I. Legal/Financial
a. How do I know that my investment is secure from both a legal and physical standpoint?
b. Is title insurance available? What is the form of the title that I will receive when I purchase a parcel from Sierpe del Pacifico?
c. Are other forms of insurance, like general liability and property insurance available?
d. Does Costa Rica have property taxes?
e. Will there be any other additional fees to be paid on a one-time or annual basis?
f. Can I rent my vacation home out to third parties?

II. Infrastructure/Services
a. What is the river cabin? What are the Sierpe del Pacifico owners’ rights of use for the river cabin?
b. How will power and water be supplied to the property?
c. How will I get back and forth to my home site at Sierpe del Pacifico?
d. Will Sierpe del Pacifico ever be reachable by car?
e. How can I stay in touch with the outside world while staying at my home in Sierpe del Pacifico?
f. How will property be taken care of?

III. Recreation
a. Will I be able to access beaches and the ocean from Sierpe del Pacifico?
b. What recreational activities are available on or directly from the Sierpe del Pacifico property?
c. Will this be a non-motorized development?
d. Is boat ownership necessary to enjoy the Sierpe del Pacifico lifestyle?
e. Is boat ownership affordable and easy?
f. What wildlife and bird watching opportunities are available on the Sierpe del Pacifico property?

IV. Investment
a. What are some of the more significant factors influencing the value associated and particular to Sierpe del Pacifico?
b. As a whole, what makes Sierpe del Pacifico stand out amongst other Osa Peninsula developments?

I. Legal/Financial
Q. How do I know that my investment is secure from both a legal and physical standpoint?
A. Unlike many other Central American countries plagued by political instability and economic upheaval, Costa Rica has benefitted from 50 years of political stability and economic growth. This has allowed legal and land registry systems capable of protecting your individual property rights to fully establish and flourish. When you buy a parcel at Sierpe del Pacifico all the necessary closing and ownership documents will be carefully prepared with your legal and financial security in mind. Specifically, you will be buying shares of a corporation – a corporation created for the ownership and holding of your Sierpe del Pacifico parcel. This corporation was set-up by the Sierpe del Pacifico attorney and will be guaranteed to be free of any encumbrances and liens. Additionally, you will be able to check the status of the property and confirm that it is indeed your desired property and is being conveyed free and clear by viewing it at the national property registry website. This is a common way to complete real estate transactions in Costa Rica and provides the greatest ease and security of ownership to foreign buyers.

As for the property itself, the Sierpe del Pacifico homeowners’ association will have on-site caretakers living on and watching over the property 24/7. Their duties will include security watch, weekly check-ups on residences for any problems, maintenance of roads and hiking trails, landscaping and cleaning of properties, maintenance and service of water delivery system, and providing transportation by 4 wheel drive vehicle to and from communal dock to your Sierpe del Pacifico home-site.

Q. Is title insurance available? What is the form of the title that I will receive when I purchase a parcel from Sierpe del Pacifico?
A. Title insurance is available. There are several companies that offer the same type of title insurance that is offered in the United States. Many United States title insurance companies, like Stewart title, back these companies. The cost is about 1% of the purchase price. We can order title insurance for you at the time of signing an agreement to purchase a lot.

The property is titled in the same way as you would find in the United States. All titled public property can be found on the computerized Costa Rican National Public Registry. The only way a third party can claim rights to a titled property is if they have a registered lien or encumbrance on that property. All Sierpe del Pacifico parcels are being conveyed free and clear of all liens or encumbrances.

Q. Are other forms of insurance, like general liability and property insurance available?
A. All forms of insurance are available in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica insurance is handled by a government agency called INS (Instituto Seguro Nacional). You can purchase insurance for your home, car, business, life insurance, and most other insurable items through INS. Home insurance is actually less expensive here than comparable insurance in the United States. We can direct you to appropriate contacts to acquire any requested insurance.

Q. Does Costa Rica have property taxes?
A. . Yes, Costa Rica assesses yearly property taxes based on the value of the property, but they are usually very low. Typically, annual property taxes will be %0.25 of your property’s declared value.

Q. Will there be any other additional fees to be paid on a one-time or annual basis?
A. Yes, before the property can be registered in the name of the new owner, full payment of transfer taxes, documentary stamps, notary fees and property taxes must be made. Transfer taxes and document stamps are approximately 2.5% of the registered purchase price and law sets notary feels at 1.25% of the registered purchase price. At Sierpe del Pacifico, these fees of 3.75% will be split 50/50 between the buyer and developer.

