1 / 44This expansive five-acre acreage in the southern highlands of Costa Rica offers an exceptional canvas for an estate home or a boutique mountain retreat. Situated in the Santa Elena district within the Perez Zeledon canton, this premium parcel spans 20,535 square meters of gently sloping terrain. Positioned at an elevated vantage point within the gated Vistas de Chirripó community, the property commands unobstructed, panoramic views of the surrounding valley floor and the dramatic peaks of the Chirripó mountain range. A year-round creek runs through the land, which is shaded by mature native trees and features a massive, level building terrace ready for construction. All essential public utilities, including electricity, municipal water, and high-speed internet, are already connected at the property boundary.
Offered at USD 285,000, this titled lot provides secure, fee-simple ownership, which grants international buyers the same property rights as local citizens. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should anticipate closing costs—encompassing notary fees, registration, and legal stamps—to range between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that generally averages about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market purchase price. This pristine acreage combines high-altitude privacy with modern infrastructure in one of the region's most scenic valleys.
This five-acre parcel in Vistas de Chirripó is held under secure fee simple title, providing international buyers with the same property ownership rights as local buyers. Because the land sits in the mountain highlands of Santa Elena, it is completely free from the restrictions of coastal maritime concession zones. Purchasing this property at the $285,000 price point qualifies the buyer to apply for Costa Rica’s residency-by-investment program.
During the acquisition process, buyers should anticipate a standard closing cost bundle—encompassing notary fees, legal services, registry charges, and stamps—that typically ranges from two to four percent of the purchase price. This includes a property transfer stamp tax calculated at approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Once owned, the ongoing carrying costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated using a low rate applied directly to the registered cadastral value of the land.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This premium parcel in Santa Elena, Perez Zeledon, spans 20,535 m² of gently sloping terrain within the gated community of Vistas de Chirripó. Offered at USD 285000, the property features a exceptionally large, level building site designed to accommodate a main residence and guest casitas. The land is bordered by a year-round creek and mature native trees, providing a natural buffer that enhances the privacy of the estate.
Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lush valleys, and distant peaks of the Chirripó region define the outdoor experience. Essential infrastructure is already in place, with public water, electricity, and high-speed internet connections available directly at the lot line.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits fee-simple ownership of this titled land. Annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the property, keeping ongoing carrying costs predictable. Buyers should anticipate closing fees, including notary, registry, and legal stamps, which generally range from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value.
This exceptional parcel is situated within the highly regarded Vistas de Chirripó community in Santa Elena, Perez Zeledon, San Jose, Costa Rica. This specific micro-location is celebrated for its refreshing mountain climate, which offers a cooler, more comfortable alternative to the humid coastal plains. By choosing to buy property in Costa Rica within this highland valley, residents enjoy a tranquil lifestyle focused on wellness, outdoor recreation, and self-sufficiency. The bustling regional hub of San Isidro de El General is located just a short drive away, providing convenient access to modern medical facilities, diverse dining options, organic farmers' markets, and essential professional services. This proximity allows landowners to enjoy complete privacy on their acreage without sacrificing the conveniences of an established urban center.
As a premier example of Perez Zeledon real estate, this property is situated in the southern interior of the San José province, making it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful retirement haven, a remote work sanctuary, or a boutique agricultural project. The surrounding region is famous for its proximity to Chirripó National Park, attracting hikers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers who wish to observe the local wildlife, such as the resplendent quetzal, in its natural habitat. This unique geographical setting positions the Santa Elena area as a highly desirable alternative to crowded coastal developments, offering a authentic mountain lifestyle that is increasingly sought after in the broader Costa Rica real estate market.
Acquiring this San Isidro property Costa Rica involves a straightforward legal process, as the country permits foreign buyers to secure fee-simple ownership of titled land outside of coastal concession zones. When budgeting for this investment, buyers should anticipate closing costs—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—that typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent. Ongoing ownership expenses remain highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land rather than its market sales price. This favorable tax structure makes holding a large, five-acre estate in this gated community an economically viable long-term investment.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
At USD 285,000 for a massive 20,535 square meters of land, this property represents an exceptional value proposition at approximately USD 13.88 per square meter. This pricing sits highly competitively within the premium Santa Elena sector of Pérez Zeledón. The expansive acreage allows for a compound-property layout, where a buyer can construct a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas to maximize short-term rental income from eco-travelers. Alternatively, the estate supports a premium long-term lease strategy.
This opportunity is ideal for capital-preservation buyers or wellness-focused developers seeking fee simple ownership, which Costa Rica fully grants to foreign investors. From a timing perspective, the region is experiencing steady infrastructure growth, making early acquisition advantageous. When executing the transaction, buyers should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the complete closing bundle, including legal fees, registration, and notary services, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically requires about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. This transparent tax structure, combined with the flexible multi-dwelling potential of the acreage, ensures a clear, asset-backed exit strategy for future liquidation.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Living in the highland enclave of Santa Elena, Pérez Zeledón, offers a profound shift in perspective, where the frantic pace of modern life dissolves into the rhythmic, soothing cadence of the Costa Rican Southern Zone. This is a region defined by its crisp, clean mountain air, rich volcanic soils, and an inspiring natural landscape that encourages a healthier, more deliberate way of being. For the discerning buyer, acquiring a premier parcel in this pristine valley is not merely a real estate transaction; it is an intentional choice to embrace a lifestyle of wellness, privacy, and deep connection to the earth. Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of your own year-round creek, stepping out onto a custom-designed terrace to watch the morning mist rise off the towering peaks of the Chirripó region, and spending your afternoons walking beneath the canopy of mature, ancient trees that anchor your private sanctuary. This unique microclimate provides a refreshing escape from the intense heat of the coast, yet keeps you close enough to enjoy spontaneous day trips to the warm sands of the Pacific.
The aspirations of those drawn to Vistas de Chirripó go far beyond the ordinary. Buyers are seeking a blank canvas where they can build a legacy estate that reflects their personal values of sustainability, architectural freedom, and quiet luxury. Whether your vision entails a contemporary glass-walled villa that frames the dramatic, sweeping valley views, a tropical modern retreat integrated seamlessly into the sloping topography, or a private wellness sanctuary complete with organic gardens, this massive five-acre parcel provides the space and security to bring those dreams to life. Within this exclusive gated community, you will find a harmonious balance between absolute solitude and a welcoming, like-minded neighborhood of international residents and locals who share a deep respect for the surrounding environment. It is a place where you can disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with what truly matters, all while knowing that the modern conveniences, cultural richness, and medical facilities of San Isidro de El General are just a short drive away. This is your opportunity to establish roots in one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking highland valleys and cultivate a lifestyle defined by peace, natural beauty, and limitless potential.
Santa Elena, Perez Zeledon, San José
Perez Zeledon, San José
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
