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(25)

Help at our hostal in Temascalapa, Mexico

Mexico
Last activity : 21 Jan 2025

Profile information

Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Jan 2025
Reply rate
94.7 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
42
Email verified

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Availability

2025

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are a family made up of my mother and father, and I, we really like to make friends, interact, and learn about other cultures. We live in Temascalapa and Naucalpan de Juarez in the State of Mexico on the outskirts of Mexico City. We need help in the daily cleaning of the house, small projects as well and we offer trips to Mexico City, Teotihuacan, the Tolatongo caves, etc. at a very low cost for workaway backpackers.

Somos una familia conformada por mi madre y padre,y yo, nos gusta mucho hacer amistades, relacionarnos, y conocer otras culturas, Vivimos en Temascalapa y en Naucalpan de Juarez en el Estado de Mexico a las orillas de la ciudad de Mexico. Necesitamos ayuda en la limpieza y pequeños proyectos en la casa.
airbnb.com/h/rafamax
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The volunteers who support us will have the opportunity to know the lifestyle in our community and in the free time to know, the museums, the historical center, the pyramids and so many beautiful places that the city of Mexico offers.

los voluntarios que nos apoyen tendran la oportunidad de conocer el estilo de vida en nuestra comunidad y en el tiempo libre poder conocer,los museos, el centro historico, las piramides y tantos bellos lugares que la ciudad de Mexico les ofrece.
Help
Personally, I would like someone to help me with my English and other languages, hopefully Portuguese, French...
be willing to work on small projects around the house and if You know how to install electricity in the house or if you know how to weld, or if you are a carpenter automatically
are welcome as I am building my house. You would only help 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday.

Me gustaria en lo personal que me ayudaran con mi ingles y otros idiomas ojala portugues, frances ..
estar dispuesto a trabajar en pequeños proyectos en la casa y si saben instalar electricidad en la casa automaticamente
son bienvenidos ya que estoy construyendo mi casa. Solo trabajarian 4 horas diarias de lunes a viernes
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
Me gustaría aprender Francés
Accommodation
I offer you accommodation, it can be individual or in a shared room with private bathroom, also Wi-Fi service , I can constantly help with your Spanish. We have a kitchen , fridge and different kitchen supplies. We usually eat all togheter and we offer 2 meals a day
What else ...
Welcome people with a good sense of humor, who like to work and who like to keep the house clean. If there is something dirty, please help us know at the time or on your own initiative to solve it and please do not smoke at home.

Welcome people with a good sense of humor, who like to share and spend pleasant moments, do not smoke in the house,

---

Bienvenidas las personas con buen sentido de humor, a quienes les gusta trabajar y a quienes les guste mantener la casa limpia si hay algo sucio que nos ayude a saber en el momento o por su iniciativa propia lo solucione y por favor no fumen en casa

Bienvenidos las personas con buen sentido del humor, que les guste compartir y pasar ratos agradables, no fumar en la casa,
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
it's okay as long as they stay out of the house
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two

Host ref number: 358648512219

Website Safety

Feedback (25)

25 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host

I spent approximately a month at Rafa's house and the words I can best use to describe my experience were peaceful, tranquil, and relaxing. The nights are cool and quiet, with the sound of crickets chirping, a car driving in the distance, and the occasional dogs barking. It's easy to fall into a routine here and live according to the rhythm of… read more

(Excellent )

9 Feb 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Nina & Pierre)

I am very grateful to Pierre and Nina, they are very hardworking and good people

The tasks I assigned to them they always finished them with enthusiasm and well done. I definitely recommend them and I hope to see them back someday ,wish you the best of luck wherever you go.

