Frequently asked questions
General
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The ARK is a contemporary regenerative village offering a healthier alternative to modern living.
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The ARK is situated in the town of Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, on a sprawling 80-hectare (198-acre) property with two entrances. One entrance leads to Santa Teresa beach, while the other leads to San Isidro village and beyond to Cobano, the central town of the province.
Located at an elevation of 197 meters above sea level, The ARK is 1.6 km away from the beach.
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The ARK offers a range of land sizes for residents to choose from, ranging from 5,000 m2 (1.2 acres) to almost 10,000 m2 (2.5 acres).
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We envision a new kind of village where residents can live comfortably and sustainably in harmony with nature. To support this vision, we have developed a wide range of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of our community.
Our sports center will be one of the highlights, offering facilities for tennis, volleyball, 25-meter swimming pool, ice baths, sweat lodge and many more. We currently have a Shala for any classes, events and gatherings.
For families with children, we are creating fun and safe playground where kids can play and make new friends.
We understand the importance of having access to fresh, organic produce. That's why we have planned an organic market where residents can purchase a variety of products for daily use. Our 6-hectare sintropic farm is also available to promote sustainable and organic agriculture.
Finally, we take the security of our residents seriously, which is why we have 24/7 security services to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in our community.
At the same time, we see The ARK as a living organism, promoting circular economy and co-creation, therefore we understand that the project is going to be evolving and more amenities will be appearing to cater to all types of residents and visitors
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The ARK will have its own school inside of the project. This school will be based on Montessori education principles and will be open for everyone.
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Thanks to the latest infrastructure developments, The ARK is easily accessible by any type of car. At the same time, we recommend using 4x4 vehicles to fully explore and enjoy the Santa Teresa area and Costa Rica in general.
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The ARK was conceived as a visionary project to create a sustainable, regenerative living model, addressing the need for a healthier, more connected way of life. Inspired by the challenges of the pandemic, it embodies a desire for greater autonomy, freedom, and independence from external circumstances. It also aims to prove that real estate developments can positively impact nature by transforming a depleted and deforested piece of land in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, into a thriving, vibrant community that harmonizes with nature.
The journey began with the acquisition of 80 hectares of land, strategically located 1.63 km from the beach and elevated at 197 meters above sea level, offering stunning views and a lush environment. Marat, the founder, envisioned a place where residents could live in harmony with nature while enjoying the comforts of modern life and fostering a strong sense of community through co-creation and shared success.
Guided by a commitment to regeneration, health, autonomy, and community, The ARK quickly gained momentum, attracting like-minded individuals who believed in its core values and vision. Early supporters, known as the Founding Members, played a crucial role in bringing the project to life.
Key milestones in The ARK's history include the establishment of a permaculture farm, which serves as the heart of the project, providing organic food and medicinal herbs.
Today, The ARK stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites with a shared vision of a regenerative, healthy, and connected lifestyle.
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Internet is available through Starlink, a satellite internet which is official in Costa Rica and provides a perfect connectivity for all sorts of users.
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While there is no specific limit on the number of residents who can live at The ARK, there are a total of 88 residential lots available for purchase.
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Yes, residents are allowed to bring their own pets. And, for the sake of the good sleep, we are asking residents not to keep roosters. Costa Rican roosters tend to start screaming at 2AM, so, we believe, you get us.
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Yes. You can rent homes directly through The ARK website here. Many potential residents stay for a month to experience daily life before committing.
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No. The ARK is entirely self-funded. There are no external investors expecting a return, which allows the project to maintain full integrity and reinvest all profits into the community.
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The ARK consists of individually titled lots (currently 93), meaning buyers receive full legal title in their name. These lots exist within a larger private property called Finca Madre. Certain parts of Finca Madre will never be sold, maintaining private ownership. Each lot includes registered servidumbres (legal access rights) to ensure access, even in extreme scenarios.
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Yes. Each lot has two legally registered servidumbres that guarantee access via two separate entrances, regardless of what happens to the broader Finca Madre.
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No. The ARK built its own independent water infrastructure, later donated to the local government. It is not connected to the national power grid either, ensuring full autonomy.
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Yes. The plan is to pave all roads up to the beach. Three key segments are already being worked on, in coordination with neighbors and local fundraising efforts.
About building and housing
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You can purchase:
- An already existing property
- An individual lot (just for yourself or shared with someone)
- A house predesigned by The ARK
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While residents are free to build their own homes, there are some limitations on the size and number of structures that can be built on each lot. Specifically, 10% of the land can be used for residential structures, and an additional 15% can be used for other structures.
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The ARK offers a range of land sizes for residents to choose from, ranging from 5,000 m2 (1.2 acres) to almost 10,000 m2 (2.5 acres).
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To purchase land at The ARK, you can book a call using this link , during which we will explain you the project, answer to all your questions and invite you to come see us in person.
We don't sell land online, in-person meeting is a must to advance with your purchase.
After your visit, during which you will choose the land, we will offer you to fill in the Purchase Offer, which will be the base of our contract.
After acceptance of the Purchase offer, both sides will have 14 days to perform due diligence and sign the contract.
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As one of the largest projects in the area, we understand our responsibility in shaping the development of Santa Teresa. Therefore, we strictly enforce construction density regulations. Additionally, since The ARK is a unified project, we encourage our residents to adhere to the same architectural guidelines to maintain a consistent visual style. We highly recommend working with our architectural team to ensure that your individual project is in compliance with all rules and regulations, resulting in a unique and outstanding architectural design.
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Yes. You can start with a small house or even a shipping container as temporary housing. This is actually recommended so you can spend time on your land, build a connection with it, and better understand how it behaves (sunrise/sunset, wind, etc.).
