Duration
4 weeks
Price
£3550
Location
Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Santa Teresa
Provider
In brief
From Coastlines to Cloud Forests
This isn’t your average backpacking route. It’s a four-week adventure that takes you beyond the tourist trail and into the heart of Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, communities and landscapes.
Travel with a group of like-minded young people as you explore beaches, rainforests and cloud forests, contribute to meaningful community and conservation projects, learn to surf and experience Costa Rica’s famous “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
Designed around The Leap’s core pillars of Contribution, Challenge and Culture, this programme helps you build confidence, independence and real-world skills whilst creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
The project work:
Community Development
Work alongside local communities on practical projects that make a visible difference.
Whether supporting local facilities, helping improve community spaces or contributing to ongoing development initiatives, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rican life whilst developing teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Wildlife & Environmental Conservation
Costa Rica is a global leader in conservation, making it the perfect place to learn about protecting wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Throughout the programme you’ll take part in environmental initiatives and conservation activities that help preserve the country’s remarkable biodiversity whilst gaining insight into the challenges facing wildlife and marine environments today.
Cultural Immersion
One of the most rewarding parts of the programme is the opportunity to experience Costa Rican culture first-hand.
From improving your Spanish and learning local customs to connecting with people in local communities, you’ll gain a broader perspective of the world and develop valuable intercultural skills.
Plastic Ocean Projects
Having been introduced to the amazing beaches around Santa Teresa you’ll see that they need to be maintained to keep them clear of debris which cause harm to people and wildlife. You will help the community with beach clean ups, creating recycling collection points, and help at the recycling centre.
Turtle Conservation
Turtle conservation is a key part of this programme, and you will see the damaging affects the plastics have on the turtles and their nesting sites, especially along the high tide line, where lots of micro plastics get deposited.
During you time at Santa Teresa you will nip off to spend 4 days at a nearby turtle sanctuary to help protect the eggs and hatchlings of the Olive Ridley, Black Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback species, who visit these ‘semi-intensive’ nesting beaches at night to nest. Your jobs will include maintenance of the hatcheries, beach cleaning, night patrols and releasing baby turtles into the ocean.
The locations:
Manuel Antonio National Park:
Your adventure begins on Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast.
Your time will be split between exploring the incredible biodiversity of Manuel Antonio and working in the nearby fishing village of Cocal, where The Leap has supported a local community centre since 2021. This centre provides a safe and supportive space for local children while their parents work. During your stay, you might help run activities for the children, take part in beach clean-ups, create signs promoting litter-free zones or transform recycled tyres into colourful outdoor furniture.
Monteverde Cloud Forest:
Your next stop takes you into the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Known for its hanging bridges, extraordinary biodiversity and spectacular views, Monteverde offers the perfect finale to the programme.
Explore one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and challenge yourself through a range of optional adventure activities before heading home with memories to last a lifetime.
Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Get ready for one of the most rewarding parts of your adventure. Surrounded by rainforest and home to an incredible array of wildlife, this sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to work alongside animals ranging from tropical birds and sloths to some of Costa Rica’s most elusive species.
Santa Teresa:
Santa Teresa is the country’s legendary surf town and the perfect place to end your adventure
Famous for its laid-back atmosphere, world-class waves and stunning beaches, Santa Teresa offers the chance to slow the pace and soak up everything you’ve experienced.
Spend your days surfing, practising yoga, exploring the coastline and enjoying the vibrant beach culture that draws travellers from around the world.
Alongside the adventure, you’ll also support local environmental initiatives, helping to protect the very landscapes that make this corner of Costa Rica so special.
