Development Land: Investment Opportunity in Guanacaste
Though diminutive in size, Costa Rica offers a large variety of options for development land throughout the country. There are large tracts in or near urban centers for large commercial projects and the supporting residential developments that surround them. Off the beaten path are beautiful eco-properties in the Central Valley, teaming with life, with an abundance of foliage and fauna, endless natural formations like springs and waterfalls varying temperate zones that are ripe for eco-tourism, botanical gardens, or conservation.
In Guanacaste, the choices are many and most are usually on or near a beach town somewhere. Recently, the new marina in Flamingo has been approved and construction is soon commencing. This announcement sparked a lot of activity and interest in the development land sector of the local real estate market. Suddenly, property owners that have been enjoying the low property taxes in Costa Rica who have been sitting on large tracts of prime development land are considering selling, while savvy investors who recognize an opportunity when they see one, are actively inquiring on land for sale in the area.
Guanacaste is generally flat, warm, dry (for most of the year) and offers great options on the coast, or well inland. The coast give you great tourism opportunities that feed of the proximity to the plethora of water activities and attractions that bring the crowds annually to these parts. Surfing, fishing, sailing, diving and world class beaches are but of the few of the attractions that drive 10s of thousands of people into this area annually.
As is the case with most real estate, the further you get from the water, the cheeper the land is. Such is the case with many farms, equestrian estates, eco-projects and conservation tracts that are available inland. The price of these properties are often half of what you’d find on the coast, and they are all still short drive to any one of many beach towns that dot the coast line.
The international airport in Liberia offer non-stop flights to and from many North American cities and others around the world, and depending where you are in Guanacaste, the airport is rarely more than a 60-90 minute drive away. Good solid main thoroughfares, solid infrastructure, and an area that is poised to boom makes Guanacaste a solid consideration for development land investment.
Browse through Costa Rica development land, you will find a good selection of development land investments to consider.
Do you have a question about this article? Feel free to contact our Costa Rica Real Estate office in Guanacaste.
Developers Dream Property Playa Lagarto: Ocean Front Resort Property For Sale

- Price
- $20,000,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 9
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Lagarto, Cuajiniquil, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Oceanfront
- View Type
- Ocean View
- Total Lot Size
- 79.85 ha (197.31 acre)
This is a destination oceanfront property perfect for development. This could easily be Costa Rica's best beach front golf course and ocean front community - Ideal for a large boutique hotel. Located only 30 minutes from Tamarindo and the Regional Airport, Lagarto- Marbella- San Juanillo are primed to become one of Costa Rica's top new destinations. The road is currently being paved from Nosara to 27 de Abril this connecting this area with speed to the northern towns of Santa Cruz, Tamarindo, Playa Grande and Flamingo and to the south to Nicoya, Nosara and Samara.
San Juanillo Development Property: 20 Hecs w/Amazing Ocean Views Close to Gorgeous Beach

- Price
- $1,900,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 15
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa San Juanillo, Cuajiniquil, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Countryside, Mountain, Ocean-Vicinity
- View Type
- Mountain View, Ocean View, Wooded View
- Total Lot Size
- 19.96 ha (49.32 acre)
This property is a developers dream. Enveloped in natural beauty, this area is unspoiled by human traffic or commercial development and is close to many other beach towns that dot the Gold Coast of Guanacaste. It already has 30 ±5,000 square meter building pads, 75% of them with spectacular ocean views. And the property is only minutes from one of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches you’ll ever see, known for it’s distinctive whale tail formation with 2 beaches back to back facing natural coves. This is one of Costa Rica's best beach properties for sale and ripe for development.
San Juanillo: Hillside Ocean-View Development Land

- Price
- $599,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 8
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa San Juanillo, Cuajiniquil, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity, Mountain, Countryside
- View Type
- Mountain View, Ocean View
- Total Lot Size
- 7.96 ha (19.67 acre)
This affordable parcel is well situated just off the main road in San Juanillo. Perfect for residential homes, rental properties or perfect for a yoga retreat! This property is close to other homes yet set aside offering pure tranquility and privacy. This property is perfect for a yoga retreat or residential property. The size of the property is perfect to do a yoga retreat with beautiful trails to the river below that winds through the property. It is also well suited for multiple homes.
Titled Beachfront - La Cruz Enchanting Beachfront Development Property

