www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Well after La Paz ... Wanted to ask what other day trips people could recommed ... Im sure Ive heard the places but would like recommedations

Those who are here I have a big van and could hook up and drive if you wish

Check out this link. Might give you some ideas. http://www.costaricatours.cc/san_jose_one_day_tours.htm

Hola HS,

If you have a favorita with a youngster, a great trip is to "ZOO AVE", the largest private zoo in Costa Rica. If you're into zoos, it's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in fresh air. Animals are well cared for and none of the typical zoo smells. The chicas love it and love the fact that you are willing to share her with her N*no/N*na and the rewards will be ample

_________________
69 isn't just a number, it's a way of life

A drive to Orosi valley , around the lake and back thru Paradaiso (spelling) is a nice drive with a lunch along the way. There are many trout farm places where you can get a fresh trout for lunch.

Or you can drive up the cerro del murte pass which is over 11000 ft and come back. Great scenery.

There is also a waterfall on poas volcano.

I like the drive and town of Puriscal.

That park in the mountains on the way to Limon has a chairlift which people like alot.

Even the basilica in Cartargo is interesting. With the holy water, all the offerings and La Negreta. The august pilgrmage is in her honor.

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head.

I agree with this drive Zman...very pretty! But, Handy...the way you drive and talk...BE CAREFUL! This road and mountain is not named for The Dead for nothing! Many Fatalities...you think the road to the beach is bad...you ain't seen nothing!

Driving with Handy is an experience you should have once. He talks, talks talks...but like a good canadian, must talk while looking at you, not the road!

_________________
A Costa Rica Toast:
Here's to Looking like Movie Stars, Partying like Rock Stars and phucking like PORN STARS!

I agree with the others. Since you have your own vehicle. Scenic drives may be the best way to go. The day tours are great for those who have no other way of getting around (besides buses) and even pretty good for those that don't mind leaving the rental idle, but they can get kinda pricey. If you have your own van and you go for a drive all you have to pay for is gas.

A couple of minor corrections:
1) The town near the Orosi valley is PARAISO. If you go by there be sure to stop in to explore Lankester Gardens.
2) The Cerro Del Muerte stretch of the PAH can be very dangerous once the fog rolls in (usually later in the day) but it doesn't get its name from any fatalities (though I'm sure those occur there as elsewhere in CR). The name comes from early settlers who died from exposure while crossing that pass long BEFORE there was ever a road. I haven't driven with Handy but I think Papi's advice of driving carefully up there is a good one for everyone to follow.
3) The "chair lift" is the Aerial Tram (http://www.rainforestrams.com) just on the other side of Braulio Carrillo Park that others have referred to. If you drive there yourself be sure you've reserved a tour ahead of time.