The Monkey Trail, also known as Route 911, stretches between Playas del Coco and Potrero along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. This rugged shortcut offers a direct connection for travelers heading between Liberia Airport and popular destinations like RIU Guanacaste, Las Catalinas, and the beaches of Potrero. While the conventional route follows the paved highway around the mountains, the Monkey Trail cuts through them, potentially saving 30-40 minutes of driving time.
What makes the Monkey Trail distinctive is its river crossing, particularly during green season when water levels rise. The main crossing near Nuevo Colón becomes a decision point for many drivers, who must judge whether their vehicle can handle the current conditions. During dry season (December through April), almost any vehicle can navigate the crossing, but rainy season transforms this simple stream into a challenging obstacle that may require 4×4 capability.
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About Route 911 and the Monkey Trail
Route 911 runs through the mountainous interior of Guanacaste, passing through the towns of Artola and Nuevo Colón before continuing south. While the entire road is designated as Route 911, only the southern portion from Nuevo Colón to Potrero is known as the “Monkey Trail.” This distinction is important for travelers, as the northern section of Route 911 is generally better maintained than the more challenging Monkey Trail section.
The Monkey Trail earned its nickname from the wildlife often spotted along this rugged stretch, particularly howler monkeys in the trees overhead. This 8-kilometer section connects Nuevo Colón with Potrero and the southern beaches, creating a shortcut that bypasses the longer coastal route. The trail is mostly paved, with sections that range from well-graded gravel to challenging rocky patches and notable river crossings.
Location and Connections
Route 911 begins near Sardinal and connects to the main road leading to Playas del Coco. From Liberia International Airport, you’ll drive approximately 25 minutes toward Sardinal before finding the turnoff for Route 911. There’s a prominent corner store right at the corner, where you can grab some essentials for the trip. The road passes through Artola before reaching Nuevo Colón, where the Monkey Trail portion begins. This rugged section then continues south until emerging near Potrero, providing access to beaches like Flamingo, Las Catalinas, and Playa Danta.
The small town of Nuevo Colón serves as the primary landmark and transition point where the regular Route 911 becomes the Monkey Trail. This town marks where the road becomes more challenging and sits near the main river crossing. For travelers staying at RIU Guanacaste, a separate access road branches off from Route 911. You’ll basically stay straight on the paved road in Nuevo Colón, rather than turning left towards the river crossing.
If the river is too deep you can try The Congo Trail, a paid alternative route that bypasses the main river crossing on the Monkey Trail, offers an emergency option during extremely high water conditions. Most navigation apps recognize Route 911, though they often don’t account for seasonal conditions or distinguish between the northern section and the more challenging Monkey Trail portion.
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Why Take This Route
The primary reason travelers choose the Monkey Trail portion of Route 911 is to save time when traveling between Playas del Coco and the southern beaches near Potrero or Las Catalinas. The conventional route would require following the coastal highway all the way around, adding an extra 30-40 minutes of driving. During peak tourist season when coastal traffic increases, the time savings can be even greater.
Route 911 also provides essential access to several popular destinations. The northern section connects to RIU Guanacaste and Diamante Adventure Park, while the southern Monkey Trail section creates a direct link to Las Catalinas and Potrero. This interior route allows visitors to easily explore a wider range of beaches and activities without lengthy detours around the peninsula.
For adventure seekers, traversing the Monkey Trail portion of Route 911 offers a more rugged Costa Rican experience than the main highways. You’ll see local life unfolding in small towns, pass cattle ranches and family farms, and potentially spot wildlife including monkeys, coatimundis, and tropical birds. In the video of this destination linked below, I saw a cowboy riding casually through Nuevo Colón – pretty cool!. The elevated sections will provide stunning viewpoints over the Pacific coastline, making the journey itself part of your adventure in Costa Rica.
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Driving the Monkey Trail
Navigating the Monkey Trail requires different approaches depending on when you visit. The road conditions change dramatically between seasons, and river crossings that barely wet your tires in March might require serious consideration in September. I’ve driven this route dozens of times in different vehicles, and the experience is never quite the same twice.
Most of the northern section of Route 911 stays in decent condition year-round, with some mostly paved sections with some patchy asphalt stretches. Once you reach Nuevo Colón and turn onto the Monkey Trail proper, things get more interesting. The route becomes narrower, bumpier, and includes two river crossings that serve as the main decision points for many drivers.
