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Excellent 4.89rating (60)

Gap Adventure - Conservation & Culture

location
6 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn traditional crafts, participate in storytelling sessions, and discover how the Bribri and Naso communities are adapting to a changing world
  • Hike through lush rainforests, spot wildlife and connect with nature
  • Contribute to local projects focused on eco-tourism, conservation and community development

Highlights

  • Learn traditional crafts, participate in storytelling sessions, and discover how the Bribri and Naso communities are adapting to a changing world
  • Hike through lush rainforests, spot wildlife and connect with nature
  • Contribute to local projects focused on eco-tourism, conservation and community development
  • Learn from experts and be an active participant in wildlife rehabilitation in the hear of the Amazon Rainforest
  • Improve your language skills through lessons and daily interactions in a Spanish language environment
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Connect with nature, new cultures, and become a global citizen across Costa Rica & Panama

    Trade your everyday for this incredible six-week expedition through Costa Rica and Panama. 

    Combine learning, exploring, and personal growth as you uncover the captivating beauty and cultures of Costa Rica and Panama. Witness the delicate balance between ancient traditions and modern progress.

    See ...

    About the program

    Trade your everyday for this incredible six-week expedition through Costa Rica and Panama. 

    Combine learning, exploring, and personal growth as you uncover the captivating beauty and cultures of Costa Rica and Panama. Witness the delicate balance between ancient traditions and modern progress.

    See below a summary of your journey through Central America!


    Week 1: Cloud Forests (Costa Rica)

    • Days 1-4: Arrive in Alajuela for a cultural orientation, then travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for guided hikes, conservation talks, and exploration of Santa Elena and a butterfly garden.

    • Days 5-8: Journey to La Fortuna, where you can zipline, relax in thermal pools, visit crocodile farms, and hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and Fortuna waterfall. 

    Week 2: Rainforest Conservation (Costa Rica)

    • Days 9-10: Engage in conservation volunteering at Camaquiri Research Station and Reserve, including wildlife monitoring and learning about tropical insects from biologists.

    • Day 11: Travel through the Barra de Colorado wildlife refuge to Tortuguero, visit a research station, and observe sea turtles laying eggs (seasonal) or take a night jungle tour.

    • Days 12-14: Stay at a rainforest lodge in Selva Bananito, participating in conservation activities like maintaining trails, surveying birds, and working in tree nurseries. Activities also include hiking and tree climbing.

    Week 3: Caribbean Coasts (Costa Rica)

    • Days 15-17: Explore a Jaguar Rescue Center, learn about wildlife rehabilitation, and discover Cahuita National Park. Afternoons are free to relax by the Caribbean Sea.

    • Day 18: Embark on an overnight cultural immersion with the Bribri community, learning traditional skills like archery and weaving, and participating in storytelling.

    • Days 19-21: Travel to Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, engage in community volunteering, take a boat tour of the Gandoca Lagoon mangroves, and participate in a beach clean-up at Punta Uva beach.

    Week 4: Island Ecosystems (Panama)

    • Days 22-23: Cross into Panama and immerse yourself in the culture of the Naso people, staying with a local family and taking an interpretive jungle hike.

    • Days 24-27: Explore the Bocas del Toro archipelago by boat and e-bike, visiting Starfish Beach, Dolphin Bay, and Red Frog Beach. Snorkel at Crawl Bay and learn about recycling at Plastic City. Explore Bastimentos Island, including mangrove forests and caves, with free time on the final day.

    Week 5: Mountains to Sea (Panama)

    • Days 28-32: In Boquete, go white water rafting, explore cloud forests from hanging bridges, and participate in tree planting. Experience the culture of the Ngäbe People with a sustainable cacao plantation tour and chocolate making. Coffee enthusiasts can tour Geisha coffee plantations.

    • Days 33-34: Visit Coiba National Marine Park for hiking and snorkelling, with opportunities to see sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and possibly whales.

    Week 6: Pacific Surf & City Discovery (Panama)

    • Days 35-37: Enjoy three days of surfing lessons at Santa Catalina with free time to practice or explore.

    • Days 38-39: Tour Panama City's colonial and modern districts, visit the ruins of Panama Viejo, explore the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, and see the Bio Museum.

    • Day 40: Take a traditional dugout canoe to an Embera indigenous community in Chagres National Park to experience their traditions, art, music, dances, and cuisine.

