.svg)
Gap Year Programme
Leap to Costa Rica
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION + COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT + SURFING + JUNGLE EXPLORE
Why choose a Leap Gap Year in Costa Rica? Because this isn’t your average backpacking route. This is four weeks, five unforgettable locations, and one epic adventure that takes you way beyond the well-worn tourist trail.
From coastlines to cloud forests, this journey is all about contrast, energy, and impact. You’ll experience the buzz of beach life, the calm of misty mountains, and the thrill of wild rainforest—all while getting stuck into hands-on conservation and community projects that matter.
Whether you're building eco-solutions in a remote fishing village, zip-lining through Monteverde’s treetops, caring for rescued wildlife, or helping protect endangered sea turtles, every stop along the way offers something new.
And with surfing, yoga, and cultural immersion woven in, this isn’t just a trip, it’s a full-on, life-enhancing leap into the heart of Costa Rica.
This programme is perfect for those who want variety, movement, and meaning. With a fast-paced, immersive itinerary, you’ll cover a lot of ground—learning, contributing, and connecting as you go.
Programme Summary
Programme Dates + Prices
2026
2027
What's included
- Pre-departure briefing
- The 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
- Food as described
- 2 x surfing classes
- 2 x yoga class
- Tour of Antonio Manuel National Park by your Leap guide
- Tour of the waterfalls with Leap guide
What's not included
- International flights
- Private transfers to and from the airport if you do not arrive on the main team flight
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Food and accommodation if away from the programme
- Alcoholic drinks and some soft drinks
- Laundry fees
- Suppers in Monteverde and Santa Teresa
- Please budget approx. $20 for lunch/dinner, plus drinks, in a restaurant or cheaper in a café. Self-catering option available at Santa Teresa
Our reviews speak for themselves
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.
