-shell suitcases
20-30 litre day rucksack - make sure this has comfortable straps and a waist belt to take the weight. You will need it for all the hikes
Waterproof phone cover
Plug adapter - American style required
Packing cubes - useful to manage our rucksack
Towel/sarong x 2. The microfibre towels are great as they dry quickly
1 pair of working gloves – a pair of sturdy gardening gloves will do the job
Head torch with flashlight, red LED option
Spanish dictionary / phrase book
Sunglasses
Water bottle x 2 - so you can carry 3 litres at a time
Spare, cheap phone - just in case you lose/break your mobile
Portable phone charger

Toiletries & Medical

Basic everyday toiletries
Sun cream/after sun
Travel wash
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Antibacterial spray/cream for open wounds
Rehydration powders
Savlon
Antihistamines
E45/Sudocrem
Immodium
Mediplasters
Personal Medication: Bring extra supplies, know the generic names of your medication, and ensure you can manage allergies (e.g. carry an epipen if necessary).

Gap Year Programme

Colombia + Costa Rica Good to know

JUNGLE TRAILS + turtle conservation + cloud forests + caribbean culture

Project Background

Accommodation + Food

Colombia + Costa Rica Essentials

Communication

Phones + Wi-Fi

Weather & Travel Times

Visas & Entry Requirements

Flights

Insurance

Vaccinations

Money

What to Pack?

Clothes

Equipment

Toiletries & Medical

Ready to Take The Leap?

Download itinerary / brochure

Thank you

Gap Year Programme

Colombia + Costa Rica Good to know

JUNGLE TRAILS + turtle conservation + cloud forests + caribbean culture

Project Background

Accommodation + Food

Colombia + Costa Rica Essentials

Communication

Phones + Wi-Fi

Weather & Travel Times

Visas & Entry Requirements

Flights

Insurance

Vaccinations

Money

What to Pack?

Clothes

Equipment

Toiletries & Medical

Ready to Take The Leap?