Once you retain ownership of an Sierpe del Pacifico parcel you will be required to pay the Home Owners’ Association general assessment on a monthly basis. HOA general assessments are for the purpose of maintaining and preserving the quality of the Sierpe del Pacifico experience. Monthly assessments will pay for the building and maintenance of Sierpe del Pacifico infrastructure (roads, docks, walking trails, rancho and recreation areas), paying the salaries of Sierpe del Pacifico caretakers, and the maintenance of all Sierpe del Pacifico grounds – both public and private. For a detailed explanation, description, and schedule of HOA general assessments please review Addendum B. “Schedule of HOA general assessments”, to Sierpe del Pacifico restrictive codes and covenants.

Q. Can I rent my vacation home out to third parties?
A. . Yes, online listing sites such as VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) can aid Sierpe del Pacifico owners in making their Sierpe del Pacifico residence available for rental.

II. Infrastructure/Services
Q. What is the river cabin? What are the Sierpe del Pacifico owners’ rights of use for the river cabin?
A. Currently, the Sierpe del Pacifico river cabin is a one bedroom cabina located on lot number 8. This will be replaced by a much larger river lodge that is expected to be a 2 story, 1700 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 2 bath house located on lot number 5 – one of the premier river front parcels. The function of the river cabin is to allow Sierpe del Pacifico owners the immediate opportunity to enjoy the Sierpe del Pacifico lifestyle without needing to first build a home for themselves. It is not meant to replace the need for the owners’ individual home, but rather is intended as temporary lodging, until the owner builds, or a set period of time, whichever comes first. Conceptually, the river cabin appeals to clients who want to enjoy their investment, but for whatever reason do not want to begin the construction process immediately. The river cabin rights of use are determined by the classification of the Sierpe del Pacifico lot purchased as well as the date at which the client purchases an Sierpe del Pacifico lot. Additionally the rights of use will only be for a limited time after date of purchase, and use will involve a modest nightly charge so as to cover the costs of cleaning, repairs, and general expenses.

Click here for a description and photos of the current river cabin.
Click here for a description and visual renderings of the future river lodge.

Q. How will power and water be supplied to the property?
A. Electric power for use in your home will be supplied by the sun: all residents will be required to have a solar system capable of generating their electric needs. Given the remoteness of Sierpe del Pacifico, solar power – in addition to being a renewable, carbon free energy source – is also the most economically viable source of energy available. Solar systems can be custom built to your specific needs and considerations. There are many reputable companies specializing in private residential solar system set-ups. As a back-up and emergency system, high efficiency 4 stroke generators will be allowed under strict schedules and hours of use.

Water will be provided to each house throughout Sierpe del Pacifico by a network of streams, wells, tubes, pumps, and holding tanks. This network will be set up in a way that will allow all Sierpe del Pacifico home sites access to water from multiple immediate sources. This water will be clear, clean, good smelling, and usable for all personal needs except drinking. For drinking water owners can choose to either transport in their own drinking water, or have a simple, effective water purification system set up inside their home.

Q. How will I get back and forth to my home site at Sierpe del Pacifico?
A. Transportation to and from Sierpe del Pacifico involves a 10 minute boat ride down river from the town of Sierpe. We assume that a large number of Sierpe del Pacifico residents will want to own their own boat for transportation and recreational purposes, but understand that boat ownership is not for everyone. For those owners who do not own their own boat there will be two trips daily to and from Sierpe del Pacifico to Sierpe with scheduled departure and arrival times to be determined as necessary.

Once you’ve arrived to the Sierpe del Pacifico docks, transportation both to and from your home site will be provided by association owned 4 wheel drive all terrain vehicles.

Q. Will Sierpe del Pacifico ever be reachable by car?
A. We hope not. The appeal and unique value of Sierpe del Pacifico is that it is an exclusive water access only community. However, one can probably expect a road to service Sierpe del Pacifico sometime in the future. Until then, enjoy the tranquility, exclusivity, and privacy that river access entitles you too.

