Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, Costa Rica

Program Overview
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.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- Post High School
- During College
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Self-Discovery
- Volunteering
- Wilderness
- 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
Updated Jan 23, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Cartago, Costa Rica
- Rural Areas, Costa Rica
- Turrialba, Costa Rica
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered: 2026, 2027
- Gap Year Timing: Post High School, During College, After College, Career Break / Mid-Career
Eligible 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
Education Levels & Language
- Language: English
- Education: University Freshman (1st Year)
- Education: University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- Education: University Junior (3rd Year)
- Education: University Senior (4th Year)
- Education: University 5th Year or More
- Education: High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Education: Some college credit, no degree
- Education: Associate degree
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Other
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18-25
Duration
Post High School, During College, After College, Career Break / Mid-Career
Starts At
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about Kaya Responsible Travel
Be the first to review Kaya Responsible Travel
If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.
Review this ProgramInquire
Inquire about this program
Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider






Related Programs
Browse programs you might like

Kaya Responsible Travel
4
1 reviews
RECRUITING FOR 2023 Kaya's learn Spanish program in Costa Rica offers a unique Spanish immersion language course that enable students to learn...

Kaya Responsible Travel
No reviews yet
This is an ideal childcare placement if you love working with and giving attention to children. Volunteer at a center in San Jose that offers day...

Kaya Responsible Travel
4
3 reviews
Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica! Join Kaya on its Turtle and Marine Conservation Project located nea...
Have more questions?
We're here to help!
The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Kaya Responsible Travel is also happy to answer any questions you have.
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997

