Mountain view
1 / 64Perched on a commanding ridge high above the Pacific coastline, this expansive 10,412 m² estate parcel represents one of the most significant land holdings available within the gated community of Manuel Antonio Estates. Priced at USD 650,000, the oversized hilltop property offers an extraordinary canvas for a custom luxury build, boasting a generous, ready-to-build pad that captures dual vistas of the ocean and the dramatic mountain ranges. The sheer scale of this land—nearly double the size of standard neighboring homesites—allows a buyer to design a sprawling single-level estate or a multi-tiered architectural masterpiece. A paved, easily accessible driveway leads directly to the primary building site, ensuring a smooth transition from the initial design phase to construction. Surrounded by lush tropical canopy, the property guarantees absolute privacy while keeping you moments away from the vibrant amenities of Manuel Antonio. Owners can design a private infinity-edge pool that blends into the horizon, framed by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, where a white-faced capuchin monkey might swing through the trees or a scarlet macaw might fly overhead. From a legal standpoint, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership on this registered parcel. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should plan for standard closing costs—which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—typically averaging between two and four percent of the final transaction price.
This premium hilltop parcel in Manuel Antonio represents a rare development opportunity within the secure gates of Manuel Antonio Estates. Offered at USD 650000, the expansive property spans 10412 m² of prime land, providing nearly double the acreage of standard neighboring homesites. The designated building pad is fully prepared with direct vehicle access, offering an ideal foundation for a custom-designed luxury estate. Because of the generous acreage, buyers can construct a sprawling single-level villa or a dramatic multi-level architectural masterpiece.
The estate site is positioned to capture panoramic dual vistas, showcasing both the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountain ranges. Located within an established gated community, the property benefits from professional management and security.
From a legal perspective, foreign buyers enjoy secure fee-simple ownership rights. Ongoing ownership costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. Buyers should anticipate closing costs—covering notary fees, registry filings, legal services, and stamps—to range between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value.
This premium 2.57-acre homesite is situated in Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a highly coveted destination in the South Pacific region. For United States and Canadian citizens looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this specific micro-location within the gated community of Manuel Antonio Estates offers an ideal balance of security, natural beauty, and accessibility. The property sits high above the Pacific coastline, providing a cooler hilltop microclimate with consistent ocean breezes. Residents are located just minutes from the vibrant town center of Quepos and the world-famous white sands of Manuel Antonio National Park. Essential amenities, including a full-service marina, regional hospital, domestic airport, and fine dining, are all within a short drive from the entrance gates.
This location enables a highly sought-after lifestyle, whether your goal is to build a private estate for retirement, establish a remote work sanctuary, or secure a high-yield investment property for sale Manuel Antonio. The surrounding canopy serves as a natural corridor for local fauna, where you can regularly observe the three-toed sloth climbing the branches or watch the fiery-billed aracari fly through the trees.
From an investment perspective, acquiring real estate in this region is straightforward, as foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens. When purchasing this lot, buyers should anticipate closing costs, which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, typically 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. Ongoing ownership costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market purchase price. This makes the estate an exceptionally stable asset for long-term appreciation in the competitive beachfront Manuel Antonio Costa Rica market.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This 10,412-square-meter parcel in Manuel Antonio Estates presents a highly strategic acquisition for developers or high-net-worth buyers targeting the premium Costa Rican rental market. At $650,000, the land cost breaks down to approximately $62.43 per square meter, positioning it competitively within a premier gated community where finished luxury estates command premium rates. The expansive 2.57-acre footprint allows the owner to construct a compound featuring a main house alongside independent guest casitas. This specific configuration maximizes short-term rental yields by accommodating multi-generational families or corporate retreats, a segment that consistently outperforms single-structure properties in the local market.
The ideal buyer is an equity-rich investor seeking fee-simple ownership, which Costa Rica fully grants to foreign buyers outside of concession zones. From a tax perspective, ongoing holding costs are highly favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated using the registered cadastral value rather than the market purchase price. Buyers should budget between 2% and 4% of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which encompasses notary fees, registry filings, legal representation, and the standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. With Manuel Antonio inventory increasingly constrained, securing a double-sized hilltop lot with dual ocean and mountain vistas offers a clear exit strategy, either through the future sale of a bespoke luxury estate or by capitalizing on the high demand for premium rental properties in this established tourism corridor.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this premium hilltop parcel within the gated Manuel Antonio Estates is a straightforward process for North American buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy secure fee simple ownership rights when purchasing real estate outside of the restricted maritime concession zones, meaning you hold the deed to your land with the same legal protections as a local resident.
Because this property is priced at $650,000, the transaction comfortably exceeds the country's minimum investment threshold, making you eligible to apply for investor residency status.
During the acquisition, you should anticipate closing costs—which cover notary services, legal fees, registration, and transfer stamps—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price. Once the estate is yours, you will benefit from highly favorable ongoing carrying costs. The annual property tax is remarkably low, calculated as a small fraction of the property's officially registered cadastral value rather than its market purchase price, ensuring long-term financial efficiency for your luxury holding.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in Manuel Antonio is an invitation to experience one of the world’s most celebrated coastal sanctuaries, where the boundary between sophisticated modern living and raw, untamed nature simply dissolves. This prestigious address in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, represents the pinnacle of tropical luxury, offering an daily lifestyle that is both deeply rejuvenating and effortlessly connected. Imagine waking up to the gentle symphony of the rainforest, where the morning mist rises off the forested mountains and the Pacific Ocean gleams in the early light. For the discerning buyer, this location is not just a place to build a home; it is a gateway to a highly coveted way of being. Here, your days can begin with a quiet yoga session on your private terrace overlooking the sea, followed by an afternoon of world-class sportfishing, exploring pristine national park trails, or dining at exquisite local bistros. The vibrant local culture seamlessly blends warm Costa Rican hospitality with an international, cosmopolitan flair, attracting global citizens who value privacy, wellness, and adventure in equal measure. Owning a piece of this paradise satisfies a profound aspiration to escape the frantic pace of metropolitan life without sacrificing the comforts of high-end infrastructure and security. It is about securing a legacy property where family and friends can gather in a secure, gated environment, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that remains untouched by time. This is where your vision of an architectural masterpiece becomes a reality, serving as a personal sanctuary that reflects your success and your appreciation for the finer things in life. By investing in this premier hilltop location, you are not merely purchasing land; you are claiming a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular coastlines on earth and embracing a lifestyle of unparalleled peace, prestige, and natural wonder.
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas