Mountain view
1 / 15A sweeping expanse of rolling green hillsides and pristine maritime vistas defines this extraordinary 970,000-square-meter equestrian-ready estate in the southern highlands of Costa Rica. Positioned in the peaceful district of Tierras Morenas within the Pérez Zeledón canton, this massive property is listed at USD 1,350,000, offering an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking a private family compound, an expansive horse ranch, or a low-density eco-retreat. The land features a diverse topography of open grazing pastures, shaded forested zones, and gentle prairies, all easily accessible via a network of internal gravel and stone roads designed for four-wheel-drive vehicles. A modest, functional existing house stands on the property, providing immediate on-site accommodations while you plan future development, whether that involves building grand stables, riding arenas, or a luxury main residence. The elevation of the ranch grants cool mountain breezes and commanding views that stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean, yet the popular surf and sandy shores of Dominical, Playa Linda, and Dominicalito are a convenient forty-minute drive down the mountain. Here, the tranquil, rural atmosphere of the countryside blends seamlessly with coastal accessibility.
Acquiring this premier acreage is straightforward for international buyers, as Costa Rican law permits non-citizens to hold fee-simple land ownership with the same constitutional protections as locals. When budgeting for this transaction, buyers should anticipate closing costs—which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—to generally total between two and four percent of the final purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically requires around 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate rather than the market purchase price, ensuring long-term holding costs are remarkably manageable for a property of this magnitude. Additionally, the investment level of USD 1,350,000 comfortably exceeds the established financial thresholds for Costa Rica's residency-by-investment program, offering a potential pathway to official residency for qualified buyers who wish to make this magnificent mountain estate their permanent sanctuary.
Acquiring this expansive 241-acre estate in Pérez Zeledón is a straightforward process for international buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same robust fee simple ownership rights as local buyers for properties located outside the maritime concession zone. Because this inland farm is situated well away from the coast in Tierras Morenas, you can hold the deed directly in your own name or through a local corporation.
The transaction involves standard closing costs, which typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price to cover notary services, legal fees, registry filings, and stamps. This includes a property transfer stamp tax that generally amounts to about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Once the purchase is complete, your ongoing carrying costs remain highly manageable. The annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land, keeping your yearly holding costs remarkably low compared to North American standards. Additionally, because the purchase price of $1,350,000 comfortably exceeds the national investment threshold, securing this property establishes your eligibility to apply for official residency in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This expansive 970,000 m² agricultural estate in the Tierras Morenas district of Pérez Zeledón is priced at USD 1,350,000. The property features a practical, existing small house that allows for immediate occupancy while you develop the land. Internal transit is highly functional, with a network of private gravel and stone roads engineered specifically for 4x4 vehicles to navigate the vast acreage.
The outdoor terrain consists of rolling pastures, open prairies, and mature forested areas that provide natural shade. This diverse topography is exceptionally suited for equestrian use, offering ample space for grazing, stables, and riding arenas. Elevated sections of the property deliver sweeping ocean views, combining mountain privacy with a vista of the Pacific coastline.
From a financial perspective, ownership is secure under Costa Rican law, which grants foreign buyers fee-simple property rights. Ongoing ownership costs are optimized, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. Buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which include a transfer stamp tax alongside notary and registry fees that typically total between two and four percent of the purchase price.
This expansive 97.83-hectare estate is situated in the peaceful mountain community of Tierras Morenas, Pérez Zeledón, San José, Costa Rica. This specific micro-location offers a unique climate that balances refreshing mountain breezes with quick access to the coast. Positioned between the rural communities of Villa Bonita and Dos Bocas, the property provides a tranquil, self-sufficient lifestyle while remaining highly connected. Residents can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the countryside and, within a forty-minute drive, access the popular surf beaches of Dominical, Playa Linda, and Dominicalito. The nearby regional hub of San Isidro de El General offers comprehensive amenities, including modern medical facilities, shopping, and professional services, making this an ideal location for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica.
The region of Pérez Zeledón is a key part of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, appealing to international buyers who want to combine agricultural pursuits, equestrian interests, or eco-tourism with a coastal lifestyle. The local terrain supports a variety of uses, from private residential estates to low-density eco-retreats. For buyers exploring Perez Zeledon real estate, this property presents a versatile investment. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of citizens, meaning you can secure this San Isidro property Costa Rica with full confidence. When purchasing, buyers should plan for closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax is generally calculated at around 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land. This financial structure makes the estate an attractive, long-term holding for those seeking a sustainable retreat or a working horse ranch in a rapidly growing region.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
At a purchase price of $1,350,000 for 970,000 square meters of land, this expansive property represents an exceptional value of approximately $1.39 per square meter. This entry point is remarkably competitive for the Pérez Zeledón region, especially given the dual-advantage location that sits forty minutes from the beaches of Dominical and Dominicalito while offering ocean views. The ideal buyer is an equestrian enthusiast, an eco-retreat developer, or a conservation-minded investor seeking a private estate with long-term capital appreciation potential.
The property structures, which include a main house suitable for immediate occupancy, allow for a flexible holding strategy. Owners can generate immediate utility while planning a low-density residential master plan or a boutique eco-lodge. Costa Rica’s current market dynamics favor foreign buyers, who enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of citizens. From a tax perspective, the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value, keeping ongoing carrying costs highly manageable. Transaction costs are predictable, with property transfer stamp taxes typically averaging around 1.5% of the declared value, and the comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary, registry, and legal fees—generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. This clear financial framework, combined with the scale of the acreage, secures a highly viable exit strategy through parcel subdivision or institutional resale.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Living in Tierras Morenas, Pérez Zeledón, offers an unparalleled lifestyle that perfectly balances the rugged, untouched beauty of Costa Rica’s southern zone with the sophisticated desires of modern luxury buyers. This region is celebrated for its dramatic topography, where cool mountain breezes sweep across rolling green hills, meeting the warm, tropical air rising from the Pacific coast. For the equestrian enthusiast, the visionary developer, or the family seeking a legacy estate, this location represents a sanctuary of wellness and adventure. Imagine waking up to the sound of tropical birds, stepping out onto your expansive veranda to watch the morning mist rise off your private pastures, and spending the afternoon riding horses through shaded forest trails. When the ocean calls, a scenic forty-minute drive delivers you to the world-class surf of Dominical, the tranquil shores of Playa Linda, or the sheltered cove of Dominicalito. This unique geographical positioning allows you to enjoy a secluded mountain lifestyle without sacrificing the vibrant energy, fine dining, and coastal activities of the nearby beach towns. It is a place where time slows down, allowing you to cultivate a deep connection to the land, focus on sustainable living, and build a customized retreat that reflects your personal values. Investing in this expansive acreage is not just about acquiring land; it is about claiming a rare piece of Costa Rican paradise that satisfies the soul’s craving for freedom, privacy, and natural grandeur.
Tierras Morenas, Pérez Zeledón, San José
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
