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Gap Year Programme
Costa Rica Itinerary
WILDLIFE + ADVENTURE + SURF CULTURE
From tropical coastlines and turtle conservation projects to misty cloud forests, wildlife sanctuaries and laid-back surf towns, this four-week adventure showcases the very best of Costa Rica. Every location brings a new landscape, a new challenge and a new side of this extraordinary country to discover.
San José
Arrive + Settle in
You’ll fly into San José airport, where you’ll be picked up and transferred to the Rosa of America for your first night. We’ll arrange for everyone to be on the same flight, but if you’re arriving from elsewhere, no worries - we can arrange a private transfer.
Nestled amongst tropical gardens just outside the city, Rosa of America is the perfect place to relax after your journey. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake to the sounds of tropical birds, with the option of an early morning swim before the adventure begins.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Community Project + Waterfall Hikes
After an early start (thanks to jet lag and the lively tropical birds), you’ll enjoy breakfast and perhaps a refreshing swim before setting off for the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.
For the next five nights, you'll stay on a private finca on the edge of the rainforest, immersing yourself in both adventure and community projects.
Your time will be split between exploring the incredible biodiversity of Manuel Antonio and working in the nearby fishing village of Cocal, where The Leap has supported a local community centre since 2021.
This centre provides a safe and supportive space for local children while their parents work. During your stay, you might help run activities for the children, take part in beach clean-ups, create signs promoting litter-free zones or transform recycled tyres into colourful outdoor furniture.
Alongside the projects, there will be plenty of time for adventure, from waterfall hikes and rainforest exploration to spotting the remarkable wildlife that makes this part of Costa Rica so special.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hanging Bridges + Zip Wire + Fiscus Tree
Your next stop is the stunning cloud forests of Monteverde, perched high on Costa Rica’s continental divide. For the next few days, you'll be based in the vibrant town of Santa Elena, a favourite with travellers thanks to its lively atmosphere, great cafés and independent shops.
Days here are all about adventure. Explore hanging bridges suspended above the forest canopy, climb inside a giant hollow Ficus tree and hike to Monteverde’s highest viewpoint for an unforgettable sunset. On a clear day, you can see all the way from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.
Afternoons are yours to enjoy. You might choose to zip-line through the cloud forest, go horseback riding or even take on a bungee jump if you're feeling brave. With its misty forests, incredible biodiversity and endless opportunities for adventure, Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s true highlights.
Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Conservation
Get ready for one of the most rewarding parts of your adventure. Surrounded by rainforest and home to an incredible array of wildlife, this sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to work alongside animals ranging from tropical birds and sloths to some of Costa Rica's most elusive species.
Life here starts early, with mornings dedicated to supporting the sanctuary team. Working in small groups, you might help prepare food, feed the animals, clean enclosures or assist with simple maintenance projects that help keep the sanctuary running smoothly.
The work can be physical and the days are busy, but the chance to care for these remarkable animals and experience life at the heart of a wildlife sanctuary makes it an unforgettable part of the journey.
Cirenas
Turtle Conservation
After working alongside rescued wildlife at Natuwa, you'll head even further off the beaten track to Cirenas, a privately run conservation reserve on a remote stretch of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles and preserving the surrounding ecosystem, Cirenas offers a rare opportunity to experience conservation in one of Costa Rica's wildest coastal environments.
For two nights, you'll stay in simple forest cabins just a short walk from the beach, surrounded by nature and far removed from the distractions of everyday life.
Your time here will be spent supporting the reserve's conservation efforts, from protecting turtle nests and collecting research data to helping keep the beaches free from plastic pollution. Every task contributes to the long-term success of the project and the protection of these remarkable animals.
Remote, wild and deeply rewarding, Cirenas offers a glimpse into a side of Costa Rica few travellers ever get to experience.
Santa Teresa
Surfing + Community Projects
After weeks of rainforest adventures, wildlife conservation and turtle protection, it's time to experience a completely different side of Costa Rica.
Welcome to Santa Teresa - the country's legendary surf town and the perfect place to end your adventure. Famous for its laid-back atmosphere, world-class waves and stunning beaches, Santa Teresa offers the chance to slow the pace and soak up everything you've experienced.
Spend your days surfing, practising yoga, exploring the coastline and enjoying the vibrant beach culture that draws travellers from around the world.
Alongside the adventure, you'll also support local environmental initiatives, helping to protect the very landscapes that make this corner of Costa Rica so special.
Santa Teresa is the perfect ending to your Costa Rican journey - a place to reflect, celebrate and enjoy a few final sunsets with the friends you've shared the adventure with.
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San Jose
Departure
As your journey wraps up, you'll return to San José. You'll leave with a deep sense of fulfilment, knowing you've made a real difference while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful countries. From community connections to conservation efforts and unforgettable adventures, this trip will leave lasting memories.
On your last day, you’ll be transferred to the airport, carrying with you the knowledge that you've grown personally and contributed to something meaningful.
This isn’t just a trip - it’s a journey that will stay with you forever.
Freetime
Your days are going to be busy and varied as the projects and activities are weaved together, but we promise some downtime, weekends are free at Santa Teresa, so you take advantage of the extra adventures you might want to do. Please note however that these are at your own expense, and make sure your travel insurance covers these activities, especially bungee jumping.
Tortuga Island trip from Santa Teresa – $105
Extra surfing lesson – approx $60 per lesson
Yoga classes – approx $15 per lesson
Zip wire at Monteverde – $72
Bungee jumping at Monteverde - $105
One Month. Real Impact.
Don’t wait for life to happen. In just four weeks, The Leap gives you the chance to step out of your comfort zone, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain experiences that are serious CV gold. You’ll return with new confidence, great stories, and skills that stand out in university applications and future careers.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a 30 minute call with Zoë, our travel expert.
