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Colombia Gap Year Programme

Central Highlands + Caribbean

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Trailblaze through Colombia

To experience off-grid gems and culture

Ditch the tourist traps and dive deep into the heart of this vibrant country, where every corner offers a thrilling new adventure. By joining this unique 4-week Leap gap year programme you will be shown the real Colombia through the eyes of our local team who will immerse you in authentic culture, introduce you to life changing community projects, steer you through the challenge of the Lost City Trek before you chill out on Caribbean beaches and tube down meandering rivers.

You'll start your journey in the rural town of Barichara which is based in the midst of the massive canyons, before heading across to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada and to reach Santa Marta on pristine Caribbean beaches.

This adventure guarantees that every step you take leaves a positive imprint. Whether you're trekking to the Lost City or lending a hand in local projects, each experience is crafted to push your boundaries and infuse your journey with meaning. Engaging in lively matches of football, rugby, and card games with the community, alongside fellow gap year adventurers, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your immersive experience.

This is a great combination of culture, contribution and challenge, all organised for you.

Colombia's Programme Itinerary

Welcome to an exhilarating journey through Colombia to explore and contribute to this unique country. Starting in Barichara you'll then head north across the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, down to pristine Caribbean beaches, experiencing a fantastic mix of community projects and adrenaline infused challenges.

Phase 1

Barichara Central Highlands

Your adventure begins in the breathtaking Central Highlands, renowned for its dramatic canyon landscapes, roaring rivers, waterfalls, and a relaxed pace of life.

You’ll fly into Bucaramanga, where our team will greet you and whisk you away to the charming town of Barichara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

During your first two weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in the local community, exploring and contributing to a variety of environmentally and community-oriented projects.

Interwoven into your time will be gentle hikes to explore a local coffee plantation, neighboring towns, before the more challenging overnight canyon trek. These hikes not only allow you to discover off-grid parts of the countryside but also ensure you’re in peak condition for the main Lost City Trek in phase 2 of the adventure.

Accommodation

Local family run hostel in the town of Barichara.

Food

2 meals a day provided. Dinner will be extra in one of the many cafes in town. Budget about $15 per meal.

Weeks 1 + 2

Teaching, Coffee Plantations and Canyon Hike

Through out your first 2 weeks you will experience this fascinating mix of:

Rural Schools: Enriching Education, 3 days
The local mayor and community warmly welcome Leap teams throughout the year to assist in rural schools with English, art, and sports lessons. These sessions are immensely popular with the children, who are eager to learn and enjoy the interaction with you. Rugby and football are especially beloved and fiercely competitive sports here, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement.

Reforestation: Nurturing Nature and Community, 2 days
Our reforestation project collaborates with the Barichara fire brigade, who oversee a tree nursery dedicated to reforesting community land. Each team plays a crucial role in planting and sowing seeds, directly contributing to the region’s environmental health. As you work, you’ll also have the opportunity to provide impromptu English lessons to the fire brigade, fostering a unique cultural exchange and enhancing community bonds.

Culture, 3 days
You'll explore a traditional coffee plantation, and hike along the historic 300-year-old colonial footpaths known as ‘El Camino Real,’ which connect numerous stunning villages, waterfalls and offer breathtaking views.

Chicamocha Canyon Challenge, 2 days
Embark on a two-day adventure in the awe-inspiring Chicamocha Canyon, a 120-million-year-old natural wonder. Your journey begins by traversing the canyon's crest, then winding through scenic tobacco and goat farms. You'll cool off with a refreshing dip in the river where you’ll set up camp for the night, sleeping in hammocks and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of nature. The next day presents the challenge of hiking out of the canyon, but don't worry, you’ll take it nice and slow, ensuring you savor every moment of this incredible experience, and appreciate the stunning surroundings.

Weekend Adrenaline Adventure
Just 30 minutes away lies San Gil, the adventure capital of Colombia. On weekends, it's a breeze to catch a bus there for some high-octane fun. Whether you’re white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or paragliding, San Gil offers endless thrills to satisfy your adventurous spirit.

Phase 2

Caribbean Coast Lost City + Santa Marta + Cartagena

Your second phase takes you north to the Caribbean coast, where you'll combine beach time, community volunteering, and tubing down the river at Palomino before embarking on the main challenge: a 4-day trek to the famous Lost City.

