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Gap Year Programme
Costa Rica Itinerary
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION + COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT + SURFING + JUNGLE EXPLORE
This 4-week gap year programme to Costa Rica offers a dynamic, varied experience with contrasting locations and projects to keep you engaged and inspired.
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.
The Rosa of America is just a short distance from the airport, nestled in tropical gardens. After a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up to the sounds of tropical birds, with the option of a relaxed early morning swim to kick off your adventure.
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 beginning your journey to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.
Here, you'll spend five nights on the edge of the park, staying in a private finca where you'll immerse yourself in both adventure and community contribution. Your time will be divided between exploring the lush rainforests of Manuel Antonio and working in the nearby fishing village of Cocal, where The Leap has supported a community center since 2021. This center is a lifeline for local families, providing a safe space for kids while parents work.
During your stay, you’ll take on a variety of tasks: playing with the children, beach clean-ups, creating signs to promote litter-free zones, and crafting beach furniture from recycled tires.
Expect a rewarding blend of activities, from hands-on community projects to hiking through waterfalls and discovering the vibrant biodiversity of the park.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hanging Bridges + Zip Wire + Fiscus Tree
Your second phase takes you to the stunning cloud forests of Monteverde, perched on the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide. Here, you'll stay in the vibrant town of Santa Elena, a hotspot for travellers, filled with cool restaurants and artisan shops that are perfect for exploring in your downtime.
Every morning kicks off with an adventure into the cloud forest, where you’ll head out to walk across hanging bridges that give you an epic view of the treetops and all the action below. Couple of the highlights? Climbing up and inside a giant, hollow Ficus tree and hiking to the highest point in Monteverde to find the perfect sunset. If the skies are clear, you’ll get a rare view that spans from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast.
Afternoons are free for you to dive into some seriously fun options. You can choose to zip line through the forest, go horseback riding, or even try bungee jumping if you're feeling extra brave. These add-ons can be booked on-site, so you can pick and choose based on your vibe.
Monteverde’s cloud forest is like nothing you’ve ever seen, with its misty atmosphere feeding an insanely diverse ecosystem. Expect to encounter some amazing wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, thousands of insects, and 2,500+ types of plants. Get ready for an adventure that’s part nature, part adrenaline, and 100% unforgettable.
Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Conservation
Get ready for the most challenging and rewarding part of your adventure. This place is pure magic, home to an incredible array of wildlife—from tropical birds and sloths to elusive panthers and jaguars.
It's a true wilderness experience where you’ll have a front-row seat to Costa Rica’s most exotic animals. The work here is intense but fulfilling, with early mornings starting around 6 a.m. and wrapping up around 3 p.m.
To make the most impact, you’ll be divided into small groups to take on tasks like feeding the wildlife, cleaning enclosures, and helping with basic renovations around the sanctuary.
It’s hands-on work in the heat, but the experience of caring for these animals up close is beyond rewarding.
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Santa Teresa
Surfing + Community Projects
After immersing yourself in the jungle, cloud forest, and wildlife conservation, it’s time to head to Santa Teresa - Costa Rica’s ultimate hotspot for beach lovers and surfers alike. Known for its pristine, uncrowded beaches and world-class surf breaks, Santa Teresa is the perfect blend of laid-back vibes and thrilling adventures.
You’ll kick off your time here with an orientation afternoon to get to know the area and meet fellow travellers at Jakera Camp. Then, enjoy a weekend to explore the town’s cool surf scene, relax on the stunning beaches, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere that makes this place one of the most sought-after spots in Costa Rica.
In the following days, you’ll dive into a mix of surfing, yoga and volunteering. Spend your mornings riding the waves on some of the best beaches in the country - (whether you're just starting out or have surfed before, the waves here offer the perfect challenge) or stretching on a yoga mat. In the afternoons, you’ll get involved with local environmental projects, like building recycling stations and participating in beach clean-ups, all while connecting with the change-makers who are shaping the future of the community.
Santa Teresa isn’t just a place - it’s a lifestyle. Come for the surf, stay for the people, and leave having made a real impact.
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Cirenas
Turtle Conservation
After exploring Costa Rica’s jungles and cloud forests, you’ll head to one of the most unforgettable parts of your journey—living and working at Cirenas, a privately run conservation reserve set on a remote, untouched stretch of the Nicoya Peninsula.
This incredible reserve is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles and preserving the fragile ecosystems around it. For two nights, you’ll stay in rustic cabins tucked into the forest, about a 10-minute walk from the beach—completely off-grid and surrounded by nature.
Your days will be spent helping with vital conservation tasks like nest protection, beach clean-ups to reduce plastic pollution, and data collection to support ongoing research. While releasing baby turtles can’t be guaranteed, every task you take on helps increase their chances of survival and contributes to the long-term success of the programme.
Cirenas offers a rare mix of raw adventure, peaceful isolation, and real-world impact—an experience that will challenge, ground, and inspire you in equal measure.
Santa Teresa
Beach Chill +Hiking + Yoga
After your time with the turtles, you’ll return to Jakera for your final days, where the weekend is yours to unwind and explore. Whether you choose to discover local hidden gems, relax by the beach, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the area, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to recharge before wrapping up your journey.
The final days will offer a mix of completing your community projects, hiking through Costa Rica’s breath-taking landscapes, and reflecting on the incredible experiences you’ve had.
You’ll also enjoy a restorative yoga class designed to strengthen your body and relax your mind. This week will be a time for celebrating everything you’ve accomplished on this transformative adventure.
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 – $75
Extra surfing lesson – approx $60 per lesson
Yoga classes – approx $15 per lesson
Zip wire at Monteverde – $60
Bungee jumping at Monteverde - $85
Horse back riding in Moteverde or Santa Tersea - $50
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.
