LA PUERTA DEL SOL
Fabulous views of the Osa
92 Acres / 37 Hectares
$260,000

This expansive mountain farm in the Fila Costeña mountain range stretches across three rolling valleys with fabulous views out across the Osa. Its 92 acres of land include multiple hilltops with panoramic vistas of the forests of Piedras Blancas National Park and the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands.

CONSERVATION POTENTIAL

La Puerta del Sol sits on a ridge that overlooks one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. The farm is located at the point where the protected areas of the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands, the Reserva Forestal Gulfo Dulce and Piedras Blancas National Park all meet.

The huge expanse of land to the south of the Pan-American highway that this property overlooks is a network of contiguous parks and reserves which combine to give the unique flora and fauna here some protection. But La Puerta del Sol lies north of the Pan-American highway in a gap between all of these important conservation areas. The Paseo de la Danta (Path of the Tapir) Biological Corridor lies just to the west of it, and the Amistosa Biological Corridor lies just to the east.

The Jaguar Project is focusing its conservation efforts on this particular region because despite its key location at the crossroads of so many vital preservation areas, this small section of the Fila Costeña mountain range remains unprotected. It represents a weak link in Costa Rica's conservation network where reforestation and preservation programs are absent. Jaguars and a number of other endangered species pass through here, but conservation programs aimed at protecting them are currently not in place.

La Puerta del Sol is a cattle farm with the potential for damaging conflict between its owners and passing jaguars or pumas who may kill and eat their livestock. Our conservation strategy for this property is to remove all of the cattle and initiate a reforestation program to restore the 50 acres of open pastureland to the healthy forest ecosystem that they once were. The Jaguar Project can assist the new owners of the property with the management and implementation of a large restoration program here, focused on planting a carefully selected mix of native tree species that are beneficial to wildlife.

ECO-TOURISM POTENTIAL

The stunning views of the Osa that this property provides presents the perfect platform on which to create a first class Eco-Tourism enterprise in harmony with nature. The farm's network of valleys provide the ideal environment for a wide range of sustainable Eco-tourism activities such as mountain biking, jungle trekking, bird-watching and horse-back riding. The rolling nature of the landscape offers several spots that would be ideal for the creation of a small network of cabins, each one with complete privacy and magnificent views of the sun setting over the distant Pacific Ocean horizon.

The property's geographical location also gives it easy access to several well-known Eco-tourism adventures. The small town of Sierpe just 30 minutes drive away is an epicentre for popular mangrove tours, and it also offers rapid boat services to both Corcovado National Park and Isla de Canó. Piedras Blancas National Park that the property overlooks is less than an hour away. The Marino Ballena National Park with Uvita's wonderful Whale's Tail is 45 minutes away, and the Gulfo Dulce and the many marvels of the Osa peninsula are only a hours drive south.

This farm is also located very close to Costa Rica's most fascinating archaeological sites. The country's only 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are Batambal, El Silencio, Finca 6 and Grijalba are all less than half an hours drive away. They showcase the mysterious stone spheres of the ancient Diquis Culture and make a fascinating day trip.

The alternative name for this mountain range is the Cordillera Bruqueña, reflecting the fact that it is home to the Boruca tribe. The Boruca are the most colourful of Costa Rica's 7 indigenous tribes and their reserve is located just over the hill from this farm. A visit to one of their villages or their traditional festivals offers yet another wonderful opportunity for a local adventure. The possibilities for outstanding day-trips from this property are literally endless.

ACCESS AND AMENITIES

The property has no structures on it apart from a large corral for the cattle. There is currently no electricity in place, but there is great potential for an off-grid solar system in keeping with the idea of a fully sustainable Eco-retreat. There are 5 different springs on the property that provide a plentiful supply of water.

The nearest local shops and restaurants are located just 10 minutes drive downhill from the property in the small village of La Puerta del Sol. From there it is 15 minutes drive along the Pan-American highway to reach the crossroads town of Palmar Norte where all of the necessary amenities such as banks and supermarkets can be found. San Jose is a 4-hour journey from here by car, or alternatively you can fly there in half an hour from the nearest airport at Palmar Sur which is just 25 minutes drive away.