Help ex-sailor setting up a jungle hostel in Punta Burica, Panama

Details

• 

  Description

  Welcome to Punta Burica – Jungle Living at the Edge of Panama
  
  Hi there! I’m an expat who’s spent over eight years sailing the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama. After years on the water, I’ve dropped anchor in one of the most remote and untouched parts of the country—Punta Burica, Chiriquí. Here, at the end of the road (literally!), nestled alongside a lush jungle creek, I’m building a small off-grid hostel and eco-project that blends sustainability with raw natural beauty.
  
  If you’re someone who thrives in nature, enjoys hands-on work, and wants to experience a hidden side of Panama few people ever see—this could be the place for you.
  
  The Vision
  
  The long-term goal is to create a rustic but comfortable hostel and community space that caters to surfers, nature lovers, and travelers who want to disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild. The land borders a freshwater creek, home to tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. We're surrounded by dense jungle, with empty surf breaks and rich fishing grounds just a short walk away.
  
  The project is still in its early stages, so there’s lots of opportunity to be part of something from the ground up. We’re using as many natural and recycled materials as possible, keeping things low-impact and in harmony with the environment.
  
  The Work
  
  Right now, we’re focused on gardening and construction, and there’s always a variety of tasks depending on your interests and skill set:
  
  Gardening: planting food crops, managing compost, creating garden beds, mulching, watering, weeding, pruning.
  
  Construction: helping build cabanas, pathways, and communal spaces using wood, bamboo, and other local materials.
  
  Other tasks: trail clearing, maintenance, painting, sanding, and basic landscaping. If you're creative, there's room for small eco-art projects too!
  
  No special experience is necessary, just a willingness to work, learn, and adapt. Of course, if you have carpentry, permaculture, or general building skills—amazing! But beginners with the right attitude are just as welcome.
  
  What You’ll Get
  
  Accommodation: At this stage, it’s simple and rustic—tents or hammocks under cover, with access to basic facilities like a compost toilet and freshwater from the creek. It’s off-grid, so be ready to unplug. We are slowly upgrading as the project evolves.
  
  Meals: We’ll provide basic food staples and usually cook and eat together. If you like to fish or cook, that’s a huge plus. The sea provides, and we often catch our own meals.
  
  Connection to Nature: Wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys, birds, and the rushing creek. Surf the nearby beach breaks, fish off the rocks, or explore the jungle trails. This is truly a place to slow down and live close to the earth.
  
  Cultural Exchange: We’re close to local farming communities and Indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé areas. It’s a great chance to practice your Spanish, share stories, and learn about a way of life that hasn’t changed much in decades.
  
  What You Should Know
  
  Remote Location: Punta Burica is not a tourist area. There’s no nightlife, no big supermarkets, no cell service in some parts. The closest town with amenities is about an hour away, so come prepared.
  
  Weather: It’s hot, humid, and rains often, especially in the wet season (May–November). You'll need good boots, bug repellent, and an open mind when it comes to getting wet and muddy.
  
  Simplicity: Life here is simple and sometimes challenging. But if you can embrace the pace and the rawness of the jungle, it’s deeply rewarding.
  
  What to Bring: Flashlight/headlamp, work gloves, long sleeves for bugs, bathing suit, towel, reusable water bottle, and any tools or seeds you’d like to contribute.
  
  Ideal Volunteers
  
  I’m looking for easygoing, independent travelers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and can enjoy being off the beaten track. This place attracts surfers, nature-lovers, artists, and anyone with a pioneering spirit. You don’t need to be a pro builder or gardener—just curious, respectful, and ready to pitch in.
  
  Couples or friends traveling together are welcome, and solo travelers will find plenty of space to reflect or connect, depending on your mood. Minimum stay is one week, but ideally you'd stay two weeks or more to really get into the rhythm here.
  
  Things to Do in Your Free Time
  
  When you’re not working, you can:
  
  Surf: There's consistent swell and empty beach breaks nearby. Great for intermediate and advanced surfers.
  
  Fish: Shore casting, hand lines, or joining a local fisherman
  
  Hike: Jungle trails and creeks are all around. There’s lots to explore.
  
  Swim: The creek is cool, clean, and perfect for afternoon dips.
  
  Read, write, chill: There’s is starlink, so it’s the perfect spot to disconnect, journal, or reflect.
  
  Final Thoughts
  
  This isn’t a polished resort or glamping retreat—it’s raw, real, and being built with love and sweat from the ground up. If you want a Workaway where you can leave a visible mark, learn useful skills, and trade city life for the jungle, this could be exactly what you're looking for.
  
  We believe in collaboration, creativity, and building something meaningful—slowly, sustainably, and surrounded by good people. Come join the adventure!
  
  Let me know if you'd like this adapted for the Workaway platform's formatting or want to include photos, links, or other additions!

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
• 

  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Music

  

  Plant care

  

  Architecture

  

  Carpentry

  

  Team sports

  

  Nature

  

  Beach

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Adventure sports
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Off the typical traveler route. More community integration. Great local community

• 

  Help

  Doing Shipping container building. Also want to build a gieant hammock across a gorge. As well there are two lots to farm and one to landscape,, so propegate plants and start veggie garden. Building a natural pool in the creek for fresh water bathing.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  In community Bella Vista. Air conditioning private room shared bath/ Off job site

• 

  What else ...

  Here it is a peninsula. So there are beaches in every direction. At low tide at night you can find lobster, there are good size fresh water creeks with waterfalls and pools. Only two other gringos in town so immersion with locals who are friendly and smiling. The vegetable truck comes around twice a week also a backery van with baked goods.

• 

  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.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

Website Safety

Feedback (6)