- Price
- $2,000,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 22
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Jobo, La Cruz, La Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity, Oceanfront
- View Type
- Bay View, Beach View, Ocean View
- Total Lot Size
- 0.69 ha (1.71 acre)
This incredible titled beachfront development property is located just off the white sands of Puerto Soley, La Cruz, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This property is very Rare, very Special and might be considered a Niche property. It’s a long, narrow strip of land that runs right along the beach road which is the only thing that separates the buildable land from the beach. This property is “Rare” because it’s actually TITLED beachfront land which is a rare because 95% of all beachfront in Costa Rica is concession land that can only lease from the government. This one you can own outright. It’s “Special” because of the amazing tranquil beauty of this place, completely unspoiled by any human traffic… and a “Niche Property” because it doesn’t fit most tipping points for typical development land, but it fits perfectly for a row of beachfront bungalows or villas, or you could cash in on the recent ‘glamping’ trend (glamorous + camping) with many “glamping sites” for let along the beach road. It’s located near the main road, so it’s quite easy to get to despite is remote, off the beaten path setting. There are basic shops and services in the immediate area, but everything you could possibly need can be found in Liberia, the capitol of Guanacaste, home to the international airport and only 45 minutes away.
Tenerife: Flamingo Beach Ocean-View Development Parcel

- Price
- $5,200,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 4
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa Flamingo, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity
- View Type
- Beach View, Mountain View, Ocean View, Western View
- Total Lot Size
- 4.22 ha (10.43 acre)
This is a prime piece of ocean-view development land perched on the south ridge of fabulous Flamingo Beach in Guanacaste. This parcel offers incredible views of Potrero Bay, where the new marina project is underway, Flamingo Beach and the Catalina Islands in the distance. This is indeed a prime piece of real estate on the coveted south ridge of flamingo, perfect for a townhome or condo project that will feed off he new Marina and all the activity it brings. Good roads, good access, all utilities are present. Flamingo has one of the finest beaches you find anywhere, but the area is rife with beach exploring with Conchal and Playa Grande to the South and Penca and Prieta to the north. All services available in the immediate area like food shopping, banks, hardware and private schools and all you could need can be found in Liberia, a large city only 1 hour away and home of the international airport.
Huacas Commercial Land: PRICE REDUCED - Prime Road-Front Location at a Major Guanacaste Cross-Roads

- Price
- $465,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 8
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Huacas, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Countryside
- View Type
- Mountain View, Wooded View
- Total Lot Size
- 0.56 ha (1.38 acre)
PRICE REDUCED!!! - This is a prime location for a commercial lot in Huacas, the meeting place for all main roads coming in from Tamarindo, Liberia, Playa Grande, Conchal, Flamingo & Potrero. This road-front lot is seen by every car that drives through the area, which are many. This lot has water and electric ready and it's cleared for building.
San Juanillo Beachfront: 10.4 Hectares of TITLED Beachfront Property For Sale

- Price
- $2,200,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 16
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa San Juanillo, Cuajiniquil, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity, Oceanfront
- View Type
- Mountain View, Northern View, Ocean View, Western View, Wooded View
- Total Lot Size
- 10.39 ha (25.67 acre)
PRICE DROP! This rare property is located in San Juanillo, south of Tamarindo on the Gold Coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The hustle and bustle of commerce and tourism has not gripped this place yet, leaving only naturally beautiful, Costa Rican beachfront land scape, free of crowds, commercialism and human interference. This spot is perfect for a hotel or condo project that delivers seclusion and tranquility and spectacular nightly sunsets. One could consider this an estate property to build your dream home on, and plenty of room left for your own nature reserve. Easily accessible off the main road, this land is meticulously maintained with Cortez Amarillo and Cocobolo trees planted as well as many other tropical palms, plants and shade trees.
Playa Grande Dev. Parcel: Ocean View Land - Close To The Beach - Perfect Boutique Hotel Location - Owner Financing

