
1 / 36This expansive acreage in the Dominical region offers a rare opportunity to secure a private, water-rich sanctuary in the coastal mountains of Costa Rica. Priced at USD 199,000, the property spans an impressive 16,750 square meters of fertile land, overlooking the Baru River Valley. The estate is defined by its extensive riverfront, which features multiple natural cascades, inviting swimming pools, and a dramatic 80-foot waterfall. A network of private trails winds through the acreage, leading directly to the base of the falls and showcasing more than 50 mature mamon chino trees, making the land highly suitable for sustainable agriculture, small-scale food production, or a boutique retreat.
Currently, the property features a rustic, one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin constructed of teak, providing a functional 49.98-square-meter footprint. This structure serves as a comfortable temporary dwelling while you design and construct a primary residence or a collection of guest casitas. Located just a fifteen-minute drive from the surf beaches of Dominical and five minutes from the mountain village of Platanillo, the estate balances seclusion with accessibility. The legendary Nauyaca Falls is also reachable via a scenic one-hour walk from the property. Foreign buyers can acquire this property with full fee-simple ownership rights, as it sits outside the restricted maritime zone. Standard closing costs, including notary fees, registry stamps, and legal transfers, generally range from two to four percent of the purchase price, with an additional property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent. Annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate.
At a purchase price of $199,000 for 16,750 square meters of land, this property represents a highly accessible entry point into the Dominical-Uvita corridor, where raw land prices often command a premium. The estate features a 49.98-square-meter rustic teak cabin, providing an immediate footprint while you plan a larger estate or a boutique retreat. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership, meaning your title is fully registered and protected outside of restricted maritime zones.
For the investment-minded buyer, this property offers versatile potential. You can leverage the existing cabin for immediate, low-overhead long-term rental income, or develop a multi-dwelling boutique retreat centered around the private 80-foot waterfall and extensive riverfront. The local market in Dominical remains highly resilient, driven by North American buyers seeking privacy and natural water features. When executing this transaction, expect standard closing costs—including notary fees, registry fees, and legal stamps—to range between 2% and 4% of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. Ongoing holding costs remain exceptionally low, as annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. This is a rare, high-value land holding with a clear exit strategy in a rapidly appreciating market.
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This exceptional acreage is situated in the hills overlooking the Baru River Valley, just outside the renowned surf enclave of Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This micro-location is highly prized by international buyers who want to buy property in Costa Rica that offers genuine privacy and natural beauty rather than crowded tourist corridors. The property sits in a distinct microclimate where cool mountain breezes from the town of Platanillo—located just a five-minute drive away—meet the warm air of the Pacific coast. The world-class surf breaks and coastal amenities of Dominical are reachable within a short fifteen-minute drive, while the famous Nauyaca Waterfalls are accessible via a scenic one-hour walk directly from the area. This strategic positioning makes the location ideal for remote workers, retirees, or agricultural investors looking at real estate Dominical Costa Rica.
The local community character balances a laid-back surf lifestyle with active conservation and sustainable homesteading. Living here allows you to cultivate the land, hike private trails, and swim in natural river pools. For those exploring property Uvita and the wider Costa Ballena homes market, this location offers a peaceful mountain retreat while remaining close to regional hubs. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple ownership rights as citizens for registered titled land, which is a significant advantage when purchasing this type of inland acreage. While coastal maritime zones are subject to concession laws, this valley property offers secure, direct ownership. Buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically include a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that generally bundle into 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated using the registered cadastral value of the land.
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Priced at USD 199000, this expansive estate in the Dominical canton spans 16750 m² of fertile land, offering an exceptional canvas for sustainable development. The property features a rustic cabin measuring 49.98 m² of construction, built from durable teak wood. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom structure serves as an immediate, functional retreat while you plan a larger primary residence or a boutique retreat center.
The outdoor environment is defined by its extensive riverfront along the Baru River Valley, which includes multiple natural cascades, inviting swimming pools, and an impressive 80-foot waterfall. A network of private trails winds through the acreage, leading directly to the base of the falls. The land is also an active fruit farm, home to more than 50 mature mamon chino trees, making it ideal for organic cultivation.
From a legal perspective, international buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership, as this property sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones. Buyers should anticipate closing bundle fees, including notary, registry, and legal stamps, ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. Annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
Purchasing this Dominical valley property is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this mountain property sits well outside the restricted maritime zone, you can secure full, outright title to the entire 1.67-hectare parcel. Transactions are handled through secure escrow accounts, with closing costs—covering notary fees, property transfer stamps, and registry filings—typically ranging between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, the annual property tax remains exceptionally low, calculated directly from the municipality's registered cadastral value. With an asking price of $199,000, this acquisition also positions you well on the path toward legal residency under the country's investor category, which currently recognizes real estate investments starting at $150,000. Our legal team will guide you through every step of the title registration to ensure a secure, transparent closing.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in the hills above Dominical offers a rare lifestyle that appeals to those seeking a deeper connection with nature without sacrificing the comforts of modern coastal living. Here, the day begins not with an alarm, but with the gentle, rhythmic cadence of the Baru River Valley waking up—a symphony of rushing water, rustling canopy leaves, and the distant calls of exotic birds. This region of Puntarenas is world-renowned for its dramatic topography, where steep, emerald-green mountains plunge directly into the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. For the aspirational buyer, this unique geography translates to a life of profound wellness and active adventure. You can spend your morning harvesting fresh, sun-ripened mamon chinos from your own private orchard, spend your afternoon surfing the world-class breaks of Dominical beach, and return home by evening to the cool, refreshing mountain breezes of Platanillo. It is a place where the hectic pace of modern life naturally dissolves, replaced by a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle centered around clean air, pure mountain water, and rich volcanic soil.
Owning this estate means stepping into a community of like-minded individuals who value conservation, holistic health, and the pursuit of a simpler, more meaningful existence. The surrounding area is a haven for organic farmers, yoga practitioners, and outdoor enthusiasts, creating a welcoming social fabric that celebrates the true essence of Costa Rica’s "Pura Vida" philosophy. Whether your dream is to establish a boutique eco-retreat where guests can meditate beside a private eighty-foot waterfall, or simply to build a secluded family sanctuary surrounded by edible gardens, this property serves as the ultimate blank canvas. The physical environment inspires creativity and rejuvenation, offering a daily reminder of what is truly important. To live here is to embrace a legacy of stewardship, preserving a pristine piece of the tropical rainforest while securing a peaceful, private refuge that will feed your soul and inspire your family for generations to come.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004