Gap Year in Costa Rica

Gap Year in Costa Rica
Published on: 13 October 2025
Updated on: 14 October 2025
Come to Costa Rica for a gap year to discover how magnificent landscapes are cared for. Meanwhile, engage in outdoor activities such as water sports (surfing), mountain hikes, and exploring wildlife in forests.

Some Costa Rica Facts

  • Costa Rica is a country in Central America.
  • Its capital is San José.
  • The official language is Spanish.
  • It is generally regarded as having the most stable government in the region.
  • Its dry season runs from December to about mid-April.
  • It has many weather patterns (ocean, mountain,sea)
  • People of Costa Rica use the phrase pura vida (meaning “pure life”, embodying simplicity, positivity) in their everyday speech, as a greeting, farewell, or appreciation.
  • Costa Rica is known for its forests, mahogany, and tropical cedar trees.
  • The country is attractive to biologists due to its biodiversity.
Learn more practical information about Costa Rica and how to prepare for the trip on our FAQ page.

Why a gap year in Costa Rica?

A gap year in Costa Rica is an opportunity to gain a global perspective in a country renowned for its environmental leadership - whether interested in improving Spanish, making conservation efforts, or exploring sustainable living.
costa rica surfing

Where to go in Costa Rica?

San Jose
Central hub, good infrastructure, access to cultural centers, Spanish schools, volunteer opportunities, and easier travel to other parts of the country.
Monteverde
costa rica gap year
Cooler climate, lush cloud forests, strong ecotourism presence, nature & conservation focus.
Limon
Rich blend of Afro-Caribbean culture, ecological diversity, and immersive community experiences in one of the country’s most vibrant and authentic regions.

Gap year programs in Costa Rica by RealStep

Gap year environmental program

Learn more about the program: Take a gap year in Costa Rica!
  • Live and work in a research station in the middle of a national park in Costa Rica
  • Visit an area incredibly rich in jaguars in one of the only places in the world where jaguars are known to prey on adult sea turtles.
  • ​Contribute to jaguar research by setting and checking camera traps in the rainforest.
  • ​See Costa Rican wildlife in their natural habitats, including Caribbean beach sea turtles, monkeys, and neotropical birds.
  • Learn biodiversity survey techniques and gain real-world field experience.

 

 

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