Q. How can I stay in touch with the outside world while staying at my home in Sierpe del Pacifico?
A. For those of you who don’t plan on checking out from the real world completely while enjoying your stay at Sierpe del Pacifico, cell phone coverage is currently excellent from many locations on the property. If being connected to the World Wide Web is of great importance to you, satellite internet services are also available. If a constant internet connection is not a priority, but being able to check your email once or twice during your Costa Rican visit is, internet access is available at multiple locations in the town of Sierpe for a small fee.

Q. How will my property be taken care of?
A. Sierpe del Pacifico Home Owners Association will have on-site caretakers living on and watching over the property 24/7. Their duties will include security watch, weekly check-ups on residences for any problems, maintenance of roads and hiking trails, landscaping and cleaning of properties, maintenance and service of water delivery system, and providing transportation by 4 wheel drive vehicle to and from communal dock to your Sierpe del Pacifico home-site along with transportation to and from Sierpe by boat. This service will be paid for by a portion of your monthly home-owners association fees.

III. Recreation
Q. What recreational activities are available on or directly from the Sierpe del Pacifico property?
A. Numerous recreational activities can either be enjoyed on the Sierpe del Pacifico property itself or are directly accessible from the property. Over 7 total km of walking trails are comprised from 3 unique and interesting paths (mangrove, wetland preserve, and forest preserve) – each one directly accessible from every Sierpe del Pacifico lot. Countless species of animals, birds, and reptiles can be seen throughout the day from these paths…early mornings and evenings are best. 4 viewpoint platforms and 1 covered rancho offer an idyllic setting for reading, relaxing, or enjoying nature. If you want fish for dinner, the main pier and estero platforms are a great place to catch a snook or a snapper….small shrimp and crabs are the best baits. Community kayaks located at the main pier are available for all residents to use on the river. A highly recommended trip is up and down the small tributary that borders the east side of the property. Community mountain bikes are also available for residents’ use. The public road on the west side of the property provides access 21 km away) to the Sabalo road. This road is very popular amongst mountain biking and ATV touring groups. The mangrove preserve trail and the internal access roads are mountain bike accessible as well. Great fishing using a variety of techniques for numerous species such as snook, red snapper, grouper and orange-mouthed sea bass is available along the entirety of the Sierpe River.

In addition to recreational activities available at Sierpe del Pacifico and in the nearby river, all Ocean and beach related activities are accessible just 20 minutes downstream. What is quite arguably some of the world’s best coastal and offshore fishing is available just past the mouth of the river. Prized species such as roosterfish, cubrera snapper, amberjack, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish and 3 types of Marlin are readily taken at their respective times of year. Costa Rica is especially known for its bill-fishery. Double digit releases of sailfish are not uncommon in a single day! Cano Island and its’ surrounding reefs also offer great diving and snorkeling. Depending on the time of year, the warm waters of the Pacific also offer great opportunities for dolphin and whale watching. Additionally, there are several areas that offer safe, secure beach access from boat. Catering to the naturalist are day or multi-day trips to Corcovado national park – Costa Rica’s largest expanse of untouched lowland rainforest.

Q. Will I be able to access beaches and the ocean from Sierpe del Pacifico?
A. Yes, absolutely! In a boat of nearly any size one can take a ride downriver, beach their craft, and in 20 minutes be enjoying the pristine playas of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the mouths of the Rio Sierpe and Rio Guadamal. Accessing the river-mouth beaches is quite easy and safe. If you have a boat suitable for ocean use, it is recommended that you use a professional captain ($30 to $40) a day to guide you through the mouth and around the Pacific until you feel experienced enough to handle the Boca on your own.

Q. Will this be a non-motorized development?
A. Yes. Peace, quiet and enjoyment of the beautiful Costa Rican environment is a hallmark feature of Sierpe del Pacifico. The only exception to the motorized vehicle prohibition is for the caretaker use of a 4x4 for maintenance work and transportation of owners, guests and their belongings.

Q. Is boat ownership necessary to enjoy the Sierpe del Pacifico lifestyle?
A. No. While owning your own boat does give you a bit more freedom and flexibility, it is by no means required to get the most out of the Sierpe del Pacifico lifestyle. For Sierpe del Pacifico residents that do not own a boat, transportation to and from the property will still be provided as part of the Sierpe del Pacifico service package. Also, for non-boat owners wishing to partake in tours and ocean related activities, arranging for a tour to pick you up or hitching a ride with an ocean or beach bound boat is easy.