- Price
- $299,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 13
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa Grande, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Countryside, Mountain, Ocean-Vicinity
- View Type
- Mountain View, Northern View, Ocean View, Western View, Wooded View
- Total Lot Size
- 2.70 ha (6.67 acre)
OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE! - This 2.7 hectare parcel of development land site offers the amazing nature and foliage of Guanacaste, privacy and seclusion with amazing forest, mountain and ocean views. Off the beaten path, but close to everything, this property is only 1 kilometer from the amazing Playa Grande as well as all the shops, services and renowned restaurants in the area, while only an hour from the airport and a half hour from Tamarindo to the south Conchal, Flamingo and Potrero to the north. Just off the main highway, all roads, infrastructure and utilities are in place and ready to build. This property consists of 2 lots sold together and is an excellent location for an ocean-view boutique hotel that will draw business from the surrounding tourist area which is the number 1 industry in these parts. Or you may choose build out your own ocean-view estate property. The possibilities are endless. Add to that a very handsome financing package offered by the seller, and you’ve got some serious possibilities here.
Finca Cerro Negro: PRICE REDUCED - 649 Hectare Farm w/Great Views, Water & Accessibility

- Price
- $4,395,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 20
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Barco Quebrado , Sámara, Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity, Countryside
- View Type
- Mountain View, Wooded View, Ocean View, Western View
- Total Lot Size
- 6.49 km² (2.51 sq mi)
PRICE REDUCED - This massive finca has it all... easy access from the main road, well maintained internal roads, electricity and city water are already on the property as well as multiple natural water springs. Situated in the heart of Guanacaste near Nicoya, this farm has amazing views of the surrounding jungle and mountains as well as views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Nicoya. This can only be Costa Rica.
San Juanillo Development Land: A Prime, Hill Side, Ocean-View Parcel For Sale on The Gold Coast of Guanacaste

- Price
- $1,750,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 8
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa San Juanillo, Cuajiniquil, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity
- View Type
- Mountain View, Ocean View, Western View
- Total Lot Size
- 22.30 ha (55.10 acre)
This is a spectacular bowl shaped property, set only 1.5 km from the the beach at San Juanillo, ranked by 2 different travel publications in the the top 5 of most beautiful beaches in the world! The town itself offers the basics of necessities with a grocery store and boutique hotels and restaurants. Other amenities like banks, private schools, shops and services are all a short drive away. The charm of this old fishing village is well in tact, free from over crowding from tourism and overt commercialism. The quiet and privacy and seclusion is yours to enjoy with hot spots like Tamarindo to the north and Nosara to the south, both about a half hour’s drive away. And the international airport is a bit over an hour away, but there are smaller municipal airports in Nosara and Tamarindo can place you anywhere in Costa Rica in an hour or so. This is a prime piece of Costa Rica paradise that is excellent for a residential development or a much needed 4 star hotel.
Guardaria Property: 1 Hectare of Road Front Land For Sale w/3BR Home in High Traffic Commercial Area

- Price
- $449,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 18
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Huacas, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Countryside
- View Type
- Mountain View, Wooded View
- Total Lot Size
- 1.00 ha (2.47 acre)
This is a full hectare of prime commercial land, situated on the main road in the heart of the commercial area of Huacas, right between Tamarindo and Flamingo in Guancaste. There is already a 3 bedroom home on the property that has been converted to a long standing day care center and is presently under a long term lease. So this property is already producing income before you move in. The property is square shaped with old growth trees producing needed shade year round. Zoned as mixed-use, you have the room to build a road front commercial venture with an owner’s home in the back if you like. The possibilities are endless with this flexible property.
Vista Grande: Prime Ocean View Development Parcel In Playa Grande

- Price
- $1,950,000
- Status
- Active
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 13
- Property Type
- Development Parcel
- Location
- Playa Grande, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Location Type
- Countryside, Mountain, Ocean-Vicinity
- View Type
- Mountain View, Northern View, Ocean View, Western View
- Total Lot Size
- 22.80 ha (56.34 acre)
Vista Grande is located exactly 1 kilometer from Playa Grande, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and renowned as a world-class surfing location. Encompassing the top of one of Guanacaste’s highest peaks, this 22.8 hectare parcel offers amazing ocean, mountain and valley views. This property is ripe to become the premier gated community in Playa Grande.