I'm dropping a friend off on a thursday, but my girlfriend doesn't get in until saturday. Any suggestions for something to do for that time, basically all day on friday, sat. am. Will be heading back out to the Nicoya either sat. or sunday. thanks.--Steve

sounds like you already have a car so you can explore on your own. But need a little more direction on what you are wanting...Are you wanting to see typical tourist stuff (like Poas volcano, zoo, La Paz waterfall) or do you want to wait for your girlfriend for that? Are you wanting something that is more active like a zip-line canopy tour, whitewater rafting, or hiking? Or something less active like soaking at some hot springs?

could consider rafting--how far away from sJ are the rafting trips?

For rafting I would highly recommend rafting the Rio Pacuare it is one of the top places to raft (some say the world). There are 1 day trips from San Jose. I would recommend Rios Tropicales as a tour company (http://www.riostropicales.com/english.htm).

We did their 3 day tour on the Pacuare several years back and loved it. Same tour as the 1 day except that you stop 1/2 way at the rainforest lodge and spend extra days exploring the rainforest.

If you want a full active day that has the Pura Vida experience, I would highly recommend the rafting with this company.

The rafting is awesome. I have rafted the Reventazon once and the Pacuare several times and loved every minute of it. You won't have time for an overnight trip but the one day is still great.

Generally the rafting companies pick up early at several of the hotels in SJ and then return you around 5 pm. There is a stop for breakfast included.

I too thought "what a great excuse to raft the Pacuare!"

I noticed you have another post about hotels to stay at during this time. If you decide to try the rafting - then contact the rafting company and see what hotels they pick up at.

Rios Tropicales picks you up early, feeds you breakfast, takes you rafting, feeds you lunch and then delivers you back to your hotel. It is a full day - but a GREAT day!

thanks. I checked out their website and if I wind up having that spare day, I think I've found my day's experience.--Steve