Q. Is boat ownership affordable and easy?
A. Yes. For those new to boat ownership, it can be navigated in a safe, easy, and affordable way. Good boat and motor combinations (15 hp motor and 14 ft boat) for the river normally start at around $3500 new. A couple hours of good instruction on proper handling and river navigation techniques will allow even a rookie to safely and securely travel about the entirety of the river.

Q. What wildlife and bird watching opportunities are available on the Sierpe del Pacifico property?
A. A. Fortunately, good wildlife and bird watching is pretty much inescapable at the Sierpe del Pacifico property. Whether walking along the 3 main hiking trails, exploring the 2 nature reserves, or merely enjoying a beverage or book on your deck, the sights and sounds of animal and bird life will always be present. From the morning symphony comprised of hundreds of species of birds, to the sight of white-faced monkeys racing through the trees, to the late afternoon passing of scarlet macaws, through to the evening buzz and hum of cicadas, the feeling of being part of something wild and untamed will give you a very new meaning to the concept of “vacation retreat”. Countless bird and animal species have been documented on the property by Sierpe del Pacifico owners, guests and staff. Throughout the property white faced and howler monkeys are daily occurances; as are scarlet macaws, toucans, and green parrots. Agoutis, tapiscuente, ant-eaters, peccaries, 3 toed sloths, and coutis are routinely seen in the early mornings and evenings. Ocelots and jaggarundi have been sighted, and jaguar tracks have been documented! Down along the river several species of herons and fishers, as well as turtles, caimans, and crocodiles are routinely seen as well. In addition, the variety, size, and specialized nature of the insects, amphibians, and reptiles will astound as well. Whatever your desired wildlife interactions might be – that of casual observer or keen-eyed enthusiast – we think that the surrounding environment at Sierpe del Pacifico will bring you a great sense of adventure and excitement.

IV. Investment
Q. What are some of the more significant factors influencing the value associated with and particular to Sierpe del Pacifico?
A. 1. Location – Sierpe del Pacifico is an ideal location for the adventure enthusiast and nature lover who wants the combination of beauty, solitude, ocean and river access, but with a quick, easy way to enjoy it all. Only being a brief 10 minute boat ride down river with good reliable cell phone and internet access, Sierpe del Pacifico will give owners the liberty and freedom to enjoy it all on their own terms. The close proximity to Palmar Sur – home to Costa Rica’s next international airport will make this access even easier in future years. Costa Rica is well known as an established vacation and foreign property ownership destination - bringing with it recognized investment value.

2. Exclusivity – Currently there is no other development like Sierpe del Pacifico in the entire Osa Penisula: one that has been conceived of and designed for adventurists and naturalists in a protected community with river and ocean access and has a comprehensive property management plan to ensure that the investment is secured. With much of the land along the Sierpe River being protected, opportunity for future similar developments is limited.

3. Security – A carefully set-up Home Owners’ Association that will provide the necessary structure and governing authority to protect your investment.

Q. As a whole, what makes Sierpe del Pacifico stand out amongst other Osa Peninsula developments?
A. It's easy, and its value priced!

There are many ways to own and enjoy a property on the Sierpe River with the same beauty, exclusivity and solitude as an Sierpe del Pacifico home site; however the ease of purchase, construction, enjoyment, and care and protection of your property can only be found at Sierpe del Pacifico.

Having to independently purchase, construct, and maintain a property here in Costa Rica –while ultimately worth it –is not an easy task. Our mission at Sierpe del Pacifico is to remove any and all frustration or difficulty normally associated with finding and owning your own Costa Rican getaway. When you buy a home site at Sierpe del Pacifico you’re not just investing in a property, but rather a complete package of assets and services ensuring your continual enjoyment of, and peace of mind with, the Costa Rican vacation lifestyle. We’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve selected a property that holds an ideal mix of adventure opportunity, beauty, and tranquility. We have a builder available to construct a home that combines an understanding of how to reconcile western tastes, aesthetics, and standards with the construction resources and environmental parameters unique to Costa Rica. Lastly, all of this is maintained and protected in a way securing great confidence in your investment of time, money, and emotion.

As for the pricing, whether you purchase one of our premier riverfront lots complete with a legacy home, or a canopy lot with a simple “cabina rustica”, we think that an investment in Sierpe del Pacifico – one that will appreciate in worth all the while providing unique, special memories for you, your friends, and your family – provides an unparalleled value.