Native forest lots · Sierra de Ancasti, Catamarca, ArgentinaNature and Silence, where Life finds meaning
Lots of at least 2,000 m² in a native forest sanctuary: a low-density eco-neighborhood with a maximum of 80 lots on nearly 120 hectares.
The sanctuary
A regenerative community in a natural sanctuary
In southeastern Catamarca, where the Yungas cloud forest meets the Chaco mountain forest, Los Cebiles cares for ~119 ha of native forest. We propose a private, very low-density eco-neighborhood, developed in phases, for living immersed in nature: healing the land and letting it heal us.
It is a way of living, building and creating community: with comfort and wellbeing, and with a deep understanding of the environment. Here nature is not just a backdrop: it is part of the experience and of the very essence of the community.
Being ecological means caring for what is there. Being regenerative means leaving the land better than we found it.
Phase 1 · Residential lots
Build your home in the forest
Real estate in service of regeneration.
We offer lots in the native forest. Each family designs and builds its own home, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Choose your lot
At least 2,000 m² in the native forest, never subdivided. Phase 1 will have 35 to 40 lots (final number set by the preliminary design).
Design your home
Your way, to your own taste, following the 50/50 Rule and the neighborhood’s architectural guidelines.
Build with the forest
Local stone and timber and renewable energy, with low impact on the soil and water.
We support you Optional
If you prefer, Los Cebiles will offer advice, design and construction for your home.
The 50/50 Rule: half home, half forest
At least half of every lot is preserved as native forest; the other half is your living area. That way the forest remains the asset everyone shares.
A reference home
This is how we build at Los Cebiles
The founders’ great house, built with local stone and timber, is the example of how to build in harmony with the forest. It remains a private home.
Master plan
A plan that makes room for the forest
Low density, developed in three phases. Every decision starts from protecting the forest, the water and the silence of the place.
Approximate areas on a ~119 ha property; to be refined in the preliminary design.
Residential · 35–40 lots
Lots to build your own eco-built home, with renewable energy and nature-based amenities.
Retreat Center and spa
An Art of Living Retreat Center, Ayurvedic spa and hotel with a vegetarian restaurant, once the neighborhood is established.
Campo Grande · 35–40 lots
A second residential area, up on the Campo Grande. The project caps at a maximum of 80 lots.
Retreat Center · Phase 2
The future Retreat Center will be the first Art of Living retreat center in Argentina.
Shared spaces
Nature is the main amenity
The shared spaces are designed with the forest, and for enjoying it. Today the property offers 3 kilometers of river frontage, its streams, natural pools and trails. River access paths, private vehicle access, a multipurpose hall, the pool, community garden, horses and gym will be added as Phase 1 moves forward.
Governance
A community comes alive when those who live in it also take part in building it.
At Los Cebiles, a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) led by its residents will be the space to share ideas, care for what we have built and decide together the direction of the community and its future.
The forest
A forest full of life
Several streams run through the property among rocks, natural pools and waterfalls hidden in the forest: for swimming, resting in the sun on the rocks or simply listening to the water.
Living at Los Cebiles
Life at the pace of the forest
Slow time
At the pace of the forest, with the comfort of a modern home.
A private neighborhood
A small village of families who know each other, with controlled access.
To live in or come back to
A permanent home, a weekend getaway or a place for personal retreat.
Location
Where to find Los Cebiles
In the Sierra de Ancasti, in southeastern Catamarca: 65 km from the provincial capital and 70 km from its airport. An hour and a half’s drive over the Cuesta del Portezuelo, with views across the whole valley.
Getting there
The road
From the Cuesta del Portezuelo, take Provincial Route 2 south and, at the Tacana turnoff, 15 km of compacted gravel heading east. The rest is well-kept paved road: no 4x4 needed.
The nearest town
Anquincila, 16 km away: primary and secondary schools, police, shops and supplies, and a medical unit.
Altitude and coordinates
1,047–1,106 m above sea level · 28°39′ S, 65°32′ W
Our story
A forest that was preserved and another that came back
The beginnings, in 2005: cooking outdoors and the first canvas shelter.
The purchase
A large part of the property had kept its virgin forest, especially in the steep ravines. Another part had been grazed by cattle for many years.
Fencing the land and removing the cattle
The land was fenced and the cattle were removed. Without grazing, the degraded area began to regenerate naturally.
