CUIDAD NYA

NYA Costa Rica

Or Ciudad Nya, is the flagship development of John Scheman, real estate developer and CEO of Grupo Do It, whose three decades of experience in Costa Rica have helped reshape the Guanacaste region.

Located just one mile from the Guanacaste International Airport and three miles from Liberia, this visionary, 900-hectare (2,240-acre) master-planned city is designed around the globally recognized “15-minute city” concept – where housing, work, education, recreation, and essential services are all accessible within a short walk or bike ride.

Status

In Process

Location

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Project Type

Mix Use

Surface Area

900 Hectares

Overview

The project has received a regional decree of public interest from four regional municipalities – Liberia, Bagaces, Cañas, and Carrillo – as well as the Federation of Municipalities of Guanacaste. In addition, it carries a national decree of public interest endorsement from the President of Costa Rica. Approved by SETENA, the development’s estimated construction approval stands at a remarkable $1.2 billion.

Founder John Scheman’s most ambitious project to date, Nya Costa Rica is a culmination of decades of hands-on experience, strategic vision, and a deep respect for Costa Rica’s natural and cultural heritage. As the lead developer, John has overseen every phase of Ciudad Nya – from strategic land acquisition and environmental studies to infrastructure design and investor engagement. His vision: to build a bold blueprint for not just a city, but for future-oriented urban planning – an integrated ecosystem of opportunity rooted in innovation, community infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.

Infrastructure & Amenities

-01-

Mixed-use zoning for residential and commercial development

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364 condominiums as part of the first residential phase

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An expansive Free Trade Zone (FTZ) on 205 acres (83 hectares)

-04-

Several Crystal Lagoons®, including the first in Central America

-05-

A solar energy field for residential, utility, and commercial use

-06-

A rock quarry, concrete plant, and asphalt plant to support local construction

-07-

2.5 kilometers of roads, roundabouts, and essential utilities

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Five deep well water concessions

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Fiber optic connectivity across the site

Amenities also include natural attractions such as a canyon, waterfalls, a river, biking and walking trails, and the preservation of 2,500-year-old petroglyphs, reflecting the site’s deep cultural and ecological significance.

Built for Impact

Ciudad Nya reflects John Scheman’s broader development philosophy – large-scale vision paired with real-world execution. The project includes plans for affordable housing, employment through the Free Trade Zone, and integrated community infrastructure that promotes both economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.

With its scale, innovation, and social purpose, Nya Costa Rica represents a new model for regional development – one that harmonizes modern infrastructure with Costa Rica’s ecological integrity and long-term prosperity.