    • Days 41-42: Enjoy a final free day in Panama City before group leaders take you to the airport for departure.

    Typical day

    Explore Costa Rica and Panama over a six week period. Below are some of the activities you will do in each destination. 


    Costa Rica (4 weeks)

    • Explore Monteverde cloud forest
    • Zipline and relax in La Fortuna
    • Wildlife monitoring at Camaquiri
    • Discover Tortuguero Canals
    • Rainforest immersion
    • Encounter Jaguars ...

    Typical day

    Explore Costa Rica and Panama over a six week period. Below are some of the activities you will do in each destination. 


    Costa Rica (4 weeks)

    • Explore Monteverde cloud forest
    • Zipline and relax in La Fortuna
    • Wildlife monitoring at Camaquiri
    • Discover Tortuguero Canals
    • Rainforest immersion
    • Encounter Jaguars and Coastal Wildlife
    • Learn about Indigenous Culture and Rainforest Traditions
    Panama (2 weeks)

    • Discover the Naso People and their Traditions
    • Explore the Bocas del Toro Islands
    • Experience the cloud forest of Boquete
    • Discover the "Galapagos of Central America" - Coiba National Park
    • Learn to surf
    • Uncover Panama City's history
    • Connect with the Embera Indigenous community

    Free-time activities

    This 6-week "programme offers a variety of leisure activities across Costa Rica and Panama.


    In Costa Rica, participants can:

    • Relax in hot springs

    • Visit local crocodile farms

    • Explore the town of Santa Elena and a butterfly garden

    • Enjoy free days for exploration or relaxation in La Fortuna

    • Relax by the ...

    Free-time activities

    This 6-week "programme offers a variety of leisure activities across Costa Rica and Panama.


    In Costa Rica, participants can:

    • Relax in hot springs

    • Visit local crocodile farms

    • Explore the town of Santa Elena and a butterfly garden

    • Enjoy free days for exploration or relaxation in La Fortuna

    • Relax by the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Viejo

    • Take a boat tour of the Gandoca Lagoon mangroves

    • Hike to Punta Uva beach and participate in a beach clean-up


    In Panama, leisure activities include:

    • Exploring the islands of Bocas del Toro by boat and e-bike, visiting Starfish Beach, Dolphin Bay, and Red Frog Beach

    • Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at Crawl Bay

    • Having a free day to relax or explore in Bocas del Toro

    • Having a day for independent exploration or rest in Boquete

    • Snorkelling in Coiba National Marine Park to observe marine life

    • Relaxing by the beach and practicing surfing in Santa Catalina

    • Touring the colonial and modern districts of Panama City, including the ruins of Panama Viejo

    • Visiting the Bio Museum in Panama City

    • Enjoying a final full day at leisure in Panama City 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • Food (three meals a day)
    • Airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
    • Transport to and from your work placement
    • In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
    • Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
    • Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
    • A supervisor/mentor at your work placement
    • Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
    • Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
    • Access to our local office with internet connection
    • Certification of project completion
    • Access to our alumni services and discounts
    • Visa support and advice
    • Fundraising support, including your own personalised fundraising website
    • Pre-departure preparation by your own specialist Destination Expert
    • Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination
    • A cultural awareness course
    • Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
    • Organised weekend tourism trips

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    We cover the cost of your transport to and from the airport, giving you one less thing to worry about when you arrive in Costa Rica.

    Your arrival airport in Costa Rica will be Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Our in-country staff will be there to greet you at the airport. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign so you can spot them easily.

    Accommodation

    We take care of the essentials when you’re with us, taking the stress out of travel so you can focus on having fun. You’ll always have a clean, comfortable, and secure place to stay. Plus, three meals a day and fresh drinking water.

    You’ll stay in a mix of shared accommodation with other participants and fully-vetted local host families. This gives you plenty of opportunity to share your experience with like-minded travellers while getting to know the local cultures.

    Whether home-cooked with love by your host or eating out at a nearby restaurant, your meals will be memorable—you might even pick up a recipe or two!

    Food & Beverages

    Your programme fees include three meals a day. We are able to cater to dietary and allergy requirements upon request.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    • 26 April 2026 - 6 June 2026 (6 weeks)
    • 13 September 2026 - 24 October 2026 (6 weeks)

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,920 per week 6 - 6 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    6 - 6 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Alajuela

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    60
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Voluntourism  >  Volunteer and Travel in Costa Rica
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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