Costa Rica

It has been an ambition of mine to visit Costa Rica to photograph humming birds. What I would like to know is when is it the best time to visit? I know it gets busy with tourists some times of the year, well, are there any 'quiet' times? I do not like large groups of people, the weather would not be a major distraction so long as its not hurricane season. Would appreciate any advice.

429 views and still no advice, come on people help me out eh!!

I certainly can't help, but probably like many saw the topic and thought, 'ah, let's see a part of the world not given much exposure'.
Can you edit the topic? I don't think so.
Anyway, hopefully some will throw there comments in.

Love Costa Rica. Hurricanes really are an oddity in region - very seldom has the region been hit. We usually go in July - its one of its "low" seasons. Winter from what I learned down there is the peak season - people getting out of the cold. The weather doesn't vary much... particularly in areas like San Jose. My favorite area is Tamerendo - though not suer that is the areas where your birds are. When planning your drives, just plan on extra time. Most main roads are quite good, side roads can be varied - and not one is in a hurry. Have a great time.... if you can't come back with pictures from CR, I am not sure anywhere will work for ya. Its a great place.

I lived in Costa Rica from September to December in college and did not see much in the way of crowds at any point during that time. Costa Rica is an incredible country; I can't wait to get back!

Spent a couple of weeks in Costa Rica this summer. We were there in July, the "official" start of the rainy season. Apparently most tourists come there after the rainy season is over (Nov-Dec) so we saw relatively few tourists.

We did see a few rain showers but nothing too bad. Keep a raincoat with you at all times or an umbrella. Hurricanes do not typically make landfall there.,. Maybe once in 7-10 years.

Costa Rica is incredibly beautiful once you get out of the cities. Plan a trip to Monteverde if you want to get photos of birds. They have a huge variety of them, not just hummers. You should be able to see toucans and parrots and macaws and if you are super lucky maybe even a quetzal.

Another place we visited was Volcan Miravalles and stayed at a place called Colinas de Miravalles. This place is off the grid since apparently it not on any tourist map. we were there for three days and the only people we rubbed shoulders with were the locals. Here as well there were a lot of different birds.

Tamarindo is a beach town. And if you do go there you should get some incredible shots of pelicans. Walk on the beach in the mornings and they will be fishing there a few meters off the shore.

Another place to visit would be the Tortuguero National park. Most of the park is water, so the "safari" tours are on kayaks and motor boats. And the forests are there are packed with toucans, anhingas, flamingoes, jacanas.

All the best planning the trip. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there.

kayl and Rhodyphotos, thank you very much for your replies.

I'd be sure to bring lots of memory cards and change them out promptly. I personally didn't have any issues with theft or robbery while there, but acquaintances did. Just like in most places, it generally boils down to being situationally aware and staying to places you should be. Don't let this warning scare you off; I wouldn't hesitate to bring my wife and kids (9,7,3) on a vacation there. Insurance would be a good idea anyways to protect against accidental water damage in addition to theft. State Farm has good personal articles policy rates if you're so inclined. I haven't had to make a camera claim yet though.