(Excellent )

6 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Nina & Pierre) for host

It was our first workaway experience and it couldn't have been better! Rafa is super friendly, helpful and we had a lot of fun with him! His parents stayed in the house for the first three days and they were also very kind. Rafa told us a lot of story's about culture and politics which was really interesting. We helped him with electricity,… read more

(Excellent )

24 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Sidney) for host

Staying with Rafa in Temascalapa was my first Workaway experience. I only had time to stay for a week, and from the get-go, he was very understanding with that time frame despite preferring a longer stay. Although Temascalapa is a little ways away from Mexico City, Rafa came and picked me up from the airport. Throughout my stay, he made traveling… read more

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.9)

25 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host

(Excellent)

9 Feb 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Nina & Pierre)

(Excellent)

6 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Nina & Pierre) for host

(Excellent)

24 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Sidney) for host

(Excellent)

7 Nov 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan)

Tristan is a good hard-working boy and very dedicated to the projects assigned to him, he likes to explore the mountains and is very friendly, I really recommend him.

(Excellent)

24 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Tristan) for host

Rafa was good at telling me how to go from CDMX to his hostel in Temazcalapa.
After arriving I got a comfortable bed had to move after the first day because of guests that were coming. I only had to move once after that I had a bed of my own for my two week stay.
Food is bought together so you gotta talk with Rafa about what you want to pay for… read more

(Excellent)

3 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (William) for host

I had a great stay with Rafa at the hostel. the house is nice and modern, and sits on the outskirts of Temascalapa with beautiful views. Rafa was a great host, always willing to teach about Mexico and Spanish, and can be very funny too. He values work life balance and never makes you work too long or hard, and is very flexible with any travel or… read more

(Excellent)

21 Sep 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Becky)

Becky is very funny, very direct and respectful, apart from being a very good worker. During the time she was here, she helped me sand and paint some wooden furniture. Some furniture took us some time to finish but we left them like new. She was always willing to help in any way she could and I really appreciate that. Good luck and I wish you the… read more

(Excellent)

30 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer (Becky) for host

I had a nice time at Rafa's place, he and his family and very generous hosts and the house is super nice. I also ate very well whilst I was there (his mum cooks very good traditional Mexican food). You will get to practice your Spanish a lot with Rafa and his parents if they are there. I am not sure about now but when I was there in March there… read more

(Excellent)

21 Sep 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Lynn)

Lynn is a very hardworking girl. She helped me a lot in the garden. She worked hard to remove the dry branches from the plants. I like that. She also helped me a lot in cleaning the house. She is undoubtedly a very good volunteer. If you have the opportunity to have her as a volunteer, it is a guarantee that she will help you a lot. Good luck Lynn,

(Excellent)

12 May 2023

Left by Workawayer (Lynn) for host

I had a really good experience staying with rafa. It is a very quiet town and after working there is plenty of time to chill, read or take walks with the adorable sanson. You will be able to experience local life and taste a lot of local food. Sometimes we got food at the market and rafas mother cooked many different delicious mexican meals. Rafas… read more

(Excellent)

21 Sep 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Eleanor)

Eleanor is a very hard-working, respectful and very friendly girl, always attentive in whatever she could help around the house and in the tasks I gave her, she always did it in the best possible way. I wish you the best on your trip and when you want to return you will be very welcome.

(Excellent)

19 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Eleanor) for host

I had a great time at Rafa's! It's a chilled place, the work isn't too hard and you have the afternoons off to explore the beautiful surroundings... He cooks great food and is a very generous host, even took me into the city to show me around and let me stay at his apartment there. Its a real luxury to have your own bedroom at his place, and with… read more

(Excellent)

16 May 2023

Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host

my experience at Rafa's house was excellent I enjoyed it and we laughed a lot a nice person who knows how to listen, understand and give good advice at the right time, a nice person, we made some nice excursions together with Rafa and the other guys where we we were able to get to know and compare different cultures, it was my 2 workaway advice to… read more

(Excellent)

30 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Edward)

Thank you Edward, you helped me a lot with the electrical installation of my house, I would have liked you to spend more time with us.
Edward is one of those volunteers you wish would stay for a long time :) He is a guy with an arsenal of knowledge, down to earth and a big heart.
When you want to return to Termascalapa
You know that this is your… read more

(Excellent)

21 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Edward) for host

Temescalapa is situated north of Mexico City in a cactus forest surrounded by mountains. With several years of living in similar regions in New Mexico and Arizona, it was easy to adapt to the Temascalapa region. Prior to arrival the host, Rafael, had communicated very clearly via email and WhatsApp. He provides clear instructions on using the… read more public transportation system and other available options. I opted to use a Didi for my ride from the airport to Temascalapa. the 1 hour ride was $467 MXN Pesos, or approximately $25 USD, plus another $160 MXN Pesos for the roll road fees. I was very happy to pay the fees considering the express way eliminated about 30-45 minutes from the drive. Upon arrival Rafael met me at the drive way.

