House
$530,000
Cabuya is the smallest and most off-grid of the priority towns — a tiny village south of Montezuma at the very tip of the peninsula, best known as the gateway to the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve and for its unique offshore cemetery on Cabuya Island, accessible on foot at low tide.
The vibe is unfiltered Costa Rica: dirt roads, scattered homes set deep in the jungle, a handful of vegetarian restaurants and bakeries, and the constant soundtrack of howler monkeys. There is no commercial centre to speak of — most residents drive 10 minutes to Montezuma for groceries and restaurants — and that is precisely the point. Buyers come to Cabuya for privacy, nature, and prices that are a fraction of what comparable land costs on the Pacific coast.
The market is small and primarily land-driven: ocean-view and jungle lots between $80k and $400k still appear regularly. Built homes are often owner-designed eco builds rather than developer product. Cabuya rewards patient buyers willing to do their own due diligence on titles and access.
Where is Cabuya?
Cabuya sits at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, 9 km south of Montezuma at the entrance to the Cabo Blanco reserve.
From San José
Same route as Montezuma, then 15 min further south. Total 5–6 hrs.
From Liberia
~5 hrs.
Nearest airports
- · Tambor (TMU) — 50 min
- · Liberia (LIR) — 5 hrs
- · San José (SJO) — 5.5 hrs
Neighborhoods of Cabuya
Cabuya village
$150k–$500kA handful of homes, sodas, and the school, scattered along the road to Cabo Blanco.
Jungle lots above the road
$80k–$350kOff-grid acreage with partial ocean views, popular with eco-builders.
Coast toward Cabo Blanco
$200k–$1MThe southernmost parcels before the reserve boundary — quiet, dramatic coastline, very limited inventory.
Things to do in Cabuya
Walk to Cabuya Island cemetery
At low tide, walk across the sand bar to the offshore island and its century-old cemetery under massive ficus trees.
Hike Cabo Blanco reserve
The main trailhead is in Cabuya. 4.5 km through primary forest to a remote beach.
Eat at Panaderia Cafe Coyote
Wood-fired sourdough and pastries — a local institution.
Walk or bike to Montezuma
9 km of jungle road north, doable on a beach cruiser.
Spot wildlife
Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, coatis, and toucans all live in the surrounding forest.
Yoga at local retreats
Several small retreats run drop-in classes and multi-day intensives.
Practical information
Cost of living
Monthly (couple)$1,800–$2,800
1BR rent$500–$1,000
2BR rent$800–$1,600
Build / m²$1,300–$2,000
The most affordable of the priority towns. Limited services — many residents drive to Montezuma or Cobano for shopping.
Best time to visit
High season
December–April: dry, sunny.
Green season
May–November: dramatic, lush, very quiet.
Shoulder
May, June, November.
Where to stay
Luxury
Hotel Celaje
Boutique
Cabuya Lodge · El Ancla de Oro
Mid-range
Howler Monkey Hotel
Inventory is tiny — book ahead.
Properties for sale in Cabuya
Avg. $640K
Commercial
$4,693,000
House
$360,000
House
$265,000
Best Deals
$239,000
House
$280,000
Commercial
$289,000
Lot
$230,000
Commercial
$450,000
Commercial
$310,000
Lot
$280,000
Beachfront
$1,000,000
Best Deals
$130,000
Commercial
$480,000
Commercial
$279,000
Lot
$640,000
Commercial
$360,000
Commercial
$1,900,000
Lot
$360,000
Beachfront
$500,000
House
$280,000
Commercial
$170,000
Commercial
$250,000
Commercial
$200,000
Ecological
$600,000
Ecological
$450,000
Near Beach
$530,000
FeaturedCommercial
$1,200,000
Beachfront
$1,500,004
SoldProperty
$450,000
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cabuya cheaper than Montezuma?▾
It's smaller, more remote, has fewer services, and most parcels are off-grid or partially off-grid. Buyers trade convenience for privacy, larger land, and lower prices.
Is there grid power and internet?▾
Power is grid in most of the village but sparse on outlying lots. Many homes have solar backup or are fully off-grid. Kolbi fibre is available in the village; outlying areas use Starlink or wireless ISPs.
Can I really walk to Cabuya Island?▾
Yes — at low tide a sand bar emerges and you can walk to the island and its cemetery in about 15 minutes. Check tide times locally before crossing; the tide comes back fast.
What's the nearest grocery store?▾
Small sodas exist in the village. For a full supermarket, Montezuma is 15 min north and Cobano is 30 min.
Is Cabuya safe?▾
Yes — small village, tight community, very low crime. Standard rural Costa Rica precautions apply.
Is title due diligence different here?▾
More important than in Santa Teresa. Cabuya has more older parcels, some with informal access roads or shared title histories. Always work with an experienced Costa Rican real estate attorney.
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Thinking about Cabuya?
Talk to a local advisor about current listings, off-market opportunities, and what it's really like to live here.
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