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10% of commissions returns to the community in the form of support for projects that concern conservation, education, community service, and awareness of sustainability and protection of the Osa Peninsula.
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Corcovado National Park takes up nearly 1/3 of the territory of the Osa Peninsula. The remaining land is considered biological corridor for the wildlife and plantlife that is protected by the park. Some of these lands are protected within the Golfo Dulce Reserve. Those of us who live in this area are very concerned with the continued protection of these species, and urge those who are interested in investing in this area to consider investments in properties with the purpose of preserving and protecting, with conscious development, or none at all. Areas with concentrations of primary forests, mangroves, and beachfront are areas which deserve our respect and efforts to protect them for future generations. There are various legal methods with which we can do this, including private reserves, wildlife refuges, and environmental easements. Your efforts are needed to help preserve the rainforest and natural resources of the Osa Peninsula. Purchasing land and maintaining it in it's most natural state is one way you can help. CEDARENA, a environmental law firm, can help you with protecting areas of your property in Environmental Easements or Land Trusts, or to advise you on the use of private reserves and wildlife refuges as a means to protect land. In some cases, primary forest properties are eligable for, or already enrolled in air and water incentive programs. Large tracts of rainforest lands are available at prices starting around $2000 an acre, and sometimes less.
Your financial donations to organized efforts is another way in which you can make a difference. There are many organizations based in or working in the Osa Peninsula to protect species and lands. Some of these organizations are mentioned on the Links page of this site.
The Osa Peninsula is a very special place! If you are looking for adventure living, off the beaten track, in one of the most beautiful and wildest areas of Costa Rica, this may be a good place to start. We have a large selection of properties, including raw land, primary forest conservation areas, beachfront and beach area lots, commercial opportunities, and much more. Let us know what your vision is and what you are looking for so we can help you find the best place for you. We also specialize in properties all over Costa Rica suitable for private or commercial retreats and healing resorts.
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The Osa Peninsula is still a frontier. There are many business opportunities yet to be explored and introduced to the community. There are some businesses that are Turn-Key situations, but in most cases, the commercial properties for sale are only a foundation. Most businesses are in need of new energy and upgrading to make them successful. If you are looking to build a business or tourism facility from the ground up, we can offer assistance with nearly every aspect of your project. Setting up a business in a foreigh land can be a arduous process, but with knowledgeable assistance and a lot of patience, the difficulties can be overcome and the prospects of success will be greater if the project is well thought out and put together.
 Playa-Piro
Regulations for Beachfront Property
When buying beachfront properties, one must be aware of the regulations regarding Costa Ricas coastline. By law, the first 50 meters above the mean high tide line are inalienable public zone, defined by what is known as the 50-meter line. No one can restrict access or have a totally private beach. On about 80% of the coast areas, the next 150 meters are government-owned leases (Concessions) and also known as the maritime-terrestrial zone (zmt or just maritime zone). There are some exceptions, but they include port areas, old land grants, and some titles issued prior to 1977. Restrictions on maritime zone land for foreigners are that one must establish five years residency to own more than 49% of the rights to a lease. A zoning plan (plan reglador) must exist for the area where the land is, and a concession issued for the parcel itself in order to develop it. If one does not exist the developer must make one, then have it approved by ICT (the Tourist Board), INVU (the Urbanization Institute), and local municipality. Such a regulation plan will call for "zoning of land" and includes certain percentages of public use areas, public access road, residential, commercial, and agricultural uses, as well as green zone or protected wildlife areas for each kilometer of beachfront.
It should be noted that very few plan regladores have been processed and approved in the Osa Peninsula, though many areas are now beginning the process. Much of the beachfront property in the Osa Peninsula does not hold concessions, but only permiso de uso, or permission to use, but not to develop permanent structures until a concession is approved. Building permits for permanent constructions will not be issued for beachfront property that does not have a concession. For this reason, a property that is only beachfront, and does not have either title or titled area adjacent, is not a recommended purchase unless one is prepared to enter the property into a plan reglador, which requires a minimum of 1000 meters of beachfront or to file such property in a protected wildlife refugio, which pre-empts the need for a zoning plan, but carries with it it's own restrictions for development within a management plan.
An overall zoning plan for Golfito Canton is under way with the help of Produs, a company from the University of Costa Rica, who has been working for the past several years to create zoning for the coastal areas of the Golfo Dulce region. It is important to check the proposed zoning for an area that you are considering to be sure that what you plan to do there is in line with the local zoning plan.
The other 15% to 20% of the coast is land that holds pre-existing titles up to the 50 meters line. That is to say that no maritime zone exists and the landowner may develop without inconvenience of filing a regulation plan. Tourist development must, of course, be approved by ICT, but almost anything else would require only building permits, as long as it is outside of the 50 meter public zone.
 Upper-Golfo-Dulce
RETREATS AND VACATIONS
Some properties are ideal for Retreat Centers and/or Healing Centers, Spas, and Eco-resorts, Health and Wellness Lifestyle communities, and Sustainable Permaculture Communities. This is our special interest, so if this is also your special interest, we can help you find the property, whether already built and established, or raw land with which to start. We have contacts with these kinds of properties all over the country, and can help you find the place that is right for you or your group.
We also do bookings for retreats and workshops all over Costa Rica, and can help design your perfect itinerary for your group, whether it be an intimate group of 5 or 6, or a large group up to 80. Depending on the needs of the group, we can assist with travel and lodging reservations, tours, and activities. All you have to do is bring the group. If you are a teacher or retreat leader, we can help you plan the itinerary and all the details for your retreat, including menus and schedules. We will help you put a package together to market to your group that is all inclusive, including your teaching fees. Often a facility will offer free board for the group leader with a certain minimum size group.
OFICINA TAO can help you with all your travel and destination services in the Osa Peninsula. If you need assistance with in-country flights, rental car, hotel, lodge or guesthouse reservations, we can assist you with this, as well as offering recommendations and referrals to RE agents in other areas of the country should you decide to look elsewhere.
LINKS:
COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE |
AdventurOSA Properties 