I am very happy to have made this one of my volunteer experiences. Rafael is a very humble man and is very respectful of others. He is patient and sees the value in everybody. Rafael and I spent many moments at the Ferretería (hardware) stores finding the proper supplies for each job. We worked primarily on electricity to various rooms in the house. This included light switches, outlets and assorted power necessities. The house is incredible! It has approximately 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, some of which are nearly finished and some that require paint or lighting. The ceramic tile work in the house is amazing, and it is throughout the entire house. Rafael's dad began this project several years ago using a DONKEY and a CART to transport water and supplies for the cement. This is a 2-story house (mansion) and it displays the love and compassion put into every moment.

There is no best part because all of it was beyond completely satisfactory. However, Rafael's mom and dad would visit for a couple days from time-to-time. When they were at the hostel his mom prepared and provided 3 meals a day, fresh, authentic, and the most delicious meals I have had in the several months I have been traveling. She (Isabela) made sopa (soup), pollo (chicken), carne de res (beef), AND made vegetarian food for those requesting specialty diets. I cannot express enough the gratitude for Isabela and Amilillo (dad).

Then there was Luna (Maria Jesus Luna), and absolute amazing woman. She goes by "Luna" because during her University studies in Medicine there were many "Maria's", so her professors called her "Luna" and it has been her name for a long time. Luna is absolutely incredible. She is a very beautiful human with a heart as big as the universe. She is a neighbor of Rafael's and absolutely loves and supports the volunteers. She works very hard everyday in the town and ALWAYS found time to come across town to Rafael's to visit with the volunteers. Luna would walk to the market with us and interpret for those who had limited Spanish (me) and arranged a special 'Temazcal' (Sweat Lodge) where we met the local Shaman (local meaning more than 60 kilometers away). The 'temazcal' was hosted at Dayan's (the name for medicine woman in Latin America) who, with her husband, built a compressed earth block house FULLY SUSTAINABLE. This is MUST SEE experience. Luna didn't ask for anything in return, although we made sure she had money for her family and always included her in the meals - ALL of them. She was always so grateful. She is made of PURE LOVE and it is very evident.

The local inhabitants were always helpful and very patient with us (foreigners) and would engage in conversation. We were treated like royalty, something that is very rare these days, by Rafael's family and the local inhabitants. The authenticity and genuine perspective of this culture is a very refreshing and healing environment on many levels. Remember this is in a desert environment with cacti and desert dwellers such as rodents and snakes (although I never observed any).

If you are seeking a compassionate environment away from the city, LED's, thumping stereos and experience a chill work load (there is boat loads of work, so always something to do), I highly recommend this as an option.

Maria Luna has a personal web page -ask them for the link - to support her "Travel Guide" abilities. I strongly suggest reaching out to her if you are fortunate enough to be selected for this work away. As a previous Work Exchange host for 4+ years, this opportunity will be one to remember for a very long time. In the up coming weeks You can read more about our experience and view additional photographs -ask them for the link

(Excellent)

30 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Jess)

Thank you Jess for everything you helped us. You're really amazing your hard work under the sun didn't seem to bother you it seemed like you really enjoyed it and what to say your way of organizing things was fast and furious ;) I loved that. Remember that my idea is not to have a farm, my house is about to be a hostel and it is far from being a… read more

(Excellent)

20 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jess) for host

I had an incredible Workaway experience with Rafa on his farm in Temascalapa. New to workaway, I was immediately greeted with open arms and a positive attitude. Rafa, his parents, his gorgeous neighbour Luna and his cute dog Sanson all greeted me as part of the family and I felt immediately at home. My daily tasks were diverse; shoveling dirt,… read more

(Excellent)

