Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 Apr 2025
Reply rate
92.0 %
Usually responds within 12 days
Feedback
32
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Join us in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, for a special renovation project!
Hello Workawayers!
We are a German-Costa Rican family running a small, cozy hostel in the heart of Tortuguero. In May and June 2025, we’ll be giving our hostel some much-needed love and renovations, and we’re looking for enthusiastic helpers to join us during this time.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful project, get creative, and help us transform our little place into something even more welcoming for our guests. Tasks may include painting, small construction projects, furniture refurbishing, general repairs, cooking meals for all other helpers during this time.
Here’s what we’re offering:
- A warm, family-like atmosphere.
- Simple but comfortable accommodation.
- meals
- The chance to experience the beautiful Tortuguero area, surrounded by lush nature, wildlife, and the charm of local life.
We kindly ask you to apply **only if you are available in May and June 2025** and genuinely enjoy renovation tasks. If you have specific skills (carpentry, painting, etc.), that’s a big plus, but most importantly, we’re looking for positive and motivated people who are ready to help!
We’re excited to welcome you to our little corner of paradise and work together on this exciting project. 🌿✨
Apply now, and let’s create something amazing together!
Regardless of our renovation project, I am also open to female support who would like to live in our private home and provide tutoring to my children, as well as help me with cooking and other tasks. We will provide a bed in our mixed dorm room, the food and you will be integrated into our daily life at home.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are happy to know new people from other countries
Help
If you have a special ability or talent that you can bring to our hostel, then we look forward to hearing from you.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
Private room
All meals provided
What else ...
We are located in the center of Tortuguero. Tortuguero is a small spit of Land and only accesible by boat or small plane. Right at the entrance of the national park.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 913916456672
Feedback (17)
4 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ifa) for host
It was an amazing experience to stay at the Cabinas, in this beautiful area. I had such a good time painting a mural and help with reception. I had plenty of time to enjoy the place, relax, hike, see many animals and exchange with the guests. The staff is helpful and really nice. The owner was not there at this time but we would talk via whatsapp… read more
11 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Joseba & Ainhoa) for host
Nehla nos confirmó el workaway con meses de antelación y siempre estuvo atenta a nuestras preguntas. Incluso nos dejó retrasar la fecha de comienzo del voluntariado. El trabajo de Ainhoa ha consistido en pintar un mural en una de las paredes y el de Joseba en arreglar el jardín. Nehla ha estado atenta en todo momento y nos ha facilitado las… read more
12 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Celina) for host
Firstly, Tortuguero is an absolute dream to visit. This place is unreal and so unique, you have to experience it yourself. I was so happy that I could discover it for two weeks while staying at the Cabinas. Communication was very easy, even though the owner was at that time in Europe - I could contact her anytime and we discussed my work over… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.8)
4 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ifa) for host
It was an amazing experience to stay at the Cabinas, in this beautiful area. I had such a good time painting a mural and help with reception. I had plenty of time to enjoy the place, relax, hike, see many animals and exchange with the guests. The staff is helpful and really nice. The owner was not there at this time but we would talk via whatsapp… read more
11 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Joseba & Ainhoa) for host
Nehla nos confirmó el workaway con meses de antelación y siempre estuvo atenta a nuestras preguntas. Incluso nos dejó retrasar la fecha de comienzo del voluntariado. El trabajo de Ainhoa ha consistido en pintar un mural en una de las paredes y el de Joseba en arreglar el jardín. Nehla ha estado atenta en todo momento y nos ha facilitado las… read more
12 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Celina) for host
Firstly, Tortuguero is an absolute dream to visit. This place is unreal and so unique, you have to experience it yourself. I was so happy that I could discover it for two weeks while staying at the Cabinas. Communication was very easy, even though the owner was at that time in Europe - I could contact her anytime and we discussed my work over… read more
19 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Heinke) for host
I stayed 3 weeks here...it was a great experience...nhele is a lovely and generous person...I loved the communication with her...the whole staff made me feel home.
my job was to build sitting furniture (bancas) out of old beds,I also did some drawing at walls.i felt fully integrated in the hostel...I can. highly recommend it. I will come back ;)
my job was to build sitting furniture (bancas) out of old beds,I also did some drawing at walls.i felt fully integrated in the hostel...I can. highly recommend it. I will come back ;)
23 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Heinke)
Heinke stayed with us for 3 weeks. Soon she became a part of the team. She is a open mindet, lovely person with a lot of skills. She worked independently and built pretty benches out of old beds, painted walls and signs and was always there to help where it was needed. She is also an impressive photographer. And we all quickly developed a… read more
(Excellent)
7 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Carla)
Carla stayed 3 weeks with us. She is a heartwarming, friendly person. Carla made new Keychain for the guest rooms, she painted our locker in the Dorm with beautiful mandala. She has grown very dear to us with her kind nature.
