Location: Quepos, Costa Rica
60 minutes southeast of Jaco and 30 minutes northeast of Quepos, by way of palm tree-lined roads and the small town of San Antonio de Damas, you arrive at this special property quietly tucked away along the Rio Damitas and fronting the La Fila Chonta mountain range. This 178 Hectare land parcel is a dynamic waterfall jungle wonderland that would be optimized through a combination of sustainable development and conservation.
The easy 2 wheel access to the property entrance is ideal for tourism. Once you enter the main gate, it is evident this property is a true oasis. The combination of the secondary and primary rain forest is accompanied by pure biodiversity that is often sought after in Costa Rica. For this reason, the owners envisioned a combination of preservation, hospitality, adventure tourism, and sustainable development. The lower 114 Hectares of the property is the most valuable piece due to the development potential, with multiple flat usable building areas, many with ocean views. Electrical service is in place to the existing caretakers' home, as well as municipal water, which is located at the lower part of the 114 parcels.
To the left of the central area, one passes through the mature cacao forest, with a tranquil area to sit and enjoy the first of many waterfalls and swimming holes on the property. After crossing the cascading Damitas river, the internal infrastructure becomes evident, from integrated water management and drainage to internal roads which are well maintained and provide access to potentially 22 building Quintas which could be segregated and sold individually or remain as a collective in order to build private luxury rental units. This is also the ideal location for a luxury retreat center. The sprawling ocean views from the majority of these sites extend all the way to Manuel Antonio National Park. This area of the property has a privately maintained trail with walking bridges, leading to larger waterfalls up the river, each with its own unique features for enjoyment.
To the east of the main entrance area, one is led through the second usable section of the property, where the fern-lined roads lead to potentially another 16 sites for segregation which vary from 4 to 9 acres each. This beautiful area of the property has a magical wet forest atmosphere, with mature trees, bubbling streams, and rolling land with both ocean and jungle views. By way of winding trails through the pristine forest, one gains access to the waterfalls along the river. This section of the property would also be ideal for a full-service hotel, spa and conference center or private bungalows with a central pool/restaurant area.
Further into the property from this section the vibrant rainforest grows in density, providing an optimal location for an environmental research center and wildlife refuge on the upper 64 Hectares. With access through a government-protected land parcel of 40 Hectares, this preserved area holds existing hiking trails and additional waterfalls, making this truly a waterfall wonderland!
The jewel of the property is these 64 acres which could be put in to preserve and would serve as the focal point for the environmental education and research center and wildlife refuge, along with the neighboring 102 Hectares of government preserve. The center could provide a lodge for national and international researchers to study biology, geology, and ecology of Costa Rica, as well as house volunteers involved in the operations of the refuge and reintroduction center. With a sustainable design and renewable energy usage in place, one could establish a center that has the potential to become a leader in the conservation movement. Past Environmental Impact Studies have been completed on the property, as well as the following studies required by SETENA: Environmental Impact Study; Socio-economic impact study; Soil study; Forestry study; Geometrical Master Plan; Construction process approvals; Electricity and Water approvals; Zoning approvals; Waste management plans and approvals; Rainfall management Study, further demonstrating the potential for the property.
The master plan for the adventure park the owners had previously considered is available for further insight into the usability of the property, as well as residential phases, however, permits for construction and execution were not obtained, and all previous studies are expired.
The usability of these 440 acres along with the projected master plan, the biodiversity, and the location provides a clear picture as to why this property already had interest from strategic partners such as Discovery Destinations and Luxury Frontiers. Ultimately it provides a beautiful blank canvas for the establishment of a kind all-inclusive destination in Costa Rica, something which is not yet offered in this steady growing mecca of ecotourism, wellness, and rainforest preservation.
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