30 Jan 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Jill)

My experience with Jill was very productive at home, apart from the fact that she is a hard worker who doesn't mind getting her hands dirty, she is very careful in what she does. thanks to her my house looks cleaner. :) thanks Jill for everything. When you want to return you will always be welcome. If you need jill's help you will not regret it, I… read more

(Excellent)

19 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jill) for host

My workaway experience at Rafa's house was super great and I loved every minute of it! I wasn't expecting it to be that good to be honest, but Rafa was from the first minute making me feel home and made sure we were having a good time by showing us around and taking us on excursions! Temascalapa is the Mexican countryside and if you are looking… read more

(Excellent)

14 Dec 2022

Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host

I had an amazing stay at Rafas from the beginning to the ending. The communication was very good. Since I landed in Mexico he gave me advise on getting to his location and so on which made me feel very comfortable and safe in this new world (I was a bit scared of Mexico before travelling there, but when I entered I felt really safe). When arriving… read more

(Excellent)

31 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Noel) for host

I had an amazing experience! This was my first-time solo traveling/my first workaway and Rafa truly made me feel welcomed. I stayed a whole week with Rafa and the various task consisted of taking care of the sheep, helping around the house, doing some carpentry, playing around with the friendly dog Sanson and his novia Penny and, teaching English… read more

(Excellent)

23 May 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Olga)

Thank you Olga for your lovely smile and hard work. You helped me a lot and I am more than grateful. It would be great to see you in the future, I wish you the best of luck on your journey. I would definitely recommend Olga as a volunteer, she is very hardworking, responsible and easy to work with.
-Rafa

(Excellent)

17 May 2022

Left by Workawayer (Olga) for host

Thank you so much, Rafa, for an amazing time at your place. It was really calm and nice experience. I had been helping to paint bathrooms, some gardening, cleaning and washing a lot of dishes hehe. He has super cute dog SanSon who was always happy to see and play with me. Work is very chill and you will have a lot of time for yourself. We had many… read more

(Excellent)

12 Oct 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Emil)

Emil is a lovely guy who is very kind and skilled with web systems. He was always willing to help me around the house and did not shy away from going to the store to buy bread or food, even though he did not speak Spanish. If you have the opportunity to enlist the help of Emil you will not regret it, I definitely recommend him.

(Excellent)

12 Oct 2021

Left by Workawayer (Emil) for host

My two weeks with Rafa were an awesome experience! If you want to get to know the Mexican countryside, this is the place to go! You have a lot of free time to explore the amazing places nearby like Teotihuacan or Mexico City and the tasks are not too much. I took care of the sheep, did some general maintenance work and constructed a website for… read more

(Excellent)

8 Sep 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Magali & Julien)

Thank you Magy, it was a pleasure to have your help and sharing this time with you was always a lot of fun ... and your way of working is admirable, you didn't mind getting wet or dirty in the mud, besides keeping the kitchen and dishes clean. and I would definitely recommend you to any other host who needs your help ... of course. If you want to… read more

(Excellent)

7 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Magali & Julien) for host

At the first Day, raffa maked me feel like at home. He is a really beautiful person. He helped me a lot with the transport for join him to his house and he even cames with me to Mexico city when i leaved. He makes me tried a lot of food, even i am so difficult with food, i discovered a really good new things. I enjoyed a lot with him !
We went to… read more

(Excellent)

12 Aug 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)

Hola Sophie, Me agrada saber que disfrutaste el estar con nosotros ... la verdad me sorprendiste siempre estabas dispuesta ayudarme y mostrabas interes en los pequeños proyectos en los que trabajabamos y lo curioso es que tu mostrabas mas interes en terminarlos que yo mismo...mirando atras veo que me ayudaste bastante y estoy mas que agradecido,… read more

(Excellent)

11 Aug 2021

Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host

I stayed one month at Rafa’s house in Temascalapa and had such a lovely and restful experience. The house is at the edge of a small peaceful town and has a complete view of mountain and fields, I felt at home right away!! The bottom story of the house is still under construction but I can already see the result is going to look beautiful. Rafa is… read more

(Excellent)