It was nice to have her with us.
It was nice to have her with us.
(Excellent)
19 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Dominik)
Ilona and Dominik are a open mindet, easy going and really friendly couple. They stayed 2 weeks at my guest house. They have done a great job for us. For example, they built a beautiful wooden bench, they painted our bunk beds and for our kitten Nati they built a little cat house. They have always worked independently and effectively. We can… read more
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dominik) for host
We stayed 2 weeks at this incredible place and we loved it! The atmosphere here is really special and we absolutely enjoyed our time! It's perfect to relax and to dive into the jungle vibes as the national park is super close! You will be welcomed by Jossette and Ivannia who make you feel like home straight after arrival. The whole team is always… read more
9 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host
This was my first work exchange through workaway & I am grateful that it was such a wonderful experience! The owner, Nehle was in Germany but made sure to communicate with me about everything I needed to know before I arrived in Tortuguero. Once I got there, she continued to be in contact with me through whatsapp and facetime which I really… read more
8 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amanda)
Amanda is a very sympathetic person. She became soon part of the team. Some Team members shed many tears, when she left. Amanda is a creative and talented young woman. If you get the chance to host Amanda, you should!!! She is a very good artist. She painted our wall with such a beautiful piece of art. We absolutely love it. And this Wall will… read more
(Excellent)
28 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Alexa) for host
I spent 3 weeks in September 22 at Nehle's lovely place in Tortuguero. The town is super small, one main path, no cars, but national park to both ends. Its pretty cute, I really enjoyed being forced to do nothing but reading and beeing at the beach so know that when coming to Tortuguero. I had my own room and work was flexibel, it was when… read more
15 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexa)
Alexa is a open mindet and friendly jung woman. She was happy to help us with everything we needet. She painted our new Doors, and did a lot of art Work in the Hostel. It was such a great time with Alexa ❣️
*thank you for staying with us lovely Alexa*
*thank you for staying with us lovely Alexa*
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Manon)
Camille and Manon are amazing jung women. They stayed 2 Weeks at our Guesthouse and helped us a lot, as we had a difficult time of staff shortage. They ran the front desk like they never did anything else. Always friendly and respectful. We enjoyed the time with Camille and Manon a lot.
(Excellent)
17 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Azélie & Lilian)
Azélie and Lilian are a lovely young couple. They worked with us for 3 weeks at the reception and they did a great job. They learned everything really fast and they were very well organized and respectful. It was a pleasure for us to host them and we can strongly recomend them to other hosts.
We wish you all the best guys :)
We wish you all the best guys :)
(Excellent)
14 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Azélie & Lilian) for host
We stayed 3 weeks here and worked most of the time at the reception. It was a little challenging at first given that we didn't have any experience but it allowed us to get a very enriching and interesting work opportunity. We could exchange with people from all over the world and this is what we prefered !
The two employees that were here during… read more
The two employees that were here during… read more
7 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Louisa) for host
Our stay here was great! We had a fun time doing renovation and painting work at the place and we also had the possibility to get creative and bring in our own ideas. Nele and everyone else were very kind and the communication was without problems. We also had a good opportunity to practice some Spanish. The nature in Tortuguero and the tours… read more
15 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Louisa)
Lou and Esra stayed 3 weeks with us. They are easy going and were really patient with some chaotic circumstances, as they stayed in the period of renovating the hostel. They did a lot of painting work, helped with building, did some great art work and helped at the front desk. Also Lou made professional Fotos of our Place and helped a lot with… read more
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lena) for host
My time at was amazing! I can fully recommend this job. She and her team are so lovely and supportive. I am so grateful for all the opportunities, experiences and that it feels like I have a second family now I beautiful Tortuguero!
Much love and Pura Vida and I hope to see you again soon
Much love and Pura Vida and I hope to see you again soon
23 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
Lena is a amazing and open mindet Person. She became soon Part of our Family. She did a really good Job at our Hostel, she was so creativ and pro active! I can recommend Lena as a Workawayer for 100%!
Lena it was a wonderful time with you.
Lena it was a wonderful time with you.
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabine & Willi)
Sabine and Willi are incredibly lovely and heartwarming people.
We had a wonderfull time with them. They were a great help for us and we really enjoyed spending time with them.
When they left my kids shed many tears. We highly recomend this wonderful couple to other hosts.
Hoping to see them soon.
We had a wonderfull time with them. They were a great help for us and we really enjoyed spending time with them.
