
1 / 16A rare expanse of coastal highland awaits in the peaceful enclave of Colinas Pacificas, situated in the hills of Platanillo near Dominical. Priced at USD 220,000, this premium parcel spans an impressive 20,572 m² of land, offering an exceptional canvas for a custom estate or a multi-structure compound. Your arrival is marked by a dramatic canopy of ancient, giant Guanacaste trees that line the entrance, establishing an immediate sense of scale and natural majesty. Positioned at the very end of a quiet neighborhood road, the property guarantees absolute privacy and seclusion, bordered by lush tropical growth.
The topography is highly favorable for development, featuring a primary building site alongside multiple secondary areas that can easily accommodate guest casitas, a main residence, and a private swimming pool. From these elevated building pads, you will enjoy clear views of the Pacific Ocean, with the horizon lighting up each evening during sunset. Adventure is remarkably close to your future doorstep; the property sits within a fifteen-minute drive of three spectacular local waterfalls, and is only slightly farther from the towering Diamante waterfall. When you wish to transition from the cool mountain breezes to the coast, a short fifteen-minute drive down the mountain places you directly on the sand, where you can access world-class surfing, deep-sea fishing excursions, and seasonal whale watching. This is a rare opportunity to secure a massive acreage tract in a highly desirable corridor.
Situated in the tranquil mountain community of Platanillo within the Colinas Pacificas neighborhood, this property offers an authentic escape just fifteen minutes from the coastal hub of Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This specific micro-location is highly prized by those looking to buy property in Costa Rica who value peace and privacy over tourist crowds. The approach to the property sets a dramatic tone, winding through an established neighborhood entry lined with towering, mature Guanacaste trees. Positioned at the very end of a quiet road on the edge of the development, the land ensures a secluded lifestyle surrounded by nature. Residents can enjoy a cooler mountain microclimate while remaining less than a twenty-minute drive from the warm Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal base for surfing, deep-sea fishing, and seasonal whale watching along the coast.
For those exploring real estate Dominical Costa Rica, this location balances raw natural beauty with convenient access to regional highlights. The property sits within fifteen minutes of three of the country's most spectacular waterfalls, with the towering Diamante Waterfall located just slightly further up the road. This proximity to natural wonders enhances the investment potential for buyers seeking property Uvita or Costa Ballena homes. From a legal standpoint, North American buyers will appreciate that Costa Rica permits fee-simple property ownership for foreigners, granting the same constitutional rights as citizens outside of restricted maritime concession zones. When securing this land, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps amounting to two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent. Annual property taxes are conveniently low, calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This expansive development parcel in the Dominical area of Puntarenas spans 20,572 m² of land and is available for USD 220,000. Situated at the quiet terminus of a road within the established Colinas Pacificas neighborhood of Platanillo, the property is accessed via an entrance lined with mature Guanacaste trees. The acreage features a primary building footprint alongside multiple secondary building sites, making it highly suitable for a main estate paired with independent guest casitas. The elevated topography delivers clear sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
Infrastructure readiness is supported by its location within an established residential community. The property sits fifteen minutes from three regional waterfalls, with the towering Diamante waterfall located just slightly further away. The coastal hub of Dominical is a fifteen-minute drive down the mountain, providing quick access to local beaches, surfing, deep-sea fishing, and whale-watching excursions.
For international buyers, Costa Rican law permits full fee-simple ownership of this titled property, which sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones. Purchasing involves a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, with total closing costs, notary fees, and registry stamps generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
Securing this 20,572-square-meter parcel in Platanillo de Baru is a straightforward process for North American buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same constitutional rights to land ownership as citizens. Because this property sits in the mountain ridges of Colinas Pacificas rather than on the beachfront, it is held under fee simple title rather than maritime zone concession. This means you obtain outright, deeded ownership of the land.
With a purchase price of $220,000, this investment comfortably surpasses the legal threshold required to apply for Costa Rica’s investor residency program, providing a direct pathway to legal residency for you and your family. During the acquisition, you should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which includes notary fees, local registry filings, and legal services. Additionally, a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value will be due at closing. Ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low, with annual municipal property taxes calculated as a small fraction of the property's registered cadastral value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Acquiring this 20,572-square-meter parcel in Platanillo de Baru represents a highly strategic entry point into the Dominical-Uvita corridor. Priced at $220,000, the land costs just over $10.69 per square meter, which sits well below the averages found in fully developed gated communities nearby. This pricing structure offers an advantageous position for an investor looking to build a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of citizens, avoiding the complex concession rules associated with maritime zones since this property sits securely in the foothills.
The ideal buyer is a developer or private investor who recognizes the value of a multi-structure footprint. The expansive building areas allow you to construct a main house and separate rental casitas to target the high-demand short-term eco-tourism market, driven by proximity to the region's famous waterfalls and surf beaches. While future rental yields are never guaranteed, the dual-income potential of a multi-dwelling layout provides a clear exit strategy: you can eventually sell the entire compound to a lifestyle buyer or liquidate individual structures if subdivided. Buyers should budget approximately 2% to 4% of the purchase price for the closing bundle, which covers notary, registry, and legal fees, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of roughly 1.5%. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Living in this pristine corridor of Puntarenas offers an unparalleled connection to the natural rhythms of Costa Rica, where the verdant rainforest meets the dramatic Pacific coastline. For the discerning buyer, this property represents more than just a generous parcel of land; it is a blank canvas for a life defined by wellness, adventure, and absolute tranquility. Imagine waking up to the gentle chorus of tropical birds, stepping out onto your custom-designed terrace to watch the morning mist rise off the canopy, and spending your afternoons exploring the majestic, cascading waterfalls that sit virtually in your backyard. The local lifestyle in the Dominical and Platanillo areas is deeply rooted in the philosophy of "Pura Vida," attracting global citizens who value sustainability, physical well-being, and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Whether your vision involves an architectural masterpiece designed to capture the cool mountain breezes, a private family compound surrounded by edible gardens, or a boutique eco-retreat that offers guests an escape from the frantic pace of modern life, this location supports those aspirations effortlessly. Here, you are never far from the vibrant, bohemian energy of Dominical’s surf culture, yet you can retreat at a moment's notice to your own quiet sanctuary at the end of the road. This unique balance of accessibility and profound seclusion makes the property a highly coveted asset for those looking to invest in their peace of mind, establish a legacy estate, or transition to a healthier, more intentional way of living in one of the world's premier biodiversity hotspots.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004