I wouldn't waste my time in San Jose...road to Poas and La Paz waterfalls is gorgeous, but I think quake wiped it out. Hire a cab (we did a 1/2 day for about $40USD) and went to the top of Irazu volcano. Drive there up the countryside and then up the mountain is stunning. We also stopped at Cartago (former capital) and visited a gorgeous church and walked around in the cool crisp air. Alajuela is also a nice little town and very close to SJO airport.