Map of Guanacaste area, showing the route between Playas del Coco & Potrero. The Liberia Airport is shown for reference.
River Crossings & Conditions
The main river crossing sits just past Nuevo Colón at the start of the Monkey Trail. During dry season, this crossing typically has just a few inches of water flowing over a solid rock bottom. Most days, you’ll see all types of vehicles crossing without difficulty – from motorcycles and sedans to buses and delivery trucks. The river bed has been reinforced and leveled at the crossing point, making it more manageable than it appears.
During my visits, I’ve noticed drivers often take clever routes through the crossing. They’ll stick to the shallowest parts or follow tire tracks from previous vehicles. If you’re unsure, simply pull over and watch a few vehicles cross first – you’ll quickly learn the best path.
The second crossing is smaller and rarely poses problems except after heavy storms. Both crossings have bypass routes that locals use when water levels rise too high. If the water looks deeper than about 12 inches, and you’re not in a high-clearance 4×4, consider taking the alternative Congo Trail route or the longer coastal highway.
Dry vs Rainy Season
Dry season (December through April) transforms the Monkey Trail into a dusty but relatively easy drive. The river crossings typically shrink to minor water features, and even small cars can manage the journey with careful driving. The main complaint during this period is the dust – vehicles ahead of you will kick up clouds that can reduce visibility, so keep your distance and consider closing your windows.
Rainy season changes everything. From May through November, particularly in September and October, afternoon downpours can temporarily raise river levels by several feet. The road develops washouts and ruts that require more careful navigation. After heavy rain, the crossing points can become impassable for several hours before receding to manageable levels.
I’ve seen the main river crossing at waist height during particularly wet periods. What’s interesting is how quickly conditions can change – a river that’s too deep to cross in the evening might be perfectly manageable by the following morning. If you’re staying nearby and the crossing looks too challenging, simply wait a few hours and check again.
Two vehicles crossing the primary river area of the Monkey Trail. It’s dry season, so there’s not much water.
Vehicle Requirements
During dry season, almost any vehicle can handle the Monkey Trail. There’s no rental car in the fleet that won’t be able to manage the small crossing. The key is careful driving – take it slow over rocky patches and approach river crossings with caution.
Rainy season raises the bar significantly. During this season I strongly recommend a vehicle with higher clearance and ideally 4×4 capability. SUVs and pickup trucks handle the conditions much better than standard cars. If you’ve rented a small vehicle and find yourself needing to use the Monkey Trail during rainy season, consider taking the longer coastal route instead.
Motorcycle riders face special considerations. The trail is popular with dirt bikes and dual-sports, but street bikes need to be careful with the rocky sections and water crossings. As shown in the video, I’ve crossed on a street bike by carefully picking my line through the river, but sometimes it’s safer to turn off the engine and walk the bike through to prevent water damage to your exhaust system.
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Destinations Along Route 911
Route 911 and the Monkey Trail serve as key connectors to some of Guanacaste’s most popular beach destinations. Rather than isolated points, this route links several distinct coastal areas, each with its own character. Understanding how these spots connect can help you maximize your time exploring the region, whether you’re on a day trip or moving between hotels.
The area surrounding Route 911 has seen significant development in recent years, with new resorts, residential communities, and attractions appearing along its length. There’s a new development called Zapotal, which has a golf course and very high end development. Despite this growth, the road itself has maintained much of its rural character, creating an interesting contrast between luxury destinations and an authentic country landscape.
RIU Guanacaste Access
RIU Guanacaste resort is at the beach of Playa Matapalo, a beautiful but often overlooked beach on the Papagayo peninsula. To reach the resort from Liberia Airport, most transportation services will take Route 911 through Sardinal and Artola before turning onto the resort access road near Nuevo Colón.
The turnoff to RIU is well-marked and located before you reach the main river crossing of the Monkey Trail. This means that resort guests rarely encounter the more challenging sections of road, as the resort access remains on the better maintained portion of Route 911. The resort road itself is paved and winds through dry tropical forest before reaching the property gates.
For guests staying at RIU who want to explore nearby beaches like Playas del Coco (about 15 minutes north) or Las Catalinas (about 25 minutes south), Route 911 provides convenient access to both. This central location makes RIU Guanacaste a good base for exploring multiple beaches while enjoying the all-inclusive resort.
