Students Tour Costa Rica Over Spring Break

Jocelyn Lear, Web Editor|May 1, 2019

The Poas Volcano, where Costa Rica Trip students climbed to view one of the smoking craters. The volcano erupted two days prior to students visiting.

Sixty-eight Spanish students spent an exciting Spring Break exploring Costa Rica.

The nine-day trip was open to anyone who takes Spanish. It had six chaperones, including Interim Principal Dr. Wayne Foley, nurse Mrs. Debra Holauchock, and Spanish teacher Senora Jennifer Benning.

Mrs. Benning, who has been on the trip once before, said students learned so much that they could not from simply being in the classroom.

“Experiencing another culture is the thing that makes the trip special – the food, language,” Mrs. Benning said.

Senior Haley Hukari said the trip was definitely out of the ordinary.

“It most certainly is not everyday when a sloth climbs the fence next to you eating dinner, monkeys steal people’s bananas, or you get to hike up an active volcano with your teachers and classmates,” she said.

The trip is organized through CHA (Cultural Heritage Alliance) Educational Tours.

“CHA has been easy to work with,” Mrs. Benning said, “and our tour guide Carlos is very knowledgeable and fun.”

Carlos, the tour guide that Boyertown specifically requested, spent much of his time imparting his historical and cultural knowledge on students, as well as teaching about different plants and animals. He organized everything from simple extra activities such as running to grocery stores to elaborate ones like zip lining.

Students had the opportunity to choose between snorkeling on a yacht and zip lining on the longest zip line in Central America (one mile) 300 feet over the rainforest. Zip liners were able to go upside on two lines, as well as go up to 40-55 mph on the last line. Snorkelers enjoyed music and food.

“My absolute favorite part of the trip was snorkeling,” Senior Maci Weiss said. “Being able to see fish swimming in crystal clear water was truly an unforgettable experience.”

Students got to experience many exotic animals and plants, which they needed to be careful around. Monkeys at Manuel Antonio National Park stole tissues and a banana from students. Students also were told to avoid a poisonous tree that makes anyone who lays under or near it sick.

“The monkeys have gotten into a few bags, but there really haven’t been many issues,” Mrs. Benning said.

Haley said taking in all of the beautiful sights and sounds of Costa Rica was the most enjoyable part of the trip, as well as how nice and polite the locals were. Macy agreed.

“One thing I noticed as I wandered the streets of Costa Rica was that all the locals were extremely friendly, and they were always willing to speak both English and Spanish with you, which made the trip even more enjoyable.”

The full trip itinerary is outlined below:

Day 1: Departure from USA, arrival in San Jose