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Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, Costa Rica

by: Kaya Responsible Travel

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Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded by lush scenery, and in an indigenous area. Join the Community and Conservation Gap Year in Costa Rica if you want to reflect on the best next steps in your life. While doing so, make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of indigenous peoples and the country’s environment. The full program is 10 weeks long and includes 3 modules (per year): Module 1. Community project in an indigenous area Module 2. The Great Trek – an ultimate group hiking adventure (not to be missed!) Module 3. Environmental project in the Cartago province Each module has set learning objectives aimed at boosting your confidence, adaptability, and independence in a supportive team setting. The 7-week program consists of 2 of the 3 modules (you can choose which 2). You don’t require specific qualifications to participate in this gap year program. You just need a sense of adventure and enthusiasm. You must also have a flexible attitude and the willingness to embrace the challenges of a new country.

Program Highlights

Help with a community project based in a remote area and work on water and sanitation, building, education, or after-school programs.

Venture into a challenging yet rewarding journey through diverse terrains, from rainforests to volcanoes, during the Great Trek adventure.

Learn about and contribute to initiatives aimed toward preserving Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity.

Camp out in the jungle and learn how to survive in natural environments!

Immerse yourself in 7–10 weeks of self-discovery, personal and professional development, and teamwork.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Cartago, Costa Rica
  • Rural Areas, Costa Rica
  • Turrialba, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
Age Requirement: 18-25
Types & Subjects
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Awards

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cartago, Costa Rica
  • Rural Areas, Costa Rica
  • Turrialba, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Age Requirement

18-25

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Emergency Support

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

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Ready to Learn More?

Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded by lush scenery, and in an indigenous area. Join the Community and Conservation Gap Year in Costa Rica if you want to reflect on the best next steps in your life. While doing so, make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of indigenous peoples and the country’s environment. The full program is 10 weeks long and includes 3 modules (per year): Module 1. Community project in an indigenous area Module 2. The Great Trek – an ultimate group hiking adventure (not to be missed!) Module 3. Environmental project in the Cartago province Each module has set learning objectives aimed at boosting your confidence, adaptability, and independence in a supportive team setting. The 7-week program consists of 2 of the 3 modules (you can choo...

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