Tárcoles Bridge 2026: Delays on the road to Manuel Antonio

Find out how the work on the Tárcoles Bridge affects the road to Manuel Antonio in 2026. Tips to avoid delays and stress-free travel in Costa Rica.

Update on How to get to Manuel Antonio if the bridge over the Tárcoles is closed?

If you are planning to travel from San José to Manuel Antonio, Quepos or any destination in the Central Pacific, it is essential that you take into account a key situation that is impacting travel times in 2026: the rehabilitation works of the Tárcoles Bridge.

This point, known worldwide as the famous “Crocodile Bridge”, is not only a unique tourist attraction in Costa Rica, but also an essential artery for any adventure to the Pacific. Today, that same bridge has become a bottleneck that can test the patience of even the most relaxed traveler.

🌴 The Tárcoles Bridge: a must on the road to Manuel Antonio

Located on Route 34 (Costanera Sur), the Tárcoles Bridge connects the Central Valley with iconic destinations such as Jacó, Herradura, Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Uvita. In reality, there is no practical alternative route that avoids this crossing without adding many hours of driving. [mag506.com]

This means that whether you rent a car, take a shuttle or travel with a tour operator, your route to Manuel Antonio will most likely include this key point.

In addition to its road importance, the bridge is famous for offering direct views of huge American crocodiles in the Tárcoles River, making it one of the most visited free attractions in the country. [mag506.com]

🚧 Why are there delays in the Tárcoles Bridge in 2026?

The bridge is undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation process promoted by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) and CONAVI, as part of the PROERI program. [mopt.go.cr]

This project, with an investment of over $6.7 million, seeks to guarantee the structural safety of an infrastructure that had shown signs of significant wear and tear after years of intensive use. [mopt.go.cr]

Among the most recent interventions is the installation of expansion joints, essential elements that allow the bridge to adapt to changes in temperature and vehicular load without suffering structural damage. [mopt.go.cr]

As of May 2026, the project is approximately 88% complete, which indicates that it is in its final phase, although it still generates significant impacts on traffic. [observador.cr]

📅 Key dates and times of the Tárcoles Bridge in May 2026

During this period, the bridge operates with a one-lane regulated crossing, which means that traffic flows in one direction only at controlled intervals:

• From Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8
• From Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 15
• Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Weekends: normal traffic with two lanes enabled [mopt.go.cr].

This means that, during the week, traffic may be temporarily stopped while making way for vehicles in the opposite direction.

⏱️ How long does it take to get to Manuel Antonio with traffic in Tárcoles?

Under normal conditions, the trip from San José to Manuel Antonio can take between 3 and 3.5 hours. However, during bridge work, delays can be significant.

• Alternate passage system can generate long waits in both directions
• During peak hours, delays can add up to 1 or 2 additional hours [ticotimes.net].
• In earlier phases of the project, trips have even doubled depending on traffic flow [sjoshuttle.com].

Particularly problematic are:

• Friday afternoon (departure to the beach)
• Sunday afternoon (return to San José)
• Holidays and long weekends

⚠️ Other traffic spots on Route 34 to Manuel Antonio

In addition to the situation at the Tárcoles Bridge, there are other works on Route 34 that may affect your trip.

One of the most relevant points is kilometer 27 between Tárcoles and Herradura, where slope stabilization works continue with regulated traffic during the day. [ticotimes.net]

This means that you could face several waiting points on a single trip to Manuel Antonio.

🐊 Is it possible to see crocodiles on the Tárcoles Bridge?

Normally, stopping at the bridge to watch crocodiles is almost a tourist tradition. However, during this phase of construction:

• The bridge functions as an active work zone
• It is recommended not to stop at the bridge
• The priority is the safety of workers and drivers [sjoshuttle.com].

Although it is an iconic experience, during this period it is best enjoyed another time.

✅ Tips to avoid traffic on the way to Manuel Antonio

If you are planning to visit Manuel Antonio or the Central Pacific during these dates, here are some key recommendations:

⏰ Leave in plenty of time.

Plan your departure with extra margin, especially if you have important flights, tours or reservations.

📱 Check traffic in real time

Use apps such as Waze or Google Maps before heading out to assess updated conditions.

🌅 Avoid rush hour

Traveling early in the morning is usually the best option to avoid the biggest dams.

🚫 Avoid tight itineraries

Do not schedule important activities right after your arrival.

🧭 Stayinformed.o

Conditions may change depending on the progress of the works or unforeseen situations.

🌊 Manuel Antonio is worth a visit (even if there is traffic).

Despite these temporary inconveniences, Manuel Antonio remains one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular destinations. From its white sand beaches to its abundant wildlife, it is a place that perfectly combines adventure and relaxation.

And the good news is that these works are temporary… but the benefits will be long term, improving the safety and fluidity of one of the most important routes in the country.

✈️ The best way to avoid traffic on the Tárcoles Bridge

If you don’t want the traffic on the Tárcoles Bridge to affect your experience, there are smarter options to make the most of your time.

At Epic Adventures Costa Rica, we recommend you to consider alternatives such as:

• ✈️ Direct domestic flight to Quepos (Manuel Antonio): avoid traffic altogether and arrive in less time
• 🚐 Coordinated private transportation with optimized schedules
• 🎒 Complete planning of your adventure upon arrival

🌟 Book your tours in Manuel Antonio with Epic Adventures

Instead of starting your adventure stuck in traffic, start enjoying it from the very beginning.

👉 At Epic Adventures Costa Rica, we help you design a stress-free experience in Manuel Antonio, including:

• Guided tours in Manuel Antonio National Park 🐒
• Canopy and zipline adventures 🌳
• Excursions to waterfalls and hidden nature 💧
• Mangrove tours and wildlife sightings 🐊

Expert tip: Fly into Quepos and let us take care of the rest. We’ll pick you up, organize your tours and make sure you make the most of every minute in paradise.

🌴 Conclusion on the Tárcoles Bridge and the road to Manuel Antonio

The Tárcoles Bridge is a key point on the road to Manuel Antonio, and during 2026 it will continue to generate delays due to work needed to ensure its safety.

The good news is that, with planning – or by choosing smarter options like flying and leaving the logistics in expert hands – you can avoid stress and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Because in Costa Rica, your time is worth… and the adventure starts from the very first moment.