Mountain view
1 / 15This expansive agricultural and development estate in the Carara district of Turrubares offers North American investors a rare combination of fertile land, essential infrastructure, and absolute ownership security. Priced at USD 484,095, the property spans a massive 64,546 m² of gently rolling hills, providing a highly usable topography that easily accommodates machinery, livestock, or future construction. The estate features multiple existing residential structures, which are perfectly configured to serve as a primary ranch house alongside separate guest casitas or dedicated staff quarters. Water security is a defining highlight of this acreage, anchored by permanent natural water sources that flow year-round, supplemented by reliable connection to the municipal potable water system. Modern utility integrations are already established, including direct access to the electrical grid and telecommunications networks. For buyers navigating the Costa Rican acquisition process, this property falls under fee-simple ownership guidelines, granting foreign buyers the exact same constitutional property rights as citizens. Standard closing costs, which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. With its rich soil and strategic location near Carara, this versatile estate is fully prepared for immediate agricultural operations, livestock ranching, or a boutique eco-tourism development.
Purchasing this 6.5-hectare farm in Bijagual de Turrubares is a straightforward process for international investors. In Costa Rica, foreign buyers enjoy the same constitutional rights to property ownership as local citizens. This specific inland property is held under fee simple title, meaning you obtain absolute ownership rather than a concession or maritime zone lease, which are typically reserved for certain coastal strips.
With a purchase price of $484,095, this investment comfortably exceeds the financial threshold required to apply for Costa Rican residency under the investor category. During the acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing costs—covering notary fees, legal services, registration, and stamps—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value. Ongoing ownership costs are highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated as a small fraction of the registered cadastral value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This expansive property in the Carara district of the Turrubares canton spans 64,546 m² of fertile, gently rolling terrain. Priced at USD 484,095, the estate features existing residential structures that are highly versatile, serving as a primary residence, guest accommodations, or dedicated housing for on-site staff. The land is exceptionally suited for agricultural endeavors, livestock management, or a boutique tourism development due to its rich soil quality and scenic topography.
The estate is fully equipped with essential modern infrastructure, including reliable electricity, potable water, and active telecommunications connectivity. Permanent natural water sources run through the acreage, securing a constant and independent supply for irrigation, animals, or personal use.
From a legal perspective, foreign buyers enjoy secure fee-simple ownership rights on this registered property, as it sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones. Buyers should anticipate a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, with total closing fees, notary services, and registration costs typically encompassing 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs include an annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
This expansive 6.5-hectare property is situated in the peaceful district of Carara, within the canton of Turrubares in the province of San José, Costa Rica. This strategic micro-location offers a distinct climate that bridges the warm Pacific coast and the cooler Central Valley, making it highly desirable for buyers seeking an authentic rural setting without sacrificing proximity to urban centers. Located in the town center of Bijagual, the land provides direct access to essential local services while remaining a scenic drive away from the bustling commercial hubs of the Central Valley, such as Escazu, where premium shopping and medical facilities are located. For international buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this region represents an exceptional investment frontier, combining the rustic charm of traditional farming communities with the accessibility of the capital province.
The local geography features gentle, rolling hills and permanent natural water sources, creating an ideal environment for agricultural endeavors, livestock management, or a boutique eco-tourism development. The presence of existing on-site structures, suitable for residential use or staff housing, adds immediate utility to the land. Unlike coastal properties subject to restrictive maritime zone concession laws, this inland acreage offers secure, fee-simple ownership, a crucial advantage for foreign investors navigating Central Valley Costa Rica real estate. Under Costa Rican law, non-citizens enjoy the same property rights as locals, with transactions subject to standard transfer stamp taxes of approximately 1.5% and closing bundles covering notary, registry, and legal fees. At this price point, acquiring this farm may also position buyers to explore residency-by-investment pathways. Whether your goal is to establish a private estate, cultivate the fertile soil, or develop a tourism project near the Carara national reserve, this Turrubares property stands out among Atenas Costa Rica homes and regional estates as a versatile, high-potential investment.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 64,546-square-meter farm in Bijagual de Turrubares presents a versatile investment opportunity for North American buyers seeking fee-simple ownership in Costa Rica. At an acquisition price of $484,095, the property is valued at approximately $7.50 per square meter. This pricing sits competitively within the Central Valley region, especially given the existing infrastructure, which includes installed electricity, potable water, telecommunications, and permanent natural water sources.
The ideal buyer profile is an agricultural entrepreneur, a boutique eco-tourism developer, or a private investor looking to establish a secure family compound. The estate features multiple existing structures suitable for immediate residential use or staff housing, which supports a flexible exit strategy. An investor could develop a private estate, establish a working ranch, or create a low-impact tourism lodge.
While short-term rental yields are never guaranteed, the proximity to Carara National Park positions the property well for nature-focused tourism. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple property rights as citizens, avoiding the complexities of maritime concession zones since this is an inland Central Valley tract. Buyers should budget approximately 2% to 4% of the purchase price for the closing bundle—which covers notary, registry, and legal fees—alongside the standard property transfer stamp tax of roughly 1.5%. Additionally, this transaction size comfortably exceeds the minimum threshold required to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
The allure of this exceptional property extends far beyond its physical boundaries, tapping into a profound lifestyle aspiration that draws discerning buyers from around the globe to the dramatic landscapes of the Central Valley and the Central Pacific transition zone. Situated in the heart of Bijagual de Turrubares, near the ecological marvel of the Carara region, this estate represents the ultimate convergence of rural tranquility, agricultural productivity, and accessible adventure. To own land here is to embrace a daily rhythm dictated by the natural world, where the morning mist rises off the rolling hills and the air is filled with the calls of exotic birds from the nearby rainforest canopy. This is a place where you can truly disconnect from the frantic pace of modern urban life, yet remain effortlessly connected to the essential conveniences of a welcoming local community. For the visionary investor, the property offers a rare canvas upon which to paint a legacy. Whether your dream is to cultivate a boutique organic farm in the fertile soils, establish a private equestrian estate where horses roam the gentle slopes, or design a low-impact eco-tourism retreat that introduces travelers to the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, this land provides the space and resources to bring those aspirations to life. The presence of permanent natural water sources guarantees a reliable foundation for any agricultural or residential endeavor, while the availability of modern electricity, potable water, and telecommunications infrastructure ensures that your transition to rural living does not require sacrificing comfort or connectivity. Furthermore, the strategic location bridges two distinct worlds: the peaceful, traditional charm of a mountain farming community and the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of the nearby Pacific coast. Within a short drive, you can transition from your private sanctuary in the hills to the warm sands and world-class surf of the Central Pacific beaches, offering an unparalleled quality of life that celebrates both active exploration and deep relaxation. This property is not merely a purchase of real estate; it is an investment in a healthier, more intentional way of living, where the natural beauty of Costa Rica becomes the backdrop to your everyday life and your long-term financial goals are anchored in one of the country's most promising and scenic regions.
Carara, Turrubares, San José
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004