Travelling to Central America for the first time? Go backpacking in Costa Rica! Due to its relatively small size, it’s possible to squeeze a lot into a few weeks. Or if you want to stay longer, there are lots of options to work, teach, study Spanish or intern.
Best Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica
Sloth & Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary
• 2-10 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Sea Turtle Conservation
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Study Spanish in Costa Rica
• 1-12 weeks
• Price from £745
Teach English in Costa Rica
• 1-10 months
• Price from £3,195
Eco Tourism Internship
• 2-3 months
• Price from £2,345
TEFL Course in Manuel Antonio
• 4 weeks
• Price from $1,800
Epic Centra America Tour
• 45 days, 7 countries
• Price from £3,329
Viva Costa Rica Tour
• 9 days
• Price from £1,661
Costa Rica Adventure
• 10 days
• Price from £1,295
Costa Rica Gap Year Ideas
If you enjoy backpacking with a bit of an active streak, then look no further. Whether it’s hiking through dense rainforest, ziplining across forest canopies, braving it across hanging bridges, or white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, this country offers virtually anything extreme you’re looking for.
These are some places not to miss:
The Nicoya Peninsula: Separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary this stunning peninsula remains off the beaten track. Difficult to get to due to the lack of paved roads, the paradise beaches, private coves and charming coastal villages on the peninsula are well worth the effort.
Parque Nacional Corcovado: This vast national park on the east coast of Costa Rica consists of pristine tropical rain forest which is home to the rare scarlet macaw and countless other exotic endangered species. Its amazing biodiversity has long attracted curious scientists and visitors coming to admire the stunning jungle vistas and glimpse some of the world’s rarest creatures.
Parque Arenal Volcano National Park: : In the foothills of Costa Rica’s most active volcano this unique National Park provides visitors with the opportunity to hike on the lava trails from previous eruptions. There are plenty of rangers on duty to evacuate at the slightest of movements! .
Turtle season in Tortuguero (late July through August): Stay up all night for the unique opportunity to witness hundreds of hatchling turtles as they make their way across the sand to the sea. Booking in Tortuguero at this time is essential. Only accessible by air and water this spot is as remote as it is magical. View volunteer programs in Costa Rica to apply to help.
Adventure: Costa Rica is a thrill seekers dream with surfing and snorkeling, cycling and hiking on tap. For sheer exhilaration the jungle canopy high wires are unbeatable.
Off the Beaten Track: On a tour of Costa Rica you can hike in the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve to see the 420 species of bird that call this place home, come face-to-face with sloths at the Tortuguero National Park, snorkel along coral reefs, hike up the Arenal Volcano, rush down a 1,300-foot mountain water slide through tropical rainforests, and then laze about on the pristine Hermosa beach. Phew.
Costa Rica at a Glance
• Climate and Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, between late December and April. During the wet season, which lasts the rest of the year travel becomes much more challenging. As a tropical country the humidity at low altitudes can be oppressive.
• Currency: Costa Rican Colon (¢) .
• Religion: 75% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant.
• Language: Spanish is the official language, though English is understood in the more touristy areas
• Health Conditions: Dengue fever, malaria, cholera, hepatitis.
