Mountain view
1 / 62This expansive ridge-top acreage in the Ciudad Cortes district of the Osa canton offers a rare combination of high-altitude ocean views and massive development potential. Situated at an elevation of 700 meters, the property spans 318,013 square meters of land, where refreshing daily breezes naturally cool the temperate mountain air. From this elevated vantage point, the terrain commands sweeping, panoramic vistas over the Pacific Ocean and the historic Diquis delta, a region celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Available for USD 889,000, this vast tract of land serves as an ideal canvas for a multi-dwelling family compound, a private eco-retreat, or a strategic residential development project.
For North American buyers, purchasing this property is highly secure, as Costa Rica permits foreign investors to hold fee-simple ownership with the same constitutional rights as citizens. This parcel is fully titled, meaning it sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones that govern coastal shorelines. Buyers should expect standard transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside a closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically totals between two and four percent of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership incurs an annual municipal property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. Additionally, an investment of this scale positions buyers to pursue the country's residency-by-investment program through established legal channels.
This 31.8-hectare parcel in Ciudad Cortes presents a strategic acquisition for developers or high-net-worth buyers targeting the growing South Pacific region of Costa Rica. Priced at $889,000, the land cost equates to approximately $2.79 per square meter, representing a highly competitive entry point compared to fully developed parcels in nearby Ojochal. The property is suited for a multi-villa family compound, a low-density residential community, or a wellness retreat.
Foreign buyers benefit from fee-simple ownership rights, as this ridge-line property sits entirely outside the restrictive maritime concession zones. Investors can leverage Costa Rica's residency-by-investment program, which is accessible at this purchase price. Transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing fees, notary registries, and legal stamps typically ranging between 2% and 4%.
The local rental market supports two distinct strategies: high-yield short-term vacation rentals capitalizing on the panoramic ocean views over the Diquis delta, or stable long-term leases for expatriates seeking the cooler 700-meter elevation. An exit strategy is supported by the region's ongoing infrastructure improvements, allowing future subdivision into premium ocean-view estate lots.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
This expansive 31.8-hectare property is situated in San Rafael de Cortes, within the canton of Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Perched at an elevation of 700 meters on a prominent ridge, the land benefits from a distinct mountain microclimate characterized by refreshing daily breezes and cooler temperatures than the coastal lowlands. The location overlooks the expansive Diquis delta, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountain ranges. This specific micro-location provides a tranquil, private setting while remaining connected to the broader Costa Ballena region, which is highly sought after by international buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica.
For those exploring Ojochal Costa Rica real estate or seeking a Costa Ballena property, this location offers a strategic balance between seclusion and accessibility. The property is positioned within reasonable driving distance of Ciudad Cortes, where essential services, local government offices, and medical facilities are located. The coastal highway provides straightforward access to the nearby beaches, dining options, and expat-friendly community of Ojochal, as well as regional airports that connect the Southern Zone to the rest of the country.
The Osa region represents a unique segment of the Costa Rica real estate market, appealing to buyers interested in conservation, low-density development, or agricultural pursuits. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple ownership rights as citizens for registered titled land, which applies to this mountain-ridge property, distinct from the concession rules that govern beachfront maritime zones. Transactions in this region typically involve a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing costs, including notary and registry fees, generally ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, purchasing a property at this investment level may qualify buyers to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, making it an attractive option for long-term retirement, remote work, or estate development.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This expansive development property in Ciudad Cortes, within the Osa canton, is priced at USD 889000 and spans a massive 318013 m² of land. Situated on a prominent ridge at an elevation of 700 meters, the acreage benefits from a temperate climate and consistent daily breezes. The topography offers panoramic ocean views that look out over the Diquis delta, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
As a raw development parcel, the land serves as a blank canvas suitable for a private family retreat, a multi-home community compound, or a larger master-planned development project. The natural terrain provides multiple natural building sites along the ridge line to maximize the views of the Pacific Ocean and the valley below.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits full fee simple ownership of registered land outside of the restricted maritime concession zones. Purchasing this property involves a standard transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, with total closing costs—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. Additionally, an investment at this purchase price level qualifies foreign buyers to apply for the national residency-by-investment program.
Acquiring this expansive 31.8-hectare parcel in Ciudad Cortes provides North American investors with the security of fee simple ownership, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same property rights as local citizens. Because this ridge property sits at an elevation of 700 meters, well away from the shoreline, it escapes the restrictive regulations of the maritime concession zones, allowing for straightforward, outright ownership. The transaction involves standard closing costs, which generally encompass notary fees, registry stamps, and legal transfers totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, the transfer stamp tax itself requires approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Beyond securing a prime development tract, your investment of $889,000 comfortably exceeds the national threshold required to apply for residency-by-investment, paving a clear legal pathway for long-term residency in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
The lifestyle awaiting you in the peaceful enclave of Ciudad Cortes, nestled within the majestic Osa municipality, represents the very pinnacle of Southern Pacific Costa Rican living. Here, the rhythm of daily life is dictated by the natural rise and fall of the sun, the whispering mountain breezes, and the distant, mesmerizing shimmer of the Pacific Ocean. Living at an elevation of 700 meters on this magnificent ridge line offers a rare microclimate where the intense tropical heat of the coastline softens into a refreshing, temperate cooler air, making air conditioning an optional luxury rather than a daily necessity. This pristine region of Puntarenas is a sanctuary for those who seek to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern metropolitan life and reconnect with the raw, therapeutic beauty of nature. Imagine waking up to the gentle melodies of exotic birds, stepping out onto your expansive veranda to watch the morning mist rise over the historic Diquis delta, and spending your afternoons exploring the lush, verdant landscapes that define the South Pacific zone. The surrounding community of San Rafael de Cortes offers a charming, authentic Costa Rican atmosphere where neighbors look out for one another, creating a secure and welcoming environment that is increasingly rare in today's world.
For the visionary buyer, this property is not merely a purchase of land; it is the acquisition of a legacy and the realization of a lifelong aspiration. Whether your dream is to establish an exclusive, multi-generational family compound where your children and grandchildren can roam free amidst tropical flora, or to design a sophisticated, low-impact eco-development that harmonizes with the surrounding environment, this 31.8-hectare canvas provides the ultimate foundation. The sheer scale of the acreage allows for absolute privacy, ensuring that your private estate remains a secluded sanctuary hidden from the outside world, yet comfortably close to the vibrant, culturally rich expat hub of Ojochal. Buyers who are drawn to this region are pioneering individuals who value sustainability, natural beauty, and architectural freedom. They aspire to create a lifestyle defined by wellness, adventure, and peace of mind, utilizing the natural ridge-line building platforms to construct architectural masterpieces that frame the dramatic, unobstructed ocean views. This is an unparalleled opportunity to secure your own piece of paradise in one of the most biodiverse and enchanting regions on Earth, establishing a permanent foothold in a country celebrated worldwide for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle.
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Ciudad Cortes, Osa, Puntarenas