
1 / 69Imagine owning a piece of Costa Rica where nature's grandeur unfolds daily, a sprawling estate designed for both serene retreat and grand eco-tourism ventures. This exceptional 222-acre property, nestled in the verdant hills of Perez Zeledon, presents an unparalleled opportunity for the discerning investor. At its heart lies the breathtaking EcoChontales waterfall, a 210-foot cascade that plunges into pristine pools, creating a mesmerizing spectacle audible and visible throughout much of the estate.
The property currently hosts a well-regarded eco-tourism operation, complete with a charming, open-air restaurant positioned so close to the waterfall that its refreshing mist often drifts among the tables. Accommodation options include a self-contained cabin with two bedrooms and a living area, plus two separate rooms, collectively offering space for up to nine guests. The extensive grounds feature well-maintained pasturelands, dense jungle tracts, and a network of internal roads and bridges ensuring year-round access. Equestrian facilities are robust, with stables capable of housing up to 85 animals, supporting a thriving horse-trekking business. An expansive covered area adjacent to the restaurant is perfectly suited for events, from cultural performances to educational seminars, offering essential amenities like water, electricity, and restrooms. With panoramic views stretching from the central mountain spine to the distant coastal ranges, this estate is a canvas for your vision. This extraordinary offering is priced at USD 13,000,000.
This expansive 222-acre property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and established infrastructure. Access is provided by a prepared public gravel road extending from the Dominical-San Isidro highway, with several bridges ensuring year-round accessibility. The internal property road navigates past various structures, including a self-contained cabin, an office, and accommodation rooms.
The property features a charming, open-sided restaurant, designed to embrace its natural surroundings. Nearby, a large, covered multi-use area is equipped with water, electricity, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and a campfire area. Stables, capable of housing up to 85 animals, are also present, adjacent to the main office and accommodation.
Accommodation options include a cabin with a kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms (one single, one double), accommodating up to four guests. Additionally, two separate rooms each offer a television, bathroom, refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker. One room features a double bed for two guests, while the other provides a double and a single bed for up to three guests, totaling three bedrooms and three bathrooms across the property. Practical infrastructure includes water, electricity, and internet access. The property also boasts extensive pasturelands with several large ponds.
Discover an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity when you buy property in Costa Rica, specifically within the captivating micro-location of Platanillo, Perez Zeledon, Puntarenas. This region, part of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, offers a unique blend of natural splendor and accessibility, making Perez Zeledon real estate a compelling choice for discerning buyers. Situated off the main Dominical-San Isidro highway, this area provides a tranquil escape while maintaining convenient access to essential amenities.
The community character here is defined by its embrace of nature and sustainable living. Platanillo enjoys a favorable microclimate, characterized by lush greenery and refreshing air, a stark contrast to coastal humidity. This environment supports a vibrant lifestyle, whether you envision a thriving eco-tourism venture, a peaceful retirement haven, a productive permaculture farm, or a serene base for remote work. The property itself is about an hour's drive from Dominical, offering proximity to the Pacific coast's renowned beaches and surf breaks, while San Isidro del General, the bustling hub of Perez Zeledon, provides access to comprehensive services, including hospitals, shopping, and cultural attractions. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is a manageable drive away, connecting you to global destinations.
Investing in San Isidro property Costa Rica means securing a piece of paradise with immense potential. This micro-location is particularly special due to its natural assets and established reputation. The property's existing eco-tourism attractions are already celebrated, drawing visitors and offering a solid foundation for future development. Imagine waking to the sounds of the rainforest, with panoramic views stretching from the central mountain spine to the distant coastal ranges. This setting enables a truly immersive experience, from exploring pristine jungle trails and cascading waterfalls to engaging in horseback riding or birdwatching. The strategic location, combined with the region’s growing appeal, positions this as a prime investment for those seeking to buy property in Costa Rica and embrace a life of adventure, tranquility, or entrepreneurial success.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This expansive 222-acre estate presents a compelling investment for those targeting Costa Rica's burgeoning eco-tourism sector. The current infrastructure, including a restaurant, accommodation for nine guests across a cabin and two rooms, stables for up to 85 animals, and a covered events area, already generates income as a well-regarded local attraction. Short-term rental potential is significant, leveraging the existing TripAdvisor recognition and the draw of the 63-meter waterfall. Long-term, the extensive undeveloped land offers substantial scope for expansion into luxury eco-lodges, additional adventure tourism offerings like ATV tours, or even a permaculture beef operation, diversifying revenue streams.
With a list price of $13,000,000 for 898,670 square meters, the effective price per square meter is approximately $14.47. While specific regional averages for properties of this unique scale and feature set are difficult to pinpoint, this rate reflects the extraordinary natural assets, established business components, and significant development potential. Ideal buyers are visionary investors or developers seeking to create a premier eco-tourism destination, capitalizing on Costa Rica's stable tourism growth and increasing demand for nature-based experiences. The current market timing is opportune, as the country continues to attract global interest for its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability. An exit strategy could involve selling a fully developed, branded eco-resort to a larger hospitality group or a private equity firm specializing in sustainable tourism.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Ownership of this expansive property is structured as Fee Simple, offering straightforward and complete title rights for foreign buyers, identical to those of Costa Rican citizens. This ensures a secure and transparent acquisition process. Prospective owners should anticipate estimated closing costs ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Annual property taxes are remarkably low, calculated at 0.25% of the registered property value. Furthermore, with a purchase price exceeding $150,000, acquiring this property makes foreign investors eligible to apply for Costa Rican residency through the investor visa program, providing a clear pathway to living in this beautiful country. Our team is available to guide you through each step of the legal and practical process, ensuring a smooth transition to your new investment.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Breathtaking 210-Foot Waterfall on Over 200 Acres of Land in the Lush Hills & Mountains of Perez Zeledon – with SO MANY Additional Development Options!
This nature-immersed dream property is the perfect catch for someone who has adventure and ecotourism on their minds! Located off the Dominical – San Isidro highway and accessible via a prepared public road, the undoubted star of the land is the spectacular EcoChontales waterfall…but there is so much more! A waterfall-side restaurant and covered camping/events area, accommodation cabins and rooms, horse stables, beef pasturelands, and a beautiful tract of open and jungle-covered land conspire to create an opportunity like no other – a premiere Eco & Adventure Tourism resort that can become a star of Costa Rica’s Events & Nature Tourism industry. The current onsite businesses and attractions are already well-known (rated as #2 Top Attractions of the San Isidro area by TripAdvisor) but imagine what could be if your vision is manifested to take full advantage of this land!
THE WATERFALL
A leisurely 700m downhill decent from the main parking area leads to this spectacular waterfall. The roar and mist will greet you before this wonder of nature comes into full view. As you round the corner, the sight of the falling mass of water will cause you to stop in your tracks in awe. The water plunges down a 63-meter drop, crashing into the waterfall pool before cascading down into the numerous mini-canyons. The river and waterfall are surrounded by towering rainforest-covered cliffs and numerous mini-canyons and pools. Many swim holes extend downriver from the base of the waterfall while the adventurous guests may decide to jump or dive into the deep river pools! Changing rooms, toilets, food and refreshments are provided in the nearby restaurant.
THE RESTAURANT
This traditionally designed eatery, open on all sides to take full advantage of its beautiful surroundings, serves delicious meals that are called ‘unmissable’ by TripAdvisor reviewers! So close to the waterfall that, on many days, the fine mist can be seen drifting between the tables. There is even a stream that flows beneath the covered walkway that leads to the toilet area! The dreamlike surroundings and ever-present waterfall roar remind you that you are in a very special place making a core memory that will be forever cherished! Breakfast, lunch and snacks are served between 8am – 4pm.
THE PROPERTY
Located about a 1hr drive from Dominical, the 222-acre property is accessed via a prepared public gravel road which extends from the Dominical-San Isidro highway. Several bridges ensure safety and year-round accessibility. The internal property road passes several structures including the cabin, toilet block, parking lot and the office/accommodation area. Nearby, the stables stand adjacent to the waterfall track which, at 700m in length, provides for a beautiful walk (or horseback ride) through the rainforest. Above the grounds are the pasturelands, jungles and alpine ponds teeming with fish and ducks. Pastureland views stretch from the towering, jungle-clad central mountain spine down to the peaks and hills of the coastal ranges. The mist of the waterfall can be seen rising through the deep river valley below.
THE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
A couple of accommodation options are provided, with the waterfall camping area described in a separate section below. Here we will talk about the Cabin and Rooms, with a maximum total occupancy for 9 guests.