Las Catalinas & Potrero
The southern end of the Monkey Trail emerges into Potrero, a small beach town with a growing expat community. From here, it’s just a short drive to Las Catalinas, an upscale planned community known for its Mediterranean inspired architecture, car free downtown, and excellent mountain biking trails. Taking the Monkey Trail from Playas del Coco to Las Catalinas cuts driving time nearly in half compared to the coastal route.
Las Catalinas sits on a hillside overlooking Playa Danta and Playa Dantita, two of the area’s most incredible beaches. These beaches have excellent swimming conditions and tend to be less crowded than more accessible beaches in the region. The controlled development around these beaches has preserved much of their natural beauty, making them worth the journey via the Monkey Trail.
Potrero itself offers a more laid-back beach experience with several small hotels, restaurants, and a long stretch of gray sand beach with calm waters. The area has fewer tourists than Playas del Coco but still provides essential services for travelers. I’ve found some great local restaurants in Potrero where the seafood is fresh and prices are reasonable compared to more developed beach towns.
Connection to Playas del Coco
Playas del Coco, one of Guanacaste’s most developed beach towns, is near the northern end of Route 911. This busy town has the widest range of amenities in the area, including supermarkets, banks, medical services, and a variety of restaurants and nightlife options. For travelers exploring the more remote beaches to the south, Coco serves as the main supply point and service center.
The drive from Coco to Potrero via the Monkey Trail takes about 35-40 minutes in dry season, compared to 60-75 minutes if you follow the coastal highway. This makes it practical to base yourself in either location while making day trips to explore the other. Many visitors to RIU Guanacaste also make evening trips to Coco for dinner or entertainment, using Route 911 as their access road.
For divers and snorkelers, Playas del Coco is a great departure point for trips to the best underwater sites in the region. Using the Monkey Trail connection, visitors staying in southern areas like Las Catalinas or Potrero can easily reach morning boat departures without having to change accommodations. Similarly, visitors based in Coco can easily explore the beaches to the south without a lengthy drive around the peninsula.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monkey Trail safe to drive?
The Monkey Trail is generally safe to drive, though road conditions vary by season. During dry season (December-April), most vehicles can handle it without issue. In rainy season, it becomes more challenging and potentially hazardous after heavy rainfall. The biggest safety concerns are the river crossings when water levels are high and occasional blind corners where you might encounter oncoming traffic.
How long does it take to drive the Monkey Trail?
The complete drive from Playas del Coco to Potrero via the Monkey Trail typically takes 35-40 minutes in dry season with good conditions. During rainy season or after storms, allow 45-60 minutes as you’ll need to navigate more carefully. The specific Route 911 section from Sardinal to Nuevo Colón takes about 15 minutes, while the Monkey Trail portion from Nuevo Colón to Potrero takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Will I see monkeys on the Monkey Trail?
While the trail is named for the monkeys that inhabit the surrounding forest, sightings aren’t guaranteed. Your best chance of spotting howler monkeys is in the early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active. Listen for their distinctive calls, which can sound like roaring and often reveal their location in the trees along the route. Coatimundis, tropical birds, and occasionally sloths can also be seen along the trail.
Can I take a rental car on the Monkey Trail?
Most rental cars can handle the Monkey Trail during dry season without problems. However, many rental agreements in Costa Rica have restrictions about driving on unpaved roads or through water. Check your rental agreement carefully, as damage occurring on unpaved roads might not be covered by insurance. If renting during rainy season, consider requesting an SUV or 4×4 vehicle if you plan to use this route.
What should I do if the river is too high to cross?
If you arrive at the river crossing and the water appears too deep (generally over 12 inches for standard cars), don’t attempt to cross. You have several options: take the paid Congo Trail bypass route, backtrack and use the longer coastal highway, or simply wait a few hours for the water level to recede. After heavy rain, water levels typically drop significantly within 4-6 hours as long as the rain has stopped.
Is there cellular service along the Monkey Trail?
Cellular coverage along Route 911 and the Monkey Trail is spotty but improving. The northern section near Sardinal and Artola typically has good coverage, while the Monkey Trail section through the hills has several dead zones. Don’t count on having consistent signal for navigation – download offline maps before your journey if you’re relying on your phone for directions.
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