Student Travel Guide to La Marta Wildlife Refuge in Turrialba, Costa Rica

Turrialba is one of the best places in Costa Rica for students looking to experience nature, adventure, and conservation beyond the typical tourist route. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, farms, volcanoes, and rainforest, the region offers easy access to some of the country’s most important protected areas. One of the best hidden gems is La Marta Wildlife Refuge.

Located in the Pejibaye district near Turrialba, La Marta is a privately protected reserve with more than 1,500 hectares of rainforest, rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It forms part of the larger La Amistad International Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stretches across Costa Rica and Panama. Unlike many of Costa Rica’s more famous parks, La Marta remains quiet and uncrowded, making it an excellent destination for student groups, educational travel programs, and travelers interested in ecology, sustainability, and outdoor adventure.

Why Visit La Marta?

La Marta combines rainforest hiking, conservation history, and outdoor recreation in one place. Students can explore trails through primary and secondary forest, cross hanging bridges, swim in river pools, and learn about the area’s transition from gold mining to environmental protection.

The refuge is also used by researchers and students studying ecology and biodiversity, making it a great example of Costa Rica’s conservation efforts in action.

Wildlife found in the refuge includes:

• Sloths
• Anteaters
• Tapirs
• Ocelots
• Jaguars (rare!)
• Dozens of tropical bird species

Even if you do not spot large animals, the rainforest itself is incredibly rich with plants, insects, fungi, and birdlife.

Location

La Marta Wildlife Refuge is located near the town of Pejibaye in Cartago Province, about an hour from Turrialba. The final roads are unpaved but accessible with a regular vehicle in normal conditions.

Because our programs are based in Turrialba, La Marta makes an ideal day trip for students looking to experience Costa Rica’s rainforest without long travel times.

Hiking Trails

La Marta has several trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Many follow the river, while others climb toward scenic viewpoints overlooking the Talamanca Mountains and Turrialba Volcano.

One of the most popular routes includes:

• The hanging bridge entrance
• Historic gold mining ruins
• River trails with swimming spots (“pozas”)
• The mirador (lookout point)

The hike to the mirador includes stairs and some steeper sections, but most students with average fitness can complete it comfortably. The reward is a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and rainforest.

Because the trail system can occasionally be confusing, guided hikes are highly recommended, especially for educational groups. A guide adds valuable context about the refuge’s history, ecosystems, flora, fauna, and conservation importance.

A Different Side of Costa Rica

Many visitors to Costa Rica only experience crowded national parks or beach towns. La Marta offers something different: a quieter, more immersive rainforest experience where students can connect directly with nature.

During many visits, you may only encounter a handful of other hikers, even on weekends. That sense of solitude is increasingly rare in popular destinations and makes the experience feel more authentic and personal.

Tips for Student Travelers

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sandals during the dry season. Trails can become muddy during the rainy season.
• Bring a rain jacket, especially during the rainy season
• Swimming spots along the river are perfect for cooling off after hiking.

Why We Love La Marta

As a Costa Rica student travel company based in Turrialba, we love introducing travelers to places that combine adventure, education, and sustainability. La Marta is one of those rare locations where students can hike through rainforest, learn about conservation, explore Costa Rican history, and experience a less commercial side of the country all in a single day.

For travelers looking to go beyond the typical tourist experience, La Marta Wildlife Refuge is one of the best nature destinations in the Turrialba region.