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Yes, but they must be well-finished so they don’t look like shipping containers from the outside. You can use wood, bamboo, or polished cement for cladding. These are great options for temporary or pre-guest houses.
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Absolutely. Many people choose to build a small guest house first, live in it while they plan the main house, and later rent it out for passive income.
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You could potentially move in within a month after purchase.
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You can build up to 10% of the land for residential use and an additional 15% for support structures like garages, yoga shalas, or greenhouses. For example, on a 5,000 m² lot, you can build up to 500 m² (5,400 sq ft) of residential structures.
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300 m² (approximately 3,300 sq ft). If you want to build more than that, you’ll need to divide the space across multiple structures.
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Yes. Some ready-made homes are available for sale here, and there will also be pre-sale homes, where residents don’t need to manage construction.
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Yes. While Costa Rican law requires 5,000 m² minimum for titled land, The ARK enables shared ownership by forming a Costa Rican company that holds the title. Co-owners then hold shares and divide usage rights via a legal agreement.
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The ballpark is:
• $1,200 per m² (~$120 per ft²) for basic construction
• $2,000 per m² (~$220 per ft²) for fully integrated construction (permits, design, systems, etc.)
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Yes. The ARK offers an Owner Representation service which guides residents through every step — from architecture, engineering, permitting, to actual construction. They also help validate pricing and ensure you’re not overcharged.
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Yes. Residents are encouraged to start with a smaller home or even a temporary container home (~$30,000) to live on their land and connect with it before building a larger house.
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No. The ARK only allows regenerative development. Residents are encouraged to restore the land, not deforest it. You are free to design your space, but cutting jungle is not allowed.
About costs and financing
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Yes. The ARK offers in-house financing with 40% down and 12 monthly payments at 0% interest. You can also apply for a bank loan with BAC (a leading Costa Rican bank), offering up to 60% financing for up to 30 years with an interest rate around 8%.
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Around $30,000 for a well-finished container home.
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Prices start at $320,000, depending on the phase of the project.
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Yes. Profits from real estate sales, property management, the farm, school, events, and future businesses are shared as follows:
• 25% to the Costa Rican family that originally owned the land.
• 31% shared among all residents who own lots.
• 43% shared with active residents and the core team.
About rentals and property management
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Yes, but to be part of The ARK’s profit-sharing model, you must use The ARK’s official property management services. It's important to note that you will also receive a share of the profits from this company, which includes property management services.
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To ensure coherence and harmony in the village, The ARK wants to control who comes, maintain house rules (e.g., no parties, silence after 10 PM), and avoid the chaos often seen in places like Tulum.
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• Architecture and cost control
• Construction supervision
• Maintenance and administration
• Rental and marketing services
• Legal and tax support
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• Studio: from $150/night
• 2-bedroom: $250–$350/night
• Luxury 5-bedroom: up to $3,000/night
Rates vary based on season. Low season (Sept–Oct) sees a price drop of 30–40%, but The ARK offsets this with retreats and events to maintain occupancy.
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No, The ARK is not a condominium, and there are no HOA fees. Instead, residents pay a maintenance fee of $130/month per lot, which covers road maintenance and 24/7 security.
About the land and environment
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“Regenerative development” is an approach to urban and community planning that emphasizes the restoration and renewal of the natural environment, while also creating vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities.
This approach is grounded in the principles of regenerative design, which focus on creating sustainable and resilient systems that can adapt and evolve over time.
At The ARK, regenerative development means designing a residential community that is in harmony with the natural environment and promotes the health and well-being of both residents and the surrounding ecosystem. This includes incorporating sustainable practices and technologies, such as renewable energy systems, organic farming, and water conservation. Additionally, we focus on designing homes and buildings that minimize their impact on the environment and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Through regenerative development, we seek to create a living environment that is sustainable, resilient, and equitable, while also providing residents with a high quality of life and a deep connection to nature.
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Both options exist. Some lots are surrounded by lush jungle, while others are more open for those wanting to reforest or customize their landscape.
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• May–September: Rains 2–3 times a week, usually at night.
• September–October: More intense rain and tropical storms, but days are still mostly sunny.
• December–May: Dry season with very little rain.
Overall, you can expect early sun, afternoon clouds, and nighttime rain.
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Yes. The ARK is fully solar-powered. Each lot includes a solar panel system providing 2000 kWh/month, enough for two families, plus a 24-hour battery backup.
About community
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The ARK is a diverse community that welcomes people from all over the world and of all ages. However, it's important to note that Santa Teresa is an adventure lifestyle destination, and as such, life at The ARK is best suited for those who love an active lifestyle and are comfortable being surrounded by nature.
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“Regenerative development” is an approach to urban and community planning that emphasizes the restoration and renewal of the natural environment, while also creating vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities.
This approach is grounded in the principles of regenerative design, which focus on creating sustainable and resilient systems that can adapt and evolve over time.
At The ARK, regenerative development means designing a residential community that is in harmony with the natural environment and promotes the health and well-being of both residents and the surrounding ecosystem. This includes incorporating sustainable practices and technologies, such as renewable energy systems, organic farming, and water conservation. Additionally, we focus on designing homes and buildings that minimize their impact on the environment and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Through regenerative development, we seek to create a living environment that is sustainable, resilient, and equitable, while also providing residents with a high quality of life and a deep connection to nature.
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The ARK is a unique project that we refer to as an "open-gated" community. This means that it is accessible and open to visitors at any time, while still maintaining certain restrictions to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of its residents.
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No. All participation is optional. You can be a passive resident (just own a lot and receive your share of profits) or an active resident (contribute time, skills, or leadership and earn more).
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Yes, we offers a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors to get involved in community events, activities and/or farming work. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about community events, you can contact us at info@theark.world