The self-contained Cabin includes a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms – one room with a single bed and one with a double bed. It holds capacity for up to 4 guests.
The two separate Rooms offer a TV, bathroom, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemakers. One room holds a double bed for a maximum of 2 guests while the other holds a double bed and a single bed for up to 3 guests.
THE STABLES
The stables sit adjacent to the main office/accommodation building. Fully outfitted to support up to 85 animals, this solid and secure building will provide a base of operations for the horse-trekking business – whether the tourists choose the horseback descend to the waterfall and restaurant or a natural trek through the pasturelands and jungles of the amazing property!
THE CAMPING / EVENTS AREA
Adjacent to the restaurant this large, covered multi-use area can support many tents, hold cultural performances, host educational seminars, and so much more! Water, electricity, bathrooms & showers, changing rooms and a campfire area are provided onsite.
THE BEEF PASTURELANDS
The property supports a herd of cattle who make use of the extensive pasturelands. There is an option to greatly increase this herd and create a large and sustainable permaculture business. Several large ponds, full of fish and ducks, are in the upper reaches of the pasturelands.
EXPANSION OPTIONS
Large tracks of rainforests could provide for exceptional birdwatching tours or night-time poison dart frog excursions.
The numerous dirt tracks and cow trails could be used as adventurous ATV-Tour routes.
The huge tracts of land with million-dollar views could support exclusive luxury eco-accommodation options.
The property could be developed into a premier destination for wellness retreats, offering yoga platforms overlooking the waterfall, meditation gardens nestled within the rainforest, and organic farm-to-table dining experiences sourced directly from the property or local producers. Imagine guests waking to the sounds of exotic birds, practicing mindfulness amidst the mist of the waterfall, and rejuvenating their spirits in a truly pristine natural environment. This vision caters to a discerning clientele seeking profound connection with nature and a holistic approach to well-being, further diversifying the income streams and elevating the property's status as a luxury eco-destination. The potential for bespoke, high-end experiences is boundless, attracting individuals and groups eager to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in the extraordinary beauty of Costa Rica.
Q: What makes this property ideal for eco-tourism and adventure development? A: The property's 222 acres feature a spectacular 210-foot waterfall, extensive rainforests, and diverse terrain, all accessible via a prepared public road. Existing infrastructure, including a restaurant, accommodations, and stables, provides a strong foundation for immediate operation and future expansion into birdwatching, ATV tours, or luxury eco-lodging. Its established reputation as a top local attraction further enhances its appeal.
Q: What is the potential for rental income from this property? A: The property already generates income from its existing restaurant, accommodation cabins, and camping/events area, which are well-known and highly rated. With significant potential for expansion into luxury eco-lodging, adventure tours, and increased agricultural output, the rental and operational income could be substantially augmented. The established visitor base provides a strong starting point for growth.
Q: What are the legal considerations regarding the property title? A: The property holds a clear title, registered under Costa Rican law. It is advisable to engage a reputable local real estate attorney to conduct thorough due diligence, verify all legal documents, and facilitate a secure transfer of ownership. This ensures that the transaction complies with all national regulations and protects your investment.
Q: What is the lifestyle like in the Platanillo area, and how far is it from amenities? A: Platanillo offers a tranquil, nature-immersed lifestyle, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Perez Zeledon region. The property is approximately an hour's drive from Dominical, providing access to coastal amenities, while San Isidro de El General, a larger city, is also within a reasonable drive for more extensive services, shopping, and medical facilities. This region embodies the Pura Vida philosophy, where life moves at a more relaxed pace, deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the environment. For those aspiring to escape the urban grind, Platanillo represents a sanctuary where the daily soundtrack is the rustling of leaves and the calls of exotic birds, rather than traffic. It's a place where community thrives amidst shared appreciation for the pristine surroundings, and where fresh, local produce is a way of life. Buyers are not just acquiring land; they are investing in a lifestyle of unparalleled tranquility, adventure, and sustainable living, offering a profound sense of peace and a vibrant connection to the earth. This area truly appeals to those seeking a meaningful existence, a place to raise a family closer to nature, or to build a legacy that harmonizes with Costa Rica's breathtaking biodiversity.
Platanillo, Perez Zeledon, Puntarenas
Perez Zeledon, Puntarenas
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004