Discover
Costa Rica

On arrival, you will be met by your Gapforce Leader and transferred to your accommodation in Alajuela. After checking into your rooms, you will receive a welcome & safety briefing over dinner followed by an early night. 

Begin your Costa Rican adventure with an immersive introduction to the country's extraordinary biodiversity. Travel by aerial tram above the jungle canopy and explore forest trails in search of monkeys, sloths, colourful frogs and tropical birds. Visit research and exhibition centres, discover hidden waterfalls, and learn how scientists study and protect Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity.

Join a sea turtle conservation programme, assisting with beach patrols, hatchery work, and monitoring activities. Collect ecological data and learn how scientists assess populations and conservation success. Gain practical fieldwork experience while contributing to efforts that protect vulnerable and endangered species.

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Cahuita National Park during a guided jungle trek through lush tropical forest and ending with a walk along the beach. Search for monkeys, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Afterwards, visit a sloth sanctuary to see these iconic animals up close and learn about the work being done to care for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Travel by boat to the Indigenous Bribri community and venture into a traditional cacao forest. Discover how cacao is grown beneath the rainforest canopy before taking part in the chocolate-making process. A fascinating day combining culture, sustainable land use, and tropical forest environments.

Experience life in the Yorkin community as you learn traditional crafts such as bow and arrow making, roof making and bracelet making. Enjoy a jungle hike learning about medicinal plants followed by a friendly football game with local residents. After sunset, head into the rainforest on a guided night hike to search for frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal wildlife hidden within the jungle. 

Make a lasting contribution to habitat restoration by participating in a tree planting project designed to support biodiversity and ecosystem recovery. Afterwards, travel south along Costa Rica’s stunning Caribbean coastline to Puerto Viejo, stopping to visit beautiful waterfalls surrounded by tropical forest scenery.

Work alongside conservationists helping protect the endangered Great Green Macaw. Participate in field studies and learn how scientific research supports species recovery. This unique experience provides valuable insight into practical wildlife conservation and habitat management.

Experience the rainforest canopy from a completely different perspective on an exhilarating zip line adventure. Glide high above the forest floor through the treetops, enjoying incredible views of the rainforest and the habitats used by many of Costa Rica’s wildlife species.

Explore the trails of Manzanillo National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful protected areas. Hike through coastal rainforest, spot wildlife, and enjoy spectacular scenery where tropical forests meet the Caribbean Sea.

Visit a wildlife rescue centre to learn about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation education. Meet animals that have been rescued from injury or habitat loss.

After days packed with discovery, it’s time to journey home. As you make your way to the airport and reflect on all you’ve experienced – the challenges you embraced, the landscapes you explored, and the people you met – you’ll realise how much you’ve seen and achieved in a short time. 

This trip will broaden horizons, strengthen skills, and offer a deeper connection to the world. Students return not only with memories, but with perspectives and experiences that will continue to shape their futures.