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Explore Costa Rica’s most incredible sights and get first-hand experience of local life! Take in everything from the Arenal Volcano to the idyllic Bocas del Toro islands and get ready for a truly Costa Rica adventure!

Day 1 - 7

You’ll spend your first week helping to save sea turtles on the stunning Pacific Coast of Costa Rica at Buena Vista. You can help to preserve these fascinating creatures by getting involved with a range of tasks from beach patrols to releasing baby turtles back into the ocean! There will also be plenty of opportunities to make the most of the beautiful surroundings whether you want to test out the waves or take some time out on the beach.

Day 8 – 12

On to Samara and a whole host of treasures to discover; take a Kayak trip to Isla Chora, relax on Samara’s beaches and visit a mountain village with its own eco lodge and private rainforest. You will also get to see the local wildlife on high from a tree canopy tour, the trek to Las Heliconias is certainly worth the views of nearby volcanoes and on a clear day you may be able to see all the way to the Nicaragua Lake!

Cap off your week with an exhilarating horse ride through the lush jungle to Volcan Tenorio National Park. Here you’ll dismount and wander through the trails to the famous Rio Celeste or “blue lagoon”, home to one of Costa Rica’s most amazing waterfalls.

Day 13 – 15

Time to visit the magnificent Arenal Volcano, still active and a must-see on a trip to the Americas. You can get as close as you dare and cool off in the charming nearby town of La Fortuna before heading on to take a dip in one of the 23 pools the Baldi Hot Springs as you watch the lava flow from a safe distance.

You will get a chance to see the volcano from every angle on a visit to Volcano Arenal National Park, where you will hike through tropical rainforest, spot old eruption sites and feast your eyes on a late-night natural fireworks display from the volcano itself!

Days 16 - 20

Flex those muscles and prepare to get really hands-on with bricks and mortar! In San Ramon you’ll be helping to build homes for underprivileged locals, assisting with everything from building walls to laying foundations, whatever is needed at the time!

For those who would rather be getting their fill of adrenalin, the adventure option will see you setting off on a zip lining tour of the forests on day 19; 9 platform cables, a Tarzan swing and 3 extra long cables will be yours to enjoy!

Day 21 - 25

Explore the sights of San Jose on a walking tour around the capital, glimpsing the National Theatre, Plaza de Cultura and the central market before unleashing your inner adventurer on a white water rafting tour down class 3 - 4 rapids from Turrialba, the hair-raising tour will take you to down the Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo.

Time to leave Costa Rica for few days and head to Panama and the beautiful islands of Bocas del Toro. Here you will explore the surrounding natural wonders including Starfish beach, Dolphin bay, Bastimentos Island and Coral Cay, where there will be lots of opportunities to snorkel and swim with the local wildlife. Plus if you’re on the adventure option you will head off to the remote Zapatillas Islands; marine national park home to two incredible uninhabited islands.

After a leisurely journey back to Alajuela and a farewell dinner with your new friends it’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica!


What's included?

* Airport transfer
* All accommodation
* Some meals
* Welcome and farewell dinner
* All tours and activities as per itinerary
* 24-hour emergency help

What's not included?

* Flights
* Travel insurance
* Alcoholic beverages
* Personal expenditure

Duration

4 weeks

Start Dates

Real Gap Experience offer gap years, career breaks and adventure travel from 2 weeks to 2 years with weekly/monthly departures for most trips that aren’t dependant on seasons or weather to operate. Set departure dates means you’re always together with other young like-minded travellers and making new friends is guaranteed.

Costs / Benefits

Prices range depending on activity and duration. Volunteering starts from £389 for 2 weeks, Adventure Travel starts from £799 for 2 weeks and our Paid Work options start from £299 for up to 12 months. All trips come with, accommodation, some food, transfers, support and back up in-country and 24/7 emergency contact numbers. Before you leave full comprehensive information is provided through an Online Accounts and our expert travel advisers are always available to give help and advice.

Requirements

There are no specific qualifications or requirements needed to take part on this trip. We do however require that all travellers have a sense responsibility for other travellers, project staff and local community and most importantly... a sense of fun and adventure!