1 / 4High above the western slopes of the Cerros de Atenas, a rare expanse of protected forest and freshwater springs converges to form a spectacular ecological sanctuary. Priced at USD 1,690,000, this massive 200,000-square-meter parcel in the Escobal district of the Atenas canton offers an unparalleled canvas for visionary buyers. The land unfolds across dramatic ridgelines, lush forest corridors, and the year-round waters of the Quebrada Chiquero, a pristine natural watershed flowing directly from the protected mountains above. From its elevated vantage point, the property commands sweeping ocean views and dramatic vistas of the surrounding Central Valley landscape. The vast acreage has been thoughtfully divided into distinct opportunities, making it exceptionally suited for a private family estate, a conservation-minded hospitality venture, or a boutique wellness community deeply rooted in the native terrain.
Acquiring this premier development land is straightforward under Costa Rican law, which grants foreign buyers the same fee-simple ownership rights as citizens. For long-term holding, the financial carrying costs are remarkably favorable, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for the standard closing bundle—which encompasses notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—typically totaling between two and four percent of the final purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent of the declared transaction value.
Acquiring this expansive 200,000-square-meter parcel in Atenas is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same fee simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this development land sits outside the restricted maritime zone, you will hold absolute, fee simple title to the entire acreage. Financially, holding this property is highly efficient; the annual municipal property tax is remarkably low, amounting to approximately one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value each year. When completing the transaction, buyers should budget for standard closing costs—which encompass notary fees, registration charges, legal services, and transfer stamps—typically totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Furthermore, because the purchase price of $1,690,000 comfortably exceeds the national investment threshold, securing this property establishes a direct pathway to apply for official residency-by-investment status in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This expansive ecological land holding in Escobal, a peaceful district within the Atenas canton, spans 200,000 square meters of highly biodiverse terrain. Offered at USD 1,690,000, the property occupies a prime position on the western slopes of the Cerros de Atenas. The acreage features dramatic ridgelines and essential forest corridors, all bordered by the year-round freshwater flows of the Quebrada Chiquero watershed. Because this is undeveloped development land, buyers have a blank canvas to construct a private compound, a wellness retreat, or a conservation-focused residential community. The topography yields sweeping mountain vistas and clear ocean views.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership. Acquiring this acreage involves standard closing fees, registry costs, and notary stamps that typically total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent. Once owned, the ongoing holding costs are remarkably low; the annual municipal property tax is assessed at a mere one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. This favorable tax structure makes preserving such a massive tract of Central Valley forest highly sustainable for long-term investors.
Escobal, Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica represents a highly sought-after micro-location within the western region of the Central Valley. Positioned high on the western slopes of the Cerros de Atenas, this specific area is internationally celebrated for its exceptional microclimate, which provides comfortable temperatures and refreshing mountain breezes year-round. This region offers a relaxed countryside pace that appeals directly to North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica. The local community in Atenas is characterized by a welcoming mix of Costa Rican locals and international expatriates. Residents enjoy a lifestyle centered around weekly farmers markets, known locally as ferias, alongside stunning mountain vistas. The location is strategically situated between the urban amenities of the Central Valley and the beaches of the Pacific coast, making Atenas Costa Rica homes a perennial favorite for relocation, retirement, and remote work.
For those evaluating Central Valley Costa Rica real estate, the location offers convenient access to essential services. Escobal is positioned within reasonable driving distance of the primary municipal center of Atenas for daily shopping and dining. The major medical facilities and high-end retail of Escazu are accessible via the main highway, allowing residents to enjoy rural privacy without sacrificing proximity to city conveniences. Additionally, the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela is close enough to ensure straightforward travel logistics for international flights.
Acquiring this development land involves straightforward legal parameters. In Costa Rica, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those of local citizens. When you buy property Costa Rica, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low compared to North American standards. The annual municipal property tax is approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for closing costs, which include a transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent of the transaction value, alongside notary and registry fees that typically bring the total closing bundle to between two and four percent of the purchase price. At a purchase price of USD 1,690,000, this real estate investment also aligns with the thresholds required to apply for investor residency status in Costa Rica.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
At a purchase price of $1,690,000 for 200,000 square meters of prime Central Valley terrain, this development land offers an institutional-scale entry point at just $8.45 per square meter. This pricing sits highly competitively within the Atenas region, where premium view parcels frequently command far higher per-meter averages. For the visionary investor, the property presents a dual-track revenue model: a high-yield short-term rental play utilizing boutique wellness eco-casitas, or a long-term hold focused on conservation-minded estate subdivision. The ideal buyer profile is a high-net-worth developer or a conservationist group seeking to leverage Costa Rica's booming eco-luxury market.
Timing is critical, as global demand for large-acreage preserves with natural water sources and ocean views continues to rise, while inventory of this scale in the Central Valley is nearly exhausted. From a tax perspective, ownership is highly efficient; the annual municipal property tax is exceptionally low, hovering around one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Buyers should plan for transaction closing costs, including notary, registry, and legal stamps, which generally bundle to between two and four percent of the purchase price. Foreign investors enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to citizens, providing a clear, low-carrying-cost exit strategy through future parcel sales or a turnkey resort transfer.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
For the visionary investor, acquiring this expansive acreage in Escobal, Atenas, represents far more than a simple land transaction; it is an entry into one of the world’s most coveted lifestyles, where the pursuit of longevity and natural harmony is woven into the very fabric of daily life. Situated on the western slopes of the Cerros de Atenas, this region is celebrated globally for possessing what many describe as the finest climate on earth—a perfect, year-round balance of warm days and cooling mountain breezes that eliminates the need for artificial heating or cooling. Living here means embracing a slower, more intentional pace of life, where your morning routine is dictated by the rising sun filtering through the forest canopy and the soothing melody of the Quebrada Chiquero. This unique microclimate fosters an outdoor-centric existence, inviting you to spend your days exploring private ridgeline trails, cultivating organic orchards in the fertile volcanic soil, or simply gazing out at the distant ocean horizon. The local culture of Atenas is deeply rooted in the Costa Rican philosophy of *pura vida*, offering a warm, welcoming community where expatriates and locals alike share a deep respect for the environment. By establishing a presence in this ecological sanctuary, you are choosing a lifestyle centered on physical wellness, mental clarity, and environmental stewardship. It is a place where you can disconnect from the relentless noise of modern urbanization while remaining just a short drive from the cultural and medical conveniences of the Central Valley. This property appeals directly to those who aspire to create a legacy estate, a high-end wellness sanctuary, or an eco-conscious enclave that honors the surrounding landscape while providing an unparalleled standard of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.
Escobal, Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
