Gap Year Programme

Leap to Colombia + Costa Rica

JUNGLE TRAILS + turtle conservation + cloud forests + caribbean culture

If you’re torn between Colombia and Costa Rica, this Gap Year Leap gives you the only answer that makes sense: do both.

Think of it as the ultimate Latin American adventure; a journey that sweeps you from the Caribbean coast to the cloud forests, from ancient cultures to cutting-edge conservation, from big challenges to bigger rewards.

This is where vibrant cities meet remote wilderness, where every week brings a new landscape, a new community, and a new reason to fall in love with travel.

For gap year students who want to see more, do more, and be more, this two-country experience delivers the depth, variety, and momentum that a single destination simply can’t. It’s an all-in, heart-wide-open kind of leap, and the perfect way to make your gap year count.

You’ll hike the legendary Tayrona National Park, meet the Indigenous Kogi tribe, support remote school projects, zip-line through Monteverde’s cloud forest, and protect endangered sea turtles on wild Pacific beaches.

This is meaningful, hands-on, life-affirming travel designed to push you, inspire you, and leave you changed.

Two countries, two cultures, one unforgettable Leap.

Programme Summary

available months:
Jan + Mar
COST:
£3520
Locations:
Colombia + Costa Rica
Accommodation:
Mix of Hostels and jungle camps
Stay Length:
4 weeks
Environments:
cities + jungle + beach
Team Size:
18 per departure
Social:
Buzzy country + beaches + bars
FITNESS:
Good fitness required for surfing + Tayrona Hikes
PROJECT TYPES:
turtle + marine conservation + community development

Programme Dates + Prices

Colombia + Costa Rica Gap Year Mar 26
March 5, 2026
4 weeks
£3520

What's included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Leap t-shirt
  • Airport pick-up and return transfers for team flight
  • Safety and induction briefing on arrival
  • 24-hour emergency back-up, management and support by UK and in-country team
  • All volunteering projects as described
  • Project-to-project transport
  • Accommodation as described
  • Entrance fees to all activities
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • 2-day camping expedition in Chicamocha Canyon
  • Cross country bus journey to Caribbean coast
  • Tubing down Palomino River
  • 4-day Lost City trek

What's not included

  • International and internal flights
  • Private transfers to and from the airport if you do not arrive on the main team flight
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical expenses
  • Food and accommodation if away from the programme 
  • Alcoholic drinks and some soft drinks
  • Laundry fees
  • Any excursions not listed above
  • Suppers throughout, apart from on the treks when it is included
testimonials

Our reviews speak for themselves

"Everything was amazing.  Josi was amazing throughout the entire trip, helpful, accommodating, and always kind. Socio as well, a great guy who always made sure we were safe without stopping any of the fun. Manuela was lovely and an amazing, young presence. Brendan was incredible on the the lost city trek."
annabell
“The lost city trek was amazing –  loved all aspects of it and really enjoyed the trekking and team aspect. Very helpful when we had an issue with a lost bag before the programme had even started, thank you that was much appreciated”
izzy
“The team at The Leap were so reassuring and helpful that we knew we had made the right decision. It has been a completely life enhancing experience this past month with such a brilliant balance of volunteering, education, endless activities, lots of fun and relaxation in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The friends he has made along the way are now friends for life. Thank you so much to you all.
melanie

Kickstart your Gap Year

Life’s too short to stay on the side lines. In just 4 weeks, The Leap offers you the chance to make an impact, challenge yourself, and grow in ways you never imagined.  Found your perfect Leap? Then book yourself on.