1 / 15Perched high in the prestigious Escaleras mountain range near Dominical, this premium ocean-view parcel presents an extraordinary development opportunity on the Southern Pacific coast. Priced at USD 449,000, the expansive 3,158.7-square-meter lot sits within a secure, luxury gated community, offering an ideal footprint for a high-end custom estate or a premium vacation rental villa. The property features a dramatic, elevated topography that commands uninterrupted 180-degree panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, the whitewater coastline, and the famous Whale Tail sandbar formation, ensuring spectacular sunset views over the water every day of the year.
The eastern boundary of the acreage borders a natural river corridor, creating a protected wildlife sanctuary where the soothing sounds of flowing water and the calls of tropical birds blend with the ocean breeze. All critical infrastructure is already established to facilitate immediate construction, including direct access to the local ASADA water system, electrical connections, and well-maintained internal roads.
Positioned in the highly sought-after Costa Ballena region, this homesite balances absolute privacy with convenient access to coastal amenities. The world-class surf breaks of Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa are located just a short drive down the mountain, while the commercial hub of Uvita provides supermarkets, professional services, and diverse dining options. For medical needs, major regional hospitals are located approximately one hour away in San Isidro de El General, and international travel is accessible via Juan Santamaría International Airport, located about a three-hour drive from the property.
This premium homesite in the prestigious Escaleras mountains of Dominical spans a generous land size of 3158.7 m² and is offered at USD 449000. Located within a secure, gated luxury community, the property provides an exceptional foundation for a custom estate or high-end vacation villa. The building site commands a breathtaking 180-degree ocean panorama, capturing dramatic whitewater coastline views, the iconic Whale Tail sandbar, and year-round Pacific sunsets.
The physical boundaries of the parcel border a tranquil river corridor. This natural feature blends the expansive ocean views with a serene jungle environment, attracting local Costa Rican wildlife directly to the property line.
Practical infrastructure is already established to facilitate immediate development. The lot features direct access to ASADA water and electricity connections, with well-maintained roads leading up to the property. This secure setting offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and convenient proximity to the world-class surf breaks of Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa.
Nestled high within the prestigious Escaleras ridge of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, this exclusive homesite offers an unparalleled opportunity to buy property in Costa Rica. Escaleras is highly coveted for its dramatic elevation, which grants properties sweeping 180-degree ocean views while providing a noticeably cooler mountain microclimate than the immediate coastline below. This specific micro-location is defined by its quiet, secure atmosphere, situated inside a gated luxury community that attracts discerning international buyers looking for privacy without isolation. The local community character balances refined luxury with an authentic, low-density coastal lifestyle, making it one of the premier addresses for Costa Ballena homes.
The lifestyle enabled by this location is exceptionally diverse, catering perfectly to those looking to retire, invest in high-end vacation rentals, or establish a remote work sanctuary surrounded by nature. Positioned in the heart of the Southern Pacific zone, the property sits between two major coastal hubs. To the north is Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a laid-back surf village where the lush rainforest meets the Pacific, highly prized by buyers seeking authenticity over commercial crowds. To the south lies Uvita, the commercial center of the region, providing convenient access to supermarkets, pharmacies, professional services, and diverse dining options.
Living in this region means having world-class surf breaks at Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa just minutes away. Outdoor enthusiasts can easily enjoy sport fishing, eco-tourism, and exploring nearby national parks and waterfalls. For essential services, regional medical facilities and hospitals are located in the inland city of San Isidro de El General, approximately an hour away, while international travel is facilitated by Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located about a three-hour drive from this coastal enclave. This strategic positioning makes real estate Dominical Costa Rica, and specifically this property Uvita adjacent, a premier choice for long-term value and an active coastal lifestyle.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This premium ocean-view homesite in the exclusive Escaleras gated community presents a compelling opportunity for discerning buyers seeking to build a custom luxury residence or a high-end vacation rental property. At an asking price of USD 449,000 for 3,158.7 square meters of land, the price per square meter is approximately USD 142. This pricing offers an attractive entry point for prime acreage in the highly sought-after Dominical-Uvita region, especially considering the pre-installed ASADA water, electricity, and established road access that mitigate initial development risks.
The ideal buyer profile includes remote professionals, retirees, or investors looking to capture the strong demand from North American travelers drawn to the world-class surf breaks at Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa. While we do not guarantee rental returns, properties featuring panoramic views of the iconic Whale Tail sandbar and year-round sunsets consistently command premium rates in both the short-term vacation market and the long-term expatriate rental sector. The property borders a tranquil river corridor, which enhances its appeal by combining dramatic ocean exposure with a serene jungle setting. An astute exit strategy is supported by the enduring scarcity of secure, infrastructure-ready parcels within prestigious coastal enclaves like Escaleras.
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Acquiring this premium 3,158.7-square-meter homesite in the exclusive Escaleras community of Dominical, Puntarenas, involves straightforward legal frameworks that protect foreign investors. In Costa Rica, foreign buyers enjoy the exact same constitutional ownership rights as citizens, allowing you to purchase this property with fee simple title. Because this elevated parcel sits high above the maritime zone, it does not carry concession restrictions, meaning you will own it outright.
When budgeting for this USD 449,000 acquisition, you should anticipate estimated closing costs ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price, which cover notary fees, registration duties, and transfer taxes. Once owned, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax set at just 0.25% of the property's registered value. Furthermore, because the purchase price exceeds the USD 150,000 threshold, this investment fully qualifies you and your immediate family to apply for residency in Costa Rica under the investor visa category, securing both a world-class luxury homesite and a clear pathway to legal residency.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Embracing the Escaleras lifestyle means immersing yourself in a world where the boundaries between raw, untouched nature and sophisticated modern living effortlessly dissolve. High above the coastline, the sensory experience of this location is defined by the gentle rustle of the canopy, the distant rhythm of the breaking surf, and the refreshing mountain breezes that sweep across the ridges of the Southern Pacific zone. For the discerning buyer, this homesite represents more than just a premium piece of real estate; it is a gateway to a highly coveted way of life where wellness, adventure, and absolute tranquility coexist. Here, your morning routine might involve watching toucans and monkeys traverse the adjacent river corridor while sipping locally grown coffee, followed by an afternoon of world-class surfing at nearby Playa Dominical or exploring the vibrant marine sanctuary of the Whale Tail. The local community attracts global citizens who value environmental stewardship, privacy, and an active, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Building your custom estate in this exclusive enclave allows you to design a personal sanctuary that honors this remarkable landscape, creating a legacy property that serves as a private retreat from the fast-paced world. Whether your vision is a contemporary architectural masterpiece that frames the dramatic 180-degree ocean views or a tropical luxury villa designed for indoor-outdoor entertaining, this property offers the ultimate canvas to realize your aspirations of coastal Costa Rican living.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
