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The Monkey Trail is one of those classic Costa Rican roads. Officially Highway 911, this well-known backroad shortcut connects Liberia to Playa Flamingo and neighboring beach areas via the town of Potrero. For travelers looking to avoid the longer paved route through Route 155, the Monkey Trail offers a scenic, adventurous alternative. Keep in mind that this is not an official highway. It’s a mix of paved and dirt roads, river crossings, and steep sections that change drastically depending on the season.
While the Monkey Trail can shave significant time off your drive, it’s not for every vehicle or every driver. Road conditions vary based on the time of year, so knowing what to expect before attempting this route is key. This guide will cover the different options on navigating this road throughout the year. Let’s go!
From Liberia to Potrero
Our Experience
The first time we drove the Monkey Trail, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. It was 9 PM, raining, and our windshield wipers were barely functional—not exactly the ideal conditions for an unpaved backroad in Costa Rica. We hadn’t planned ahead, and our navigation app decided to reroute us that way to save 10 minutes. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable shortcut.
What followed was a white-knuckle drive through pitch-black conditions, dodging potholes we could barely see and trying not to slide on the wet, muddy sections of the road. The visibility was terrible, and every time we flipped on the high beams, the glare from the rain on the windshield made it even harder to see. Adding to the fun, this was during the rainy season, when river crossings can be a real issue.
Luckily for us, the riverbed was low that night, and we were able to cross without any trouble. Had there been more water, we would have been completely stuck, turning what was already a stressful drive into a full-blown disaster.
While we made it safely, we wouldn’t recommend this situation to most travelers, especially families, first-time visitors, or anyone not completely confident in their night time driving skills. The Monkey Trail can be a great shortcut in the right conditions, but it’s not the place to take chances at night or in heavy rain. If we could do it over, we’d check the conditions, plan ahead, and, most importantly, take the longer, paved route when driving after dark. Lesson learned!
The Two Seasons
Costa Rica’s seasons dictate the condition of the Monkey Trail, and understanding the differences can save you from getting stuck or damaging your rental car.
Dry Season (December – April)
- The road is dry, dusty, and generally in good condition.
- Most high-clearance vehicles (like an SUV) can handle the road.
- River crossings through water are minimal or nonexistent, making this the easiest time to take the route.
Green Season (May – November)
- Heavy rains can wash out sections of the road, creating large potholes and deep mud.
- River crossings can become impassable, especially after major storms.
- A 4×4 (or all-wheel drive) vehicle is required, and even then, certain parts may not be safe to drive.
Not a bad cross. Stick to the right!
Vehicles
Before taking the Monkey Trail, make sure you have the right vehicle for the journey. We recommend renting from Adobe Rental Car, as they offer reliable SUVs and 4x4s, plus full insurance coverage for unpaved roads. Use the booking widget below to access an exclusive discount for our readers.
For more tips on car rentals in Costa Rica, check out our Guide To Renting A Car in Costa Rica.
Do You Need a 4×4?
Your choice of vehicle may determine whether you can successfully drive the Monkey Trail or if you’ll end up turning around halfway.
- Dry Season: A high-clearance vehicle (like an SUV) is recommended. Smaller cars may struggle on rough patches, but they can make it.
- Rainy Season: A 4×4 is mandatory due to the mud, water crossings, and steep inclines. Low-clearance vehicles should avoid this route.
- General Recommendation: Renting an SUV or 4×4 ensures you won’t run into problems, no matter the season.
If you’re not sure whether your rental can handle the Monkey Trail, it’s better to play it safe and take the longer paved route.
Using The Private Bridge
During the rainy season, the Congo Canopy Tour bridge is often the only way to safely complete the route when the river is too high to cross. The bridge is usually open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM (in the green season) and costs 5,000 colones for a round-trip pass. They accept both cash and credit cards. We were told it’s cash-only from 6am-8am, but we have paid with our credit card many times at 6am without issue.
If you plan to take the Monkey Trail during the wet season, this bridge is your safest bet. We recommend messaging the Congo Canopy Tour company ahead of your trip to double check the official bridge times.
The Congo Canopy Bridge
Tips For The Monkey Trail
Even if you have the right vehicle, driving in Costa Rica comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few tips to make your journey smoother.
- Check real-time conditions: Ask locals, your rental car company, or check Waze/Google Maps for recent road updates. That being said, don’t follow navigation apps blindly, as they usually don’t consider the weather when providing route options.
- Drive during daylight: Potholes, river crossings, and lack of signage make nighttime driving risky.
- Download offline maps: Cell signal is unreliable in rural areas throughout Costa Rica, so offline maps can be helpful. We also always carry a wireless charger like this.
- Expect the unexpected: Public busses, speeding vehicles, and wildlife are common obstacles. Don’t speed down the road even if you’re being followed closely.
- Have a backup plan: If conditions look bad, take the paved route instead.
Don’t Want To Drive?
For those who don’t want to rent a car and drive themselves, we recommend booking a shuttle with GoBrianTours if you’re in the northern Guanacaste region. Our friends and family have used them multiple times with 100% success. Let them know you found them on Ultimate Pura Vida!
Let’s go!
If you’re feeling up for the adventure, the Monkey Trail can be a fun and efficient shortcut between Liberia and Playas del Coco, and the lower beach areas like Playa Flamingo. However, during the rainy season, it requires extra caution, and using the Congo Canopy Tour bridge may be necessary.
For those driving small rental cars or unfamiliar with off-road conditions, the paved route through Route 21 is the safer option. Regardless of the season, always check road conditions before heading out, and if in doubt, take the longer but safer path. Happy driving, and enjoy the adventure!
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