The Lost City is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The trek offers incredible biodiversity, rich interactions with indigenous communities, and a challenging yet rewarding trail, making it one of the best in South America.

After reaching the Lost City and exploring its wonders, you'll return to Santa Marta and finally head to the stunning city of Cartagena to explore vibrant markets and beautiful islands before flying home.

Accommodation

Family run hostels
Campsites while trekking - bunk beds or hammocks. Your mozzie net and bedding is provided.

Food

2 meals a day provided. All meals on the trek.

Weeks 3 + 4

Teaching + Tubing + Lost City Challenge

Through out your second 2 weeks you will experience this fascinating mix of:

Community volunteering, 3 days
The plan is for you to spend 3 days helping out at a volunteer kids' foundation, assisting with maintenance and supporting the teachers in the classroom.

The Lost City Trek: An Unforgettable Adventure, 4 days
Embark on the thrilling 4 day Lost City trek in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia—one of South America's top treks. This journey through diverse flora and fauna offers rich interactions with indigenous Kogui communities, preserving the traditions of the ancient Tayronas.

Your adventure begins with a drive to El Mamey, leading to a trail that winds through lush jungles and across the Buritaca River. You'll trek about 5 hours a day, cooling off in crystal-clear rivers, showering under waterfalls, and sleeping in hammocks, beds, or tents with provided mosquito nets and blankets.

Guided by experienced local guides you'll climb 1,200 steps to the Lost City, a breathtaking site with 169 terraces over 30 hectares. This trek is a bucket-list experience, challenging you to connect deeply with nature and prove your capabilities.

Beach time, Santa Marta and Cartagena, 4 days
Before the trek you’ll have a great day of tubing down the river and time to hang out in the fun town of Palomino. After your trek you’ll explore the lively towns of Santa Marta and Cartagena – finding nightlife, great local markets, and boat trips to the stunning nearby islands. These groovy towns are the perfect places to unwind and celebrate your journey before heading home.

This phase of your adventure offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, community contribution, and personal challenge. Embrace the opportunity to make a lasting impact, push your limits, and create unforgettable memories on the Lost City Trek.

The Leapers and community come together to help with the reforestation projects in Colombia on their gap year.
Views from the trek on the Colombia program.
Colombia Lost City.
Overnight camping on the canyon trek in Colombia with The Leap, gap year company.
Visiting the coast in Colombia on their gap year programme with The Leap.

Colombia's Details & Costs

Please note you need to be 18 years old or over at the time of travel.

Download Itinerary

Options and costs

Whats included?

Social Life

Team size is usually about 12 - 15, providing a great social vibe.

Adventure

From trekking to rafting, get ready to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new and exciting.

Community

You'll be welcomed into the local community at Barichara with open arms. You'll be playing football and salsa dancing with the locals in no time.

Challenge

Embark on the 4 day Lost City Trek which takes you up through the jungle. This is an amazing experience.

Monday to Friday

This is a whirl wind tour where you are going to be busy everyday but we promise you some down time to experience some backpacker favourites, such as:

  • White water rafting
  • Bungee jumping
  • Yoga
  • Nights out to experience Latin music and culture
  • Horse riding

In Colombia we are focused on discovering and portraying the 'real’ Colombia, with its authentic traditions and its genuine people. We are focused on discovering its great outdoors, trekking its lands, camping in its wilderness and volunteering for its social and environmental needs.

The programme will take you across the country, where you will encounter an incredible variety of first hand cultural experiences including; pre-conquests indigenous peoples and rituals, colonial rein, to an independent and now modern-day, cool Colombia.

There is so much to see and do… hurry-on-over.

"I had the best month with The Leap"

I had the best month with The Leap. It was made so special by our amazing leaders Lizzie and Carmen who were always attentive but made sure everyone was having so much fun. As well as this everyone who I did the trip with was so incredible it was great how well we all got along and how fun we made every experience for each other, from building a shower in Cocal to laughing on a coffee tour in Monteverde to endless blissful beach days in Sámara. I would highly recommend The Leap to anyone looking to travel in a big group and enjoy moving from place to place at a really nice pace.

- Maddy Jones

"I have seen some amazing things that I never would have otherwise been able to do"

I’ve had a really good experience at the leap. My two leaders Lizzie and Carmen were amazing. Really helpful and fun, making my experience much more enjoyable. Having them around also made me feel a lot more comfortable and safe. I have done and seen some amazing things that I never would have otherwise been able to do and have made a load more friends in the process.