A forest that came back
The forest in the ravines remained intact and the former grazing land recovered. The land is ready for a small community to care for it.
Founders
Raúl Ortemberg and Ana Patricia Rodríguez
Since 2005 they have cared for the property together and led its conservation and regeneration. Under their care, a forest that had been grazed grew back.
They have been Art of Living meditation instructors for 20 years (a foundation created in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and present in 182 countries), meditators and environmentalists, and entrepreneurs with professional experience and businesses in hospitality and tourism.
Raúl is also Honorary Regional Director of the Art of Living for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Our advisors
Professionals who support the development of Los Cebiles.
- Miguel E. OrtembergArchitect
- Adelma Inés MessoreArchitect
FAQ
What people ask us most
Any other question? Message us on WhatsApp and we will reply personally.
Can I buy a lot now?
Phase 1 lots can already be reserved. Formal sales begin once the technical studies and the preliminary design are complete. Send your application in Apply and we will explain how to join, as a Founding Partner or as an owner.
What are the lots like?
They are at least 2,000 m² in the native forest and are never subdivided. Phase 1 will have 35 to 40 lots, and the whole project a maximum of 80.
What is the 50/50 Rule?
At least half of every lot is preserved as native forest and the other half is the owner’s living area. It protects the forest, the asset everyone shares.
Can I design my own home?
Yes. Each family or owner designs and builds their home to their own measure, following the lot’s 50/50 Rule, with low-impact materials and energy, and with certain building guidelines that will keep the spirit and identity of Los Cebiles.
Can you help me build my home?
Yes. Los Cebiles will offer optional advice, design and construction for your home. It has a team of architects, engineers, advisors and experts who can guide you through everything you need for your comfort: natural building, solar energy, water recycling and more.
Is the property’s paperwork in order?
Yes: the property has all its titles up to date and in order.
How do I get there?
Catamarca airport is 70 km away (1 h 30 min). There are 1 h 45 min flights from Buenos Aires to Catamarca; Tucumán is 3 h 30 min by road and Córdoba 5 h. The last 15 km are compacted gravel and no 4x4 is needed.
What is nearby?
Anquincila, the nearest town, is 16 km away: primary and secondary schools, police, shops and supplies, and a medical unit. Icaño, 48 km away (about 50 minutes): hardware stores and supply shops. San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, 65 km away: supermarkets and everything a provincial capital offers.
What is there to see in the area?
There is plenty to explore near Los Cebiles:
Ipizca dam and lake. A few kilometres away, a lake among the mountains, set in a gorge of the sierra at about 1,000 m. Spend the day or paddle a kayak.
Aguada rock art. A few kilometres away are the caves of La Candelaria and La Tunita, with paintings over a thousand years old: jaguars, shamans and warriors painted on the rock. They are among the most important rock art sites in northwestern Argentina.
The top of the Portezuelo. On the way to Los Cebiles, at the top of the Cuesta del Portezuelo, an inn with spectacular views over the whole central valley of Catamarca, regional cooking and condors soaring over the sierra.
Walks, trekking and hiking. Across the Sierra de Ancasti, right from your doorstep: trails for every level, through ravines, streams and hills.
Anquincila craft fair. In Anquincila, the nearest town, 16 km away.
Is there internet?
Yes. Starlink works perfectly.
What about security?
The project will have controlled access.
Who looks after the sanctuary?
A Guardians Committee, in charge of caring for the sanctuary, promoting educational and outreach activities, and advising and training on the natural environment.
Can I visit Los Cebiles?
Yes. Send your application in Apply and we will arrange to walk it together: the streams, the ravines, the forest and the Phase 1 area.
Apply
Apply to become part of Los Cebiles
Los Cebiles is a small community: at most 80 families on nearly 120 hectares of native forest. That is why we read every application personally.
Reserve a lot
For those who want to build their home in Phase 1. Lots can already be reserved; formal sales begin once the technical studies and the preliminary design are complete.
Become a Founding Partner
For those who want to join the development of Phase 1 from the very beginning. Leave us your email and phone number and we will send you the information.
It’s not about buying a piece of land, but about joining in caring for it.
What happens next
You send your application
We read it personally.
We get in touch
By email, phone or WhatsApp.
We walk it together
The streams, the ravines, the forest and the Phase 1 area.