Wings:
I have traveled just a bit in both Ecuador and Costa Rica. Both are extra-ordinarily great countries to visit; and both places have a very pleasant climate in the highlands. Neither place has anything like what I would call an insect problem - in fact, I can't remember even
seeing a mosquito in Ecuador, except down in the Amazon. Even there, they were laughably sparse. ("Repellent? You must be joking!")
[Mind you, I'm used to Canada, where - in June at least - the biomass of your average woodlot is about 50% mosquitoes by weight. (Oh, I wish that were funny.) I am convinced that the biting insects and the birds here have signed a non-aggression pact, specifically aimed at keeping people away. But I digress.]
Anyway, as I say, the few mosquitoes that you run into in the lowlands of EC and CR won't bother you in the highlands. Even the mid-elevations places (like Mindo) are relatively free of them.
But back to the question at hand: While I certainly do not have anything against CR as a destination (
quite the opposite!), I suspect that Ecuador is the best choice for you, if your goal is to see a lot of hummingbirds. In fact, I have a specific destination to recommend. Of all the places that I’ve stayed in Ecuador, I think the hotel
Termas de Papallacta (less than a day’s drive east of Quito – on a
mostly good road) has the best combination of birds, convenience, and comfort-level.
While there are really good places (many of them, no doubt, that I don’t even know about) over on the west slope of the Andes, in the ones I’ve stayed at I found the that the trails are very hilly – lots of climbing up-and-down to get anywhere at all.
Termas de Papallacta, on the other hand, has only one nature trail, called “Las Islas”. It's not very wild, and it’s kind of short - but, on the plus side, it’s almost entirely
flat! Only 10-20m. of elevation gain, if that, and this can be real bonus at that elevation. And even though the habitat that this trail runs through is only a bit of stunted forest in the midst of a cattle pasture (see attached) it is absolutely AMAZING for birds.
Our visit was only for two nights, so we only got to walk
Las Islas twice; and this, I very much regretted after the fact (we had booked into
Las Termas almost as an afterthought – the main focus of the trip was elsewhere). Even so, we saw many spectacular life birds on those walks; Great Sapphirewing, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and Shining Sunbeam, just to name the more memorable hummers. And, of course, there’s plenty
aside from hummingbirds - lots of tanagers and (id’able!) tyrants as well.
Oh, and having a good soak in a heated pool at the end of a day of hiking is very pleasant, too. |=)|
Disadvantages – quite high up, so be aware of altitude sickness, and take it easy. Also, it can get surprisingly chilly, even during the day.
Saludos,