- Lucy Wise

"The Leap is doing a great job"

The organisation and the briefing on the entire trip was great by "the leap". I felt very well prepared and ready to start my adventure. The people in the office are very friendly and always ready to answer your questions or problems. They take care all over the trip of you and they make everything to give you the perfect time in a beautiful new world.

- Johann Plato

"Five stars all the way"

Incredible service, five star all the way, informative, professional and friendly, highly recommend, second daughter that has travelled with them.

- Araminta

"I would highly recommend this trip."

This trip has left me with a group of life long friends from around the world, experiences that have plus will affect me forever, and skills to help me through life.

Everyday was a new adventure, from building hatcheries for turtle eggs to teaching English at a local school to playing volleyball with the Costa Rican Cost Guard to hearing stories from past poachers to watching a turtle lay eggs to have a sing-a-long with the group.

- Jessica

"I always felt in good hands"

Our daughter has had the most amazing time in Kenya, The Leap group have been fantastic with details and organization throughout, I always felt we were in good hands. The breadth of volunteering and involvement has been wonderful to see and I know this will have changed her life forever. Thank you.

- Tanya Crone

" I felt really enriched by the end of it"

I just wanted to let you know that I'm safely back in the UK, and missing Costa Rica already! A huge thank you to you though, as I had an absolutely wonderful time - everything was so well organised, and so comprehensive. All the volunteering was great, and I felt really enriched by the end of it, and well prepared for the little bit of solo travelling I did. I'm so so glad that I went and I will really treasure the time I spent there (especially in the months until lockdown ends!).

- Rose

"THANK YOU"

My Leaper is just having the BEST BEST BEST time. She was so anxious about going as it is the first time she has been abroad on her own. The lovely friends she has made and the fantastic team leaders that are there, combined with the incredible experiences that you are giving the team meant that worry very soon dissipated.

Everything sounds perfect, from the location of their "houses", the delicious food, the stimulating and varied activities, the fun evenings, in fact from dawn to dusk (and well beyond) is just so brilliant.

Thank you.

- Sara

"You are amazing organising it all"

How exciting for them!! - Trip of a lifetime. Inigo has been stuck at home since last March as I suppose they all have - so what a wonderful, exciting, fun and not to mention horizons broadening time they will have. You are AMAZING organising it all - I don't know how you do it. Huge thanks for everything


- Rose (mum)

"This experience was life changing."

Although this is from a personal point of view, I wanted to share the great personal development this trip gave me. I believe travel and unknown/unusual environments affect and shape any individual.

It altered my being in a way i find hard to articulate, it changes you and challenges you that no 9-5 working existence ever could.

- Olivia

"The best experience of my life!"

Thanks to everyone involved as they have managed to make the trip a once and a life experience! I have learnt so much about the local community which will stay with me forever, this has shown that at home we are so privileged in every aspect of life and that anything we have done for the community has and could change lives. Also helping the fish community and restoring the ocean has opened my eyes.

- Niamh Anderson

"Really well organised"

Really well organised, made travelling around Costa Rica super easy and enjoyable. Lizzie and Carmen were great tour guides and made me feel super comfortable throughout.

- Alice Lockwood

"How fantastic you all are"

We really can’t thank you enough for everything you have done to make this amazing adventure happen, and for all the hand holding for Mimi and us along the way! It’s incredible that they have managed to have as close to normal a gap year as it must be possible to have right now and we are enormously enormously grateful to you and everyone at The Leap who has helped make this happen. Thank you. We have been spreading the good word about how fantastic you all are!

- Selina ( mum )

"I can't recommend this enough"

I can’t recommend this enough, I had the most amazing time and made the best memories. Lizzie and Carmen were the best leaders and were so much fun.

- Imogen White

"So helpful with everything..."

Dear Milly

Just wanted to say thank you for the way in which you and your team have looked after our kids.

I was very nervous about letting Sam do this all on his own, but you have walked him though every step and the team has been so helpful with every thing from Visa’s to sun cream.

Thank you for the photos and updates which is very reassuring when they are so far away.

I cannot recommend you and your team highly enough and wish you many more years of shepherding these young people in overseas travel. I have been recommending you to any lower 6thparents whose children are just getting to this stage.

Good luck and thank you again

Julie

- Julie

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