I recently was lucky enough to go to Costa Rica. It was a great trip and not to sound like a representative of the Costa Rican tourism board too much, but if you get the chance, I'd recommend it. Just be prepared for crazy drivers and bad roads. Everything else is great.
The photography opportunities are excellent as there are volcanos, mountains, ocean and plenty of diverse wildlife. All of this is pretty accessible as they have several national parks, biological preserves, and wildlife refuges....ok...now I really probably am sounding like I work for the tourism board....sorry....it was a great trip.
Most of the pictures were taken near Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Manuel Antonio National Park or Carara National Park.
If interested, there is now a set in Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kayaker...7629354601548/
I've already posted a few photos in different threads, but here are a few of my favorites from the trip:
From a bar/restuarant at Villa Caletas near Jaco. Used a 3 stop reverse ND filter
Small-4267 by kayaker72, on Flickr
I am still working on which bird this is. Taken in Carara National Park
Small-4057 by kayaker72, on Flickr
King Fisher in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Small-2339 by kayaker72, on Flickr
Scarlet Macaw in flight near Carara National Park
Small-3857 by kayaker72, on Flickr
On a hike near Arenal Volcano:
Small-2025 by kayaker72, on Flickr
Thanks for viewing....Brant