Finca Bellavista - a sustainable rainforest community

Finca Bellavista Frequently Asked Questions

What does Finca Bellavista mean?

Finca (n): property, estate, ranch, country house
Bellavista (n): beautiful view, scene, vista, etc.

Named after Rio Bellavista, which flows through the middle of Finca Bellavista, the community is named for not only the beautiful waterfall-filled river, but also for the sweeping vistas of the primary rainforest mountains that surround it, as well as the views of the Rio Dulce from the top of the property.

Who had the idea for Finca Bellavista?

Matt and Erica Hogan first met in an Ecosystems Management class at Western State College in Colorado. To celebrate their 4 th wedding anniversary and Erica’s 29 th birthday, they traveled to Costa Rica and coincidentally went to see this spectacular property. Relaxing later that evening over cocktails in the Lookout at Turtle Beach, the couple began discussing ideas for building a home on the property, and a tree house seemed simple enough and perfect for this particular piece of land. Erica then said, “I wonder if other people would be interested in living in a tree house within a community…kind like the Ewok village in Return of the Jedi”. The rest, as they say, is history.

How do I stay in touch with the outside world at Finca Bellavista?

A satellite dish provides high-speed Internet and WIFI for the community’s base area, and is powered by a solar photovoltaic system. Skype and Vonage phone service work very well via our Internet hook-up. There is currently no cell phone coverage at the base area, though employees have made and received phone calls on the mountain in the interior of the property.

Can my dog/cat/pet rat/horse come to Finca Bellavista?

We love animals, both wild and domesticated. However, domesticated animals can wreak havoc on fragile ecosystems like the rainforest. Currently, domesticated animals are allowed at Finca Bellavista. (In the future, an elected board and a group similar to a homeowner’s association will handle rulemaking and changing guidelines. In other words, if domesticated animals become problematic at FBV, the rule could be changed in the future.)

If I purchase a lot are there any requirements for when I have to build a house?

There are no requirements on when you have to build your house. In fact, you don't ever have to build a house on your lot if you so choose. There are many people buying lots just to keep under conservation or to hold and sell for a profit later.

What about water and waste?

Each unit will be required to have a rainwater catch system and a biodigestor to treat waste, and can also utilize many artesian springs located on the property. Traditional plumbing can be used. Pipes can be run down the length of a tree trunk, and vines and other foliage can be used to blend pipes into tree trunks!

What additional fees and expenses will I encounter with purchasing a lot?

When your lot closes you will have approximately $650 in legal fees which will include the creation of a Costa Rican Corporation and all associated closing costs and transfer taxes. Also at the time of closing, there will be a one time payment of $500 to the Finca Bellavista capital reserve fund for future upkeep and improvements to the community. When you start building you will be required to purchase a biodigester for your waste treatment which currently cost between $600 and $1,300, depending on usage requirements. As stipulated in the guidelines, each lot owner is financially obligated to contribute $250 per year to the capital reserve fund due upon the anniversary of closing on the lot. These funds will go towards security, upkeep and maintenance of the Sky Trail and ground trail network, landscaping, upkeep of community facilities, etc. Nominal fees are associated with government and municipal permits for construction projects on individual lots.

Can I rent my house out and will there be an agency to assist me in doing so?

Yes. You are absolutely welcome to rent your house out and in the future, there will be a property management entity available at Finca Bellavista to help you with rentals, housekeeping, etc. for a percentage based fee.

What are the typical costs to build a tree house or stilt built house?

Costs to build can be as cheap as $10,000 for the simplest of structures if you choose to build on your own, and can go as high as a budget can allow. Expect a typical comfortable home to cost between $25,000 and $50,000.

Where can I obtain financing to buy a lot in Finca Bellavista?

Traditional financing options are available through various financial institutions. Please contact us for more details.

How far is Finca Bellavista from the ocean?

Finca Bellavista is located approximately six miles (as the crow flies) from water's edge at the Golfo Dulce (Pacific Ocean). Given the fact that roads do not travel in a straight line to the water in Costa Rica, count on it taking about a half hour to reach the water by car. There are also about a half dozen nice beaches and surf breaks within about a hour's drive from Finca Bellavista.

Where is the nearest town/grocery store/airport/hospital?

The town closest to Finca Bellavista is La Florida, which is about a mile away. A town in Costa Rica consists of a soccer field, a schoolhouse, several houses, a bus stop, and couple of pulperias (small stores with staples). In La Florida’s case, there is even a restaurant/bar! Ten minutes away is Piedras Blancas, which is a little larger than La Florida and boasts a high school and nice medical clinic/pharmacy. Rio Claro is about 20-25 minutes to the south, and has a bank and multiple options for grocery and hardware stores, pharmacies, etc. Golfito is a little further, and is a great port of call for sailors and fishermen. There is also a duty-free zone here, where appliances and home furnishings can be bought. There is also a regional airport in Golfito. Palmar is to the north of Finca Bellavista, about a half an hour’s drive, has all the basics and a regional airport as well. A new, large, state-of-the-art hospital was recently built right outside of Palmar.

Where can I rent a car?

There are several options in Golfito that are readily accessible from the airport. Palmar’s airport is less equipped with options, but taxis can be arranged from the airport. Flying into San Jose and renting a car there affords the most rental options, and promises an adventurous and beautiful drive to the Southern Zone.

When will the new Southern Zone International airport be completed?

The Costa Rican government has gone on record stating that they expect to have the airport up and running by the year 2010. A new state-of-the-art hospital, required as infrastructure for the airport, was recently completed near the town of Cortez. The airport will be located approximately 30 minutes north of Finca Bellavista, between the towns of Palmar Sur and Sierpe. Please see the .pdf* version of a recent Tico Times article for details.

Is there a place I can stay on the property while I'm looking for my parcel?

Absolutely! Simple, comfortable cabinas and camping platforms are available. (Reservations are required). As building progresses, there will be models to view and even places to stay within the trees on the property. In the meantime, there are many other lodging alternatives nearby to fit all budgets and needs.

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