Hewitt News

Hewitt Students Travel to Costa Rica
Hewitt News

In alignment with our mission to forge an equitable, sustainable, and joyous future, Hewitt’s travel program invites students to extend their learning beyond the walls of their classrooms, explore unique and interesting places on our planet, and continue developing into responsible global citizens. 

This June, Hewitt high schoolers traveled to Costa Rica for a trip focused on meaningful real world and experiential learning. Led by Director of Sustainability Tim Clare, Director of Equity and Community Life Alia Carponter-Walker, and Director of Athletics Walter Rodriguez, the group spent 10 days exploring Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio in Quepos, Dominical, Uvita, Parque Nacional Los Quetzales in Santa Maria, and the capital city of San José. Highlights of their itinerary included kayaking through a mangrove forest in the Quepos estuary, learning about marine biology at Uvita Beach, visiting a sustainable cacao and coffee farm in Manuel Antonio, and ziplining through a lowland tropical rainforest along the Pacific Coast in Uvita. Throughout their travels, students observed the incredible biodiversity that Costa Rica and its tropical ecosystems are known for, including sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, toucans, and agoutis.

Upon returning home, one student shared, “The trip to Costa Rica was meaningful to me not only because it was my first time traveling out of the United States, but also because it gave me a greater perspective on living a fuller and more sustainable life.” Another reflected, “In Costa Rica, I immersed myself in a vibrant culture. The trip taught me to live in the moment without relying on technology, which helped me connect with locals and learn about their lives. I also formed new bonds and shared unforgettable moments with my classmates, strengthening our friendships beyond school.”

A student in an orange rain poncho and pink baseball hat paddles in a kayak and smiles at the camera.

Kayaking in the Quepos estuary

Two students take a surf lesson. They are laying on their stomachs in the sand wearing rash guards.

Surf lessons at Uvita Beach 

A student prepares to jump off a platform in the trees and zipline through the rainforest

Ziplining through a tropical rainforest 

Two students and a teacher smile for the camera in front of large rocks and a waterfall

Visiting the the Nauyaca Waterfalls

A student poses on the beach with the ocean behind her. She is wearing a pink plastic poncho and giving a peace sign.

Learning about marine biology at Uvita Beach

A big group of students and teachers post for a photo in front of lush green trees

Exploring Costa Rica's biodiversity and tropical ecosystems

A student

Ziplining through a tropical rainforest 

Four students pose in front of a large waterfall

Visiting the the Nauyaca Waterfalls

Two students and a guide paddle in blue kayaks on a murky green river

Kayaking in the Quepos estuary

Two students sit on swings in front of a bright blue wall

Enjoying a quiet moment between activities

A group photo of students, teachers, and guides posing indoors with a surfboard

Saying farewell to an impactful experience with Hewitt's travel program