1 / 20Commanding a majestic high-elevation position 700 meters above sea level, this expansive 29,846-square-meter estate in the Ojochal district of the Osa canton offers an extraordinary canvas for a bespoke tropical retreat. Priced at USD 175,000, the property is defined by its sweeping dual vistas, capturing both the vast Pacific Ocean and the dramatic contours of the surrounding mountain ranges. A private, gated entrance road winds upward to a primary, ready-to-build homesite measuring 500 square meters. This main building pad is perfectly positioned to capture the constant, cooling mountain breezes that naturally temper the high-altitude climate. Beyond the primary home site, the generous acreage features multiple secondary natural terraces, ideal for constructing independent guest cabins, private pavilions, or establishing organic orchards and terraced gardens.
For international buyers, purchasing real estate in this region is remarkably straightforward. North American investors enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, meaning you hold direct, registered title to your land just as you would in the United States or Canada. This fee-simple structure applies fully to this mountain property, which sits securely outside the restrictive coastal maritime concession zones. When finalizing your purchase, expect standard closing costs—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—to range between two and four percent of the transaction price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically reflects one and a half percent of the declared value. Ongoing ownership is supported by a modest annual municipal property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. This impressive acreage represents a rare combination of high-altitude privacy, ocean-view terrain, and secure title ownership in the Southern Zone.
This expansive parcel in the Ojochal district of the Osa canton spans 29,846 m² of land and is available for USD 175,000. Positioned at an elevation of 700 meters within the San Rafael de Cortes area, the property benefits from a temperate mountain climate and constant daily breezes. A private, gated entrance road leads directly to a primary building site measuring 500 square meters. This main building pad is highly suited for a principal residence, while the surrounding acreage offers additional natural building sites ideal for constructing independent guest casitas or establishing terraced gardens.
The property features clear views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountain ranges. Buyers can secure this land under fee simple ownership, a right fully protected for foreign investors under Costa Rican law. The transaction involves standard closing costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, with the total closing bundle for notary, registry, and legal fees typically ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are low, with the annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
Positioned in the highland enclave of San Rafael de Cortes within the Osa municipality of Puntarenas, this property offers a distinct microclimate that sets it apart from typical coastal holdings. At an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, the tract escapes the intense lowland heat, instead enjoying a temperate climate characterized by refreshing daily mountain breezes. This altitude provides a comfortable mountain-air setting while maintaining a close connection to the coastal amenities of Ojochal, Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Buyers looking to invest in Ojochal Costa Rica real estate will find that this location balances secluded mountain tranquility with reasonable proximity to the region's famous culinary scene, pristine beaches, and essential services along the highway corridor. It is an ideal environment for those who wish to establish a private estate, cultivate organic gardens, or build a collection of independent guest cabins.
As a premier Costa Ballena property, this acreage fits seamlessly into the broader landscape for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica. The regional market is highly attractive to international buyers due to favorable ownership laws. In this region, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee simple ownership rights, which are identical to those of Costa Rican citizens, provided the land lies outside the restricted maritime concession zones. When securing this parcel, buyers should account for standard transaction costs, which include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges from 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are also highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. This financial structure, combined with the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula, makes the property a compelling choice for long-term investment, retirement, or a custom residential project.
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This three-hectare property in San Rafael de Cortes represents a highly strategic acquisition for North American investors seeking a secure land banking opportunity or a multi-structure development. Priced at $175,000 for nearly 30,000 square meters of land, the cost per square meter sits well below the averages found in the central and northern coastal regions of Costa Rica. The expansive terrain allows for a primary residence on the main 500-square-meter building pad, alongside separate guest casitas or agricultural gardens. This compound potential supports a flexible investment strategy, allowing owners to target the premium eco-tourism rental market or secure long-term tenants seeking the cooler, high-elevation climate of the Osa region.
Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to secure fee-simple ownership, meaning your title is fully registered and protected under the same constitutional rights as citizens, without the restrictions associated with maritime concession zones. Buyers should anticipate closing costs—encompassing notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—to range between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent. The annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value, keeping carrying costs exceptionally low. For the buyer focused on capital preservation, this property offers an ideal exit strategy: holding an appreciating asset in an emerging, high-demand eco-luxury market with minimal maintenance overhead.
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Purchasing this expansive three-hectare parcel in San Rafael de Cortes is a straightforward process for international buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same fee simple ownership rights as local citizens, allowing you to hold the deed to this property directly in your own name or through a local corporation. Because this mountain-elevation lot sits high above the coast, it is located outside the restricted maritime zone, meaning you avoid the leasehold concessions typical of beachfront land and instead secure absolute ownership.
To finalize the acquisition, buyers should budget for closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, generally totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value applies. Because the purchase price of this lot exceeds the national investment threshold, acquiring this property also positions you to apply for official Costa Rican residency under the investor category.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica is a sensory experience that redefines the concept of daily life, and owning this expansive three-hectare property in San Rafael de Cortes places you at the very center of this coveted lifestyle. Here, the traditional pace of life slows down, allowing you to trade the frantic rush of modern metropolitan living for a deeper, more meaningful connection with nature and community. Waking up at an elevation of seven hundred meters means your mornings begin not with the sound of traffic, but with the gentle rustle of mountain breezes filtering through the canopy and the distant, soothing murmur of the Pacific Ocean. The unique topography of the Osa region creates a microclimate where the intense coastal heat is tempered by refreshing, cool air currents that sweep down from the highlands, making your outdoor living spaces comfortable throughout the entire day. This is a place where your morning coffee is enjoyed on a terrace overlooking a dramatic panorama of verdant peaks and blue water, and where your evenings are defined by the spectacular, ever-changing colors of the sunset over the Diquis valley and the ocean beyond.
For the discerning buyer, this property represents the ultimate canvas upon which to paint an aspirational lifestyle of self-reliance, wellness, and quiet luxury. The generous five-hundred-square-meter primary building site, combined with the additional usable land dispersed across nearly three hectares, invites you to design a holistic estate that reflects your personal values. Imagine constructing a main residence that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, flanked by private guest cabins nestled in the lush landscape to host visiting family and friends. The fertile volcanic soil and temperate highland climate provide the perfect conditions for cultivating extensive organic gardens, establishing a private orchard of exotic tropical fruits, or creating winding walking paths through your own private reserve. This is not merely a real estate purchase; it is an investment in your physical and mental well-being, offering a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the earth.
Beyond the boundaries of your private gated estate lies the vibrant and sophisticated community of Ojochal, a coastal enclave celebrated for its exceptional culinary scene, diverse international population, and active social fabric. Unlike more commercialized tourist destinations, this region has retained its authentic charm while attracting an eclectic mix of expatriates from North America and Europe who share a passion for conservation, adventure, and high-quality living. Whether you are exploring the pristine beaches of the southern coast, dining at world-class restaurants hidden in the jungle, or participating in local community initiatives, you will find a welcoming network of neighbors who value privacy yet cherish community connection. This unique balance of secluded mountain tranquility and convenient access to fine dining, modern healthcare, and bilingual education makes the San Rafael de Cortes highlands the premier choice for those seeking a permanent relocation or a seasonal retreat that compromises on nothing.
Ojochal, Osa, Puntarenas
Osa, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
