La Marta: A Living Laboratory

Established in 1991 through a donation from Conservation International, La Marta became Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife refuge. Covering 3,751 acres of largely unexplored land—60% primary forest and 40% secondary forest—La Marta is a unique sanctuary for research, education, and conservation.

Natural Environment

• Elevation: 1,600–6,000 ft
• Two crystal-clear rivers, streams, and waterfalls
• Connected to major biological corridors stretching to Panama

Facilities for Learning & Collaboration

• Lodge: 4 rooms (20 people) + 2 tents (10 people)
• 3 showers, 4 restrooms
• Comedor/Classroom (30–40 people) + Terrace (30 people)
• Kitchen for three meals daily

 An Immersive Experience

At La Marta, students and faculty step into a living laboratory where nature meets innovation—an unparalleled setting for study tours, faculty-led programs, and international research collaboration.

Sample Itinerary – 2 Weeks in Costa Rica

Sustainable Tourism + Cultural Immersion + Innovation
(Example – every program is customizable to your needs)

Week 1: Foundations of Sustainability & Culture

• Welcome & Orientation – Campus tour, Costa Rican culture, icebreaker with local students
• Lectures on Sustainable Tourism – Case studies from Costa Rica, carbon-neutral practices
• Innovation Lab Visit – Meet eco-entrepreneurs & sustainable tourism startups
• Company Visit – Behind-the-scenes with a certified sustainable tour operator
• Cultural Immersion Weekend – Community tourism, cooking workshop, artisan demos

Week 2: Immersive Learning in Action

• Field Trip: La Marta Wildlife Refuge – Biodiversity exploration, conservation activities
•  Workshop: Design Thinking – Group projects solving real eco-tourism challenges
•  Hospitality Visit – Eco-lodge or resort with green innovations
• Student Challenge – Teams pitch solutions for sustainable travel
• Closing Celebration – Final presentations + Certificate of Completion

Tailor-Made Experiences for Your University

This is just one example. At Universidad Castro Carazo, we customize every program to fit your university’s needs, short or long programs.

Biodiversity & Environmental Science
Technology & Innovation
Green Entrepreneurship
Spanish Language & Cultural Immersion

From the rainforest to technology hubs, we integrate unique experiences across Costa Rica—ensuring your students and faculty gain relevant, transformative, and unforgettable learning opportunities.