Gap Year Programs in Central America
Every gap year traveler wants their chosen destination to “have it all”—dynamic history to delve into, thriving local culture, all the flora and fauna, mountains that spit fire, beaches spanning multiple oceans (gluttonous much?), the excitement of the unknown blah blah blah—all without breaking the bank. Unrealistic, right? In short, nope. Gappers, it’s time to channel your inner idealist and take a journey through an eclectic region during a gap year in Central America!

120 Gap Year Programs in Central America

CIEE High School Grads Abroad
CIEE First Year Abroad in Monteverde
Put your global education first! See Monteverde and start college...
![International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1680568043/images2/clients/headers/client2.jpg?width=1080)
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...
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Impact Gap Year
Cultural Explorer Gap Year
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...
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Institute for Global Studies
IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships
Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...
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Pacific Discovery
Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester
Pacific Discovery's Central America Gap Semester is an unforgetta...
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MAXIMO NIVEL
Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru
In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...
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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...
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Kaya Responsible Travel
Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, Costa Rica
Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded b...

Raleigh International
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica programme is a truly unique experien...
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Carpe Diem Education
Central America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical...
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EF Gap Year
EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations
Embark on a unique global experience in 10 weeks. An EF Gap Semes...
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Outward Bound Costa Rica
Gap Year & Semester Courses: Costa Rica & Panama
Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and sem...
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Oyster Worldwide
Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide
Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

Gapforce
Costa Rica Adventure with Gapforce
Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...
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A Guide to Gap Years in Central America
Best Countries
Like nearly 10% of the world’s species, you could visit all seven countries on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor that put the “Central” in Central America...but slowing down to take it all in will ensure you sound really smart when you talk about them.
Belize. Don’t let your mouth gape while snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef or diving the mysterious sinkhole that is the Great Blue Hole in Caye Caulker during Central America gap years. Need a water break? Visit Punta Gorda to admire the ruins of ancient Mayan city Lubaantun.
Guatemala. Architecture buff? Stroll down the colorful streets of Antigua, Guatemala, and admire its Spanish colonial houses. The view of Volcán de Fuego ain’t too shabby either. For more volcano views and endless indigenous villages, Lago de Atitlán won’t disappoint during your gap year in Central America. A visit to the capital, Guatemala City, will have your mouth watering for tamales.
Costa Rica. Wanna join the ranks of the world’s most adventurous surfers, or just lazily lust after them? The Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is perfect for either sport. Artsy-er gappers should visit capitol San Jose to catch a show at the National Theater during gap year programs in Central America. Off the beaten path is Barrio Amón, a neighborhood constructed atop a coffee plantation, boasting the best galleries in the city.
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