When they left my kids shed many tears. We highly recomend this wonderful couple to other hosts.
Hoping to see them soon.
(Excellent)
17 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Chloé & Quentin) for host
Thank you to Nehle and her lovely family for everything! We had a great time with them, they shared everything and were really kind.
Good luck with your projects!
Good luck with your projects!
7 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Geena & Michelle) for host
This was a beautiful place to stay. Joss (the manager) is so wonderful to work with. Very patient in explaining everything and so friendly. The garden around the hostel is lovely and you can watch the hummingbirds and butterfly's as they fly through. The three dogs are a joy to be around. They followed us everywhere we went while we were at the… read more
28 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
What can I say.. Thanks for everything! Nehle and her family are really lovely people. There guesthouse is nice and relaxed, a place where you just want to stay. Tortuguero is a beautiful village and the nature is amazing over there. Nehle was really helpful in every question I had. Her husband Berny showed me the nationalpark in canoa. Loved to… read more
19 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Christian & Theresa)
Theresa & Christian are lovely, easy going and respectful people. And they are great artists. They were always so motivated and helped us with everything needed.
Theresa and Christian painted our hotel doors, and they look fantastic. Thank you soooo much for everything <3
We highly recomend them to other hosts.
Theresa and Christian painted our hotel doors, and they look fantastic. Thank you soooo much for everything <3
We highly recomend them to other hosts.
(Excellent)
17 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Christian & Theresa) for host
We had a wondeful time staying there with Tom&Hollie, Nehle and the whole family! Everybody was really kind and caring. We enjoyed working a lot (we did some paintings, laundry and helped with breakfast) and Nehles place is just wonderful. And of course, Tortuguero is a beautiful place as well. We would totally recommend it!! Thanks for everything… read more
13 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniela)
Daniela is enthusiastic, astute, responsible, motivated and full of common sense and energy. She has fantastic initiative and a can-do attitude. Daniela would be a great addition to any workaway project. Equally importantly Daniela is also an absolute pleasure to be around, she is friendly, easy-going, interesting and thoughtful.
Daniela was… read more
Daniela was… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia )
Julia and Dani did a great job at our hostel. They are very respectful and open mindet people. We had so much fun together. Thank you guys for all your energy and the creative ideas, thanks for your work. Julia and Dani made much more, than a Volunteer has to do... They created the Logo, produced a video and a website, worked in the office and did… read more
(Excellent)
3 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Julia ) for host
We were about a month in this volunteering.
Nehle and his family are beautiful. His daughter Leni is beautiful, fun, friendly and cheerful, and we fell in love with her.
It was very enjoyable work to be done, and she gave us a lot flexibility and freedom to create new things.
Nehle has a great inner strength, is a very positive and cheerful… read more
Nehle and his family are beautiful. His daughter Leni is beautiful, fun, friendly and cheerful, and we fell in love with her.
It was very enjoyable work to be done, and she gave us a lot flexibility and freedom to create new things.
Nehle has a great inner strength, is a very positive and cheerful… read more
9 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Hollie & THomas )
Hollie and Thomas are amazing people. They spent more than 1 month as volunteers in my hostel. They´ve been from the beginning to the end very motivated and worked much more, than they had to. I could trust them to 100% and they had run the hostel alone, when I had to leave the island. Everything was perfect, they are really hard and good… read more
(Excellent)
16 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Hollie & THomas ) for host
Nehle is such a great host and fantastic person to work with. We felt like part of the family with Nehle and her beautiful daughter Leni and of course the fun pets. In fact, we changed our travel plans to stay one week longer than planned. We worked hard, helping with guest check-in and booking tours, breakfasts, laundry, DIY and artwork. It was… read more
10 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Erik & Iraida) for host
Lovely people and an great environment!
We had a very good experience of living the "Pura vida". Of course we had to do our work, but it was in a nice way. If you work good, Nehle and Herchell give you a lot in return. For us it was the perfect exchange. Besides that, Tortuguero is an amazing place on earth with beautiful nature and wildlife. We… read more
We had a very good experience of living the "Pura vida". Of course we had to do our work, but it was in a nice way. If you work good, Nehle and Herchell give you a lot in return. For us it was the perfect exchange. Besides that, Tortuguero is an amazing place on earth with beautiful nature and wildlife. We… read more
18 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Erik & Iraida)
Ida and Erik are wonderful people. They are open mindet, easy going, really respectful and hard workers. I will definitely recomend them to other hosts...
You can not find better workawayers than Ida and Erik!!!!
You can not find better workawayers than Ida and Erik!!!!
(Excellent)