19 Dec 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandre)

Thank you Alex, you are an extraordinary human being ... I want to thank you ... you helped me a lot in my house and I am more than grateful. You also won the affection of my parents and believe it or not, we miss you ... take care and if you want to return you know that you will be welcome.
RAFA

(Excellent)

18 Dec 2020

Left by Workawayer (Alexandre) for host

So, first of all I wanna thank you Rafa and your family, your mother Isabel, father Emilio and Sanson, his dog hahaha. They were very attentive and pacient with me. The experience was incredible, the city is very small and calm. Rafa's house is big and beautiful, is under construction. I stayed there one moth and 1 week and I have to say that it… read more

(Excellent)

30 Mar 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Adèle)

Gracias Adele fue un gran placer haberte tenido como voluntaria...Espero que tu estancia con nosotros haya sido una bonita experiencia para ti ... quiero agradecerte por habernos ayudado tanto en casa con la limpieza y en los proyectos que realizamos en las festividades de fin de año siempre mostraste interés y sobretodo siempre mostraste esas… read more

(Excellent)

26 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer (Adèle) for host

He pasado dos semanas en la casa de Rafael. Fue une muy buena experiencia : a pesar de la falta de las clases de inglés, disfruté muchísimo de mi estancia en Naucalpan. Rafael es muy atento y generoso y sus padres adorables (la cocina de Isabel merece la visita). Me integraban en su vida cotidiana : comida con los vecinos, repintar la capilla de… read more

(Excellent)

25 Aug 2017

Left by Workawayer (Christy) for host

I stayed with Rafa for a week in August at his parent's house in Naucalpan. Even though the place is going through some renovation, it is clean and well kept; and the healthy delicious food Rafa prepares is definitely a plus. He is super easy to talk to, always friendly and courteous. We went to the city together twice where he showed me some of… read more

(Excellent)

16 Aug 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Tais)

gracias Tais eres muy gentil me agrado mucho que allas estado por aca tu buena voluntad por querer siempre ayudar me agrado mucho espero sigas disfrutando de esta gran ciudad y cuando quieras volver no lo dudes sabes que te
esperamos esta es tu casa ...suerte en tu viaje y te mando un fuerte abrazo de Luz.
RAFA

(Excellent)

16 Aug 2017

Left by Workawayer (Tais) for host

Rafa was a great host! He made me feel very comfortable and at home. He was cooking delicious meals for me all the time, was of great help regarding transportation and even found me job appointments! Thanks, Rafa!

(Excellent)

6 Mar 2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Mary)

Gracias Mary y te deseo mucha suerte en tu viaje :)

(Excellent)

4 Mar 2014

Left by Workawayer (Mary) for host

I had a great visit with Rafael and his family in Naucalpan. Lodging in their home is comfortable and the food is wonderful. Naucalpan is vibrant, friendly, and safe. I did not teach much English, although the students I did work with were attentive and interested. I had a lot of free time to explore Mexico City. Rafael is kind and very helpful.… read more

(Excellent)

26 Feb 2014

Left by Workawayer (Daisy & Jesenia) for host

We both stayed with them for 2 weeks and although we teached english, we also went to xochimilco with him and to a thermal water water park (Geiser), we met his family and had a nice time together. Thanks :)

(Good)

2 Jan 2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Hélène)

Gracias Helena, eres una persona muy simpática y trabajadora, y fuiste una buena amiga con todos nosotros, te vamos a extrañar :), cuídate mucho y suerte con tu viaje...cuando quieras volver sabes que seras bienvenida.

(Excellent)

30 Dec 2013

Left by Workawayer (Hélène) for host

I staied one month with Rafael and it's was really a nice experience. I gave some english and french lessons to kids of the neighbourhood who are really sympathic and interested to learn. I had a lot of free time that I spendt to discover a but this huge country (Naucalpan, Mexico, Xochimilco, Tetihuacan etc.). Sometimes we did something commun… read more

(Excellent)

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Help at our hostal in Temascalapa, Mexico

Profile information

Host rating

Last replied

Reply rate

Feedback

Email verified

Badges (3)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

Space for parking camper vans

Can possibly accept pets

How many Workawayers can stay?

Feedback (25)

Photos

Feedback