Ocean view
1 / 46Commanding an elevated position 800 meters above sea level in the mountain community of San Salvador de Barú, this expansive 22-acre estate represents a rare development opportunity in the Tinamastes district of Pérez Zeledón. Priced at USD 579000, the 89089 m² parcel is defined by an exceptionally large, flat natural building pad that easily accommodates a multi-structure compound. The generous topography allows for the seamless integration of a three-bedroom main residence alongside independent guest casitas, a custom swimming pool, and cultivated gardens without compromising on privacy or view corridors. Facing due west, the property captures unobstructed panoramas of the Pacific coastline and layered mountain ridges, where the evening sky transforms with dramatic coastal sunsets. Gentle contours across the remaining acreage simplify the construction process, making it highly practical for buyers looking to establish a private family estate or a boutique mountain retreat. Beyond the physical land, international buyers benefit from secure fee-simple ownership rights. When planning the acquisition, buyers should account for standard transaction costs, which include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically totals between 2 and 4 percent of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership is subject to a modest annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of this magnificent acreage.
This expansive property in Tinamastes, within the Pérez Zeledón canton, spans 89,089 m² of land and is listed at USD 579000. Situated at an elevation of approximately 800 meters above sea level, the lot features a remarkably large, flat building area. This natural pad provides a straightforward foundation for constructing a main house alongside guest casitas, a custom swimming pool, and cultivated gardens. The terrain offers sweeping, west-facing panoramas of the Pacific Ocean coastline and layered mountain ridges, ensuring unobstructed sunset views.
Purchasing this real estate involves standard Costa Rican transaction costs. Buyers should budget for the property transfer stamp tax, which typically requires about 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Additional closing expenses—including notary fees, registry fees, legal services, and stamps—generally total between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership costs include an annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. Under local law, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights for this mountain parcel, which sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones.
The mountain community of San Salvador de Barú, situated within the Tinamastes district of Pérez Zeledón, San Jose, Costa Rica, offers a distinct microclimate and lifestyle that sets it apart from the humid lowlands. Perched at an elevation of approximately 800 meters above sea level, this 22-acre property benefits from refreshing mountain breezes and cooler evening temperatures, eliminating the need for constant air conditioning. Residents here enjoy a balanced lifestyle that combines the tranquility of a rural mountain retreat with convenient access to essential modern amenities. The bustling commercial hub of San Isidro de El General is a short drive away, providing access to private medical facilities, organic farmers' markets, and professional services. Meanwhile, the pristine beaches of the southern Pacific coast are easily reachable down the mountain ridge, allowing you to surf in the morning and return to the cool mountain air by afternoon.
This unique region is increasingly sought after by North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica for retirement, remote work, or sustainable agricultural pursuits. Pérez Zeledón real estate represents a highly attractive segment of the national market, offering larger acreage and superior privacy compared to crowded coastal developments. For those seeking a San Isidro property Costa Rica delivers an authentic community character characterized by local farming traditions and a growing international expat population.
Acquiring this lot involves straightforward legal processes, as Costa Rica permits fee-simple ownership for foreign buyers, granting the same property rights as citizens outside of restricted maritime concession zones. When planning your investment, budget for the standard closing bundle—which includes notary, registry, and legal fees, alongside stamps—typically totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, buyers should account for the property transfer stamp tax, which generally requires about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value, alongside a modest annual property tax calculated from the registered cadastral value. At this price point, the acquisition may also position buyers to explore the country's residency-by-investment pathways. This acreage provides the ideal canvas to establish a legacy estate, featuring a massive flat building area perfectly suited for a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas, all set against a backdrop of daily Pacific sunsets.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 89,089-square-meter parcel in San Salvador de Barú presents a sophisticated entry point into the southern zone’s acreage market at an attractive valuation of approximately $6.50 per square meter. This pricing sits comfortably below the premium rates commanded by smaller, high-density coastal lots closer to Uvita and Dominical. The expansive flat building pad establishes a highly versatile foundation for a compound-property development, allowing an investor to construct a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas to capture the lucrative eco-retreat or high-end rental market.
The ideal buyer is a forward-thinking developer or private investor seeking to leverage Costa Rica's fee-simple ownership laws, which grant foreign buyers the exact same property rights as citizens. With a purchase price of $579,000, this acquisition comfortably exceeds the threshold required to initiate the residency-by-investment process, offering a clear pathway for buyers planning a long-term transition.
From a transactional perspective, buyers should budget for a standard closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry costs, legal representation, and stamps—which typically ranges between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. This includes the property transfer stamp tax, which generally accounts for about 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain exceptionally low, as annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. This favorable tax structure, combined with the sheer scarcity of large, ocean-view acreage featuring ready-to-build flat topography, ensures a highly viable exit strategy. Future liquidation remains highly liquid, whether selling the completed multi-dwelling estate to the luxury residential market or subdividing the acreage for premium homestead parcels.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this 22-acre parcel in the mountain community of San Salvador de Barú is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Located outside the restricted maritime zone, this property offers secure, outright ownership. With a purchase price of $579,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the national threshold for the residency-by-investment program, providing a direct pathway to legal residency for you and your family.
During the acquisition, you can expect total closing costs—which bundle notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and government stamps—to range between two and four percent of the final purchase price. This includes the standard property transfer stamp tax, which generally accounts for about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. Once the purchase is complete, ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated as a small fraction of the property's registered cadastral value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Embracing the lifestyle of San Salvador de Barú and the greater Tinamastes region means stepping into a world where wellness, natural beauty, and modern convenience exist in perfect equilibrium. At an elevation of 800 meters, you escape the intense coastal humidity of the lowlands, enjoying a crisp, spring-like climate where gentle mountain breezes eliminate the constant need for air conditioning. This unique microclimate has made the area a magnet for conscious travelers, expatriates, and visionaries seeking a healthier, more intentional way of living. Here, your weekly routine is anchored by visits to the famous local organic farmers markets, where vibrant tropical fruits, artisanal goods, and freshly harvested vegetables foster a deep connection to the land and a thriving local community. It is a place where you can spend your morning hiking through lush rainforest trails, listening to the calls of toucans and howler monkeys, and spend your afternoon surfing the world-class waves of the southern Pacific coast, which remains remarkably accessible just down the mountain.
For the aspirational buyer, this expansive 22-acre parcel represents the ultimate blank canvas to design a life of absolute freedom, privacy, and self-sufficiency. Whether your dream is to establish a multi-generational family compound, a secluded boutique wellness retreat, or an eco-friendly estate complete with organic orchards and permaculture gardens, this land accommodates your grandest ambitions without compromise. Standing on the massive, flat natural building pad as the golden hour approaches, you will watch the sky transform into a dramatic canvas of deep oranges, purples, and pinks, realizing that this daily sunset spectacle is yours alone to claim. This property is not just a real estate investment; it is a legacy acquisition that allows you to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern life and reconnect with the rhythms of nature, all while remaining close to the vibrant culture of Pérez Zeledón. It is here, suspended between the clouds and the sea, that your vision of a sophisticated, sustainable Costa Rican sanctuary finally becomes a reality.
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Tinamastes, Pérez Zeledón, San José