Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Jun 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
45
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (4)
Details
Description
Hi, my name is Luis, I'm a local Panamanian hosting Workawayers off and on since 2016. I grew up in Panama city but eventually moved to the countryside looking for a healthier lifestyle in closer proximity to nature. I used to work in tourism, but after the pandemic I switched to working on a small personal project to build small homes surrounded by nature.
I started hosting workawayers when I decided to do something about my ignorance regarding vegetarian diets. I figured what better way to learn than hanging out with vegetarians. Interestingly, by doing this, I inadvertently created a filter to attract proactive caring people. Therefore, after meeting so many kind-hearted people, and the experience being so rewarding, I decided to keep it going with other things besides vegetarian cooking, although more sporadically these days.
When I host workawayers they still help me out taking care of the cooking, but also by providing assistance with the various things I'm usually working on. There are lots of things to do in the property and there is no need to worry about not having prior experience with any of the tasks. I enjoy teaching and passing on knowledge. I'm also patient and understanding. I feel good when I get to provide someone with the opportunity to do something for the first time. If you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, you will do just fine.
To my surprise, most messages I receive are from female solo travelers. I guess it has to do with the vegetarian cooking requirement. It’s either that, or more women travel alone than men. In any case, I welcome all travelers, male and female solo travelers, friends traveling together, and couples. Although at the moment I'm only able to host one person at a time.
I make an effort to provide a safe and comfortable experience to all. I understand traveling in a foreign country comes with safety concerns. I have hosted many travelers over the years, so I’ll be happy to put you in touch with former volunteers if you’d like to hear about their experience directly before you commit. I’m sure they will be happy to help out via whatsapp, instagram, or facebook. I can also make myself available for a video call if you would like to have one.
If we manage to work something out, upon arrival, I’ll give you a personalized tour of the property, and show you around the neighborhood, introduce you to some of the neighbors, and provide you with a list of emergency contacts and local tips to ensure you feel at home and secure from day one. I will also show you all the things you can help me with and we will come up with a plan that works best for both.
My property is mostly nature, but I don't live in the middle of nowhere. My neighborhood is a tight-knit community of friendly people where everybody knows each other and looks after one another. There are other homes around as well as many coffee farms. It is sufficiently away from town for peace and quiet, yet still accessible. Staying here is ideal for those who love being in nature, waking up to the sounds of birds, and enjoying fresh mountain air. The 30-minute walk to town is great exercise while providing great views to the town and the Baru Volcano.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Self development
Culture
Music
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Art & design
Architecture
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Nature
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Interact with a local, learn about Panama's culture, nature, food and coffee. I've also lived in Mexico and Argentina, and traveled extensively in Latin America, North America, and Europe. Over the years I have developed an interest in sociology and cultural psychology. When I was working in tourism I had to be a bit of a cultural translator, and that helped me become aware and understand better many aspects of the Latino culture that I'll be happy to share with you.
Help
The tasks can vary, but most of the time involve the following:
- Vegetarian cooking for only 2 or 3 people, grocery shopping.
- Gardening, planting trees, weeding, watering, trimming, clearing paths, trail maintenance.
- Home maintenance, painting, sanding, organizing.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
You will have your own private room with a door that locks, ensuring you have your own personal space to retreat to. Shared bathroom. Ingredients for meals included.
What else ...
Boquete is one of the top adventure travel destinations in Central America. Temperature is like AC year-round, perfect for hiking in the lush green fairy tale looking cloudforest. There are also small farms everywhere producing high quality coffee.
Most travelers will find it easy to get to Boquete. And once here the town is small and easy to figure out. One important thing to point out is that being a mountain town, there are lots of hills so walking on flat terrain is rare. If you are in good shape and enjoy hiking, you will love it here, if not, then this might not be the right place for you.
There are stores to buy essentials close to the house, otherwise the town center is 30-40 minutes walking with supermarkets, internet cafes, public library, and farmer market where you can find a great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (21)
Luis is a profound and eye-opening conversationalist with whom conversations never run out or get boring, and he is always up for a joke.
In the time I spent in his house, I was in the village a total of 5 times, so this is not a place to come for the social life.
My work… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Luis is a profound and eye-opening conversationalist with whom conversations never run out or get boring, and he is always up for a joke.
In the time I spent in his house, I was in the village a total of 5 times, so this is not a place to come for the social life.
My work… read more
I really enjoyed our inspiring conversations and… read more
Although I could stay only for a few days in his beautiful house, I feel so lucky and thankful being able to have all these mindful conversations, sharing life experience and stories. All these… read more
There are not enough adjectives in my English vocabulary knowledge to describe Luis. Educated, polite, respectful, calm, creative, patient, thoughtful...
He has so many new ideas and likes to share them. You can… read more
I want to confirm every single feedback on his page!
I loved staying at his place. Luis is such a relaxed person. His whole attitude is just so positive and peaceful. He inspires me. I learned a lot from him, not only about panamanian culture but also just watching his lifestyle and behaviour. And thank you, for never getting… read more
What a great place to stay if you love nature!!!!
DANKE Luis for the opportunity and the great time! It was very interesting, I learned a lot, it was a pleasure sharing knowledge, experience and time with you.
Immer wilkommen bei mir in Deutschland! :)
Saludos, Charly!
Luis is one of the kindest and most accommodating people I have ever met. I am so grateful to have shared two weeks with him and his daughter in their beautiful Boquete home.
I enjoyed many enlightening conversations with Luis about the natural world as we exchanged ideas on how to protect the environment. The… read more
I stayed with Luis while I did my Yoga Teacher Training in Boquete. I am more then grateful for everything, from the interesting talks we shared to the beautiful house he has and is more then willing to share with others. I consider myself very lucky to have made a friend like him in a place like Boquete.
This… read more
