The Neighborhood

Selva Escondida is located within the mountainous rainforest enclave of Escaleras (see general area), which is a 15-minute drive from both towns of Dominical and Uvita along the coastal highway (Costanero) in the Southern Zone of the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica. Escaleras raises to over 2000 feet above sea level. Escaleras is steep which is why it offers ocean views, of walls of rainforest flora, cloud forest and waterfalls. Although the roads are generally well maintained, 4×4 cars are recommended.

Escaleras Village has two restaurants Scala and Sibu and a supermarket Alexa’s Market. Also Bar Jolly Roger is in Escaleras. To learn about the Escaleras community, visit here.

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The Name

Escaleras means “stair steps” or “ladder rungs” in Spanish and likely refers to the steep inclines rising from the Pacific Ocean interspersed with finger-like flat areas that characterize the neighborhood, although some say the name refers to the escaleras vine that monkeys use to travel in the area’s primary rainforest.

Mountain meets Sea

The geography leads to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Whale’s Tail (Ballena), Caño Island and the Osa Pennisula south towards Panama. The views, access to local beaches, wholesome food sources, collection of dining and activities has led many foreigners to build mountain retreats in the area.

Getting there

International visitors usually fly into San Jose International airport (SJO), then drive 2.5 hours to the property or take a domestic flight to the Quepos airport and pick up a rental car there. More >

Opportunity

Like much of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, development only ramped up in the last ten years after the final section of the coastal highway (Costanera) was completed between Quepos and Dominical and toll roads opened that cut a previous 5-hour drive to a 2.5-hour drive. Today Escaleras has hundreds of tropical mountain retreats including those in the gated community of Costa Verde Estates, 20 minutes further drive up the Escaleras road beyond Selva Escondida. Escaleras has “set the market” with multi-million dollar villas including the Jade House and Casa Big Sur both located across the road from Selva Escondida and dozens of other stunning villas dot the hillsides.