Why You Cannot Legally Own Property in Cocles?

The answer lies in protected indigenous land rights.

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Punta Uva Realty

Cocles Beach, Caribbean Coast

Cocles Beach is one of the most beautiful and vibrant spots on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. With its surf, cafés, and lively vibe, it’s a favorite among tourists and those looking to invest. However, nearly all of Cocles — and part of Chiquita Beach — lies within the Keköldi Indigenous Reserve, land legally recognized as belonging to the Bribri people.
The Bribri are one of Costa Rica’s most respected indigenous groups, with deep spiritual and cultural ties to the land. In 2023 and 2024, Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court confirmed that the official boundaries of the Keköldi Reserve must return to those originally established in 1977, reaffirming the rights of the Bribri community.

Punta Uva Realty

Legal Status

Costa Rica’s Indigenous Law No. 6172 establishes that indigenous reserve lands are the collective property of native communities. They cannot be sold, rented, or transferred to non-indigenous individuals. Keköldi and the neighboring Talamanca Bribri Territory are two officially recognized areas where the Bribri people preserve their traditions and legal rights to the land. The Constitutional Court of Costa Rica continues to uphold these protections.

Any transaction involving non-indigenous buyers is considered illegal and not valid under the law. Despite this, some listings still appear online. We do not offer properties in Cocles and strongly advise against pursuing any of these offers, as such transactions have no legal standing.

Important: These deals are not recognized by Costa Rican law. Purchasing here means you cannot legally hold title or enforce your rights. Respecting the Bribri territory is part of honoring Costa Rica’s cultural and legal heritage.

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