Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Feedback
38
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
My name is Daniel and I am a hostess at the yaras hostel in the Elqui Valley in the IV region of Chile.
The hostel is an 8-room hostel with capacity for 26 people, located 10 km from the city of Vicuña in the famous Elqui Valley, known for its mysticism, its magic sky and positive energy.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
Language practice
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will learn hostel operation, customer service, cooking, and gardening through their help. During their stay they will improve their spanish proficiency as a second language and learn a lot about the chilean and traveler culture.
Help
The hostel now running for 3 years, is a multi-cultural space, any cultural interactions with the guests and locals are always welcome and appreciated. Besides putting our customer service and satisfaction as our number one priority, there are plenty that a volunteer can help with such as:
*️️️Maintain and improve the 200 sq meters garden area
*️️️Assisting guests when needed
*️️️Cleaning the main lobby area and main kitchen
*️️️Reordering and cleaning the rooms after guests have checked out
*️️️Painting murals/wall art around the hostel
*️️️Computer administration and data entry/social media presence
The list above is to give you an idea of what we might need help with, any suggestions of projects (art work, cooking, photography, video, construction, gardening etc..) are always welcome and appreciated!
Languages spoken
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Accommodation
Three meals per day during the length of stay
A single bed in a shared 6 bed dormitory room
What else ...
The region is known for its energy and sunshine. There are over 350 days a year of sunny days. Star gazing is a main attraction in the area. The hostal is located in a small village at 8Km from the small town of Vicuna, yet accessible by public transportation.
Here is a list of all that can be done around the hostel within a 30km range:
*️️️Cervecera guayacan - 2 km away
*️️️River swimming - 1 km away
*️️️ Trekking/Mountaineering of Cerro Nariz - 1km away
*️️️Trek to the heart of the valley to petroglyphs left by the diaguitas - 5km away
*️️️Visit pisquera artesanal "loco Pisquero" - 2.5 km away
*️️️Visit pisco elqui, a town know for pisco, great empanadas, cycling, and horseback riding - 30 km away
*️️️Vicuña (museum, supermarket, bars, church, restaurants, markets) - 8km away
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 25 hours per week
Host ref number: 912226466397
Feedback (20)
5 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Kianna)
Para mi recibir a Kianna y Siara fue una muy linda experiencia, las dos muy respetuosas, muy ordenadas en sus labores y ambas muy simpaticas . Hicieron su trabajo de muy buena forma, recomiendo a las dos sin duda.
Lo mejor de ellas, siempre tienen una bella sonrisa y muy buena disposicion :)
Muchas gracias y mucha suerte chicas, esta es su casa.
Lo mejor de ellas, siempre tienen una bella sonrisa y muy buena disposicion :)
Muchas gracias y mucha suerte chicas, esta es su casa.
(Excellent
)
1 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kianna) for host
I was only able to stay here for a few days but I had a wonderful experience! This hostel is located in the tiny town of La Campana but is easily accessible by bus (about 15min) from Vicuna. It is a comfortable hostel with all the amenities you need, and since it was low season I was lucky enough to stay in a private room with a private bath. As… read more
20 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lena & Diego) for host
When I think back, I don’t think of the hostel as a place were we worked (altough we of course did haha), I think of it as a home. Because that‘s how Daniel and Maria Jesús made us feel. Unfortunately we could only stay for a few days but luckily Diego and my plans changed so we could go back and spend another day with Daniel.
I absolutely… read more
I absolutely… read more
25 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Fue una experiencia maravillosa, digo maravillosa por que mas alla de la ayuda que me dieron tuvimos la oportunidad de conocer a estas personas increibles, Sarah, Lena y Diego.
A pesar de que fueron pocos dias , basto para encariñarnos con ellos y ya estarlos extrañando
A pesar de que fueron pocos dias , basto para encariñarnos con ellos y ya estarlos extrañando
(Excellent
)
19 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
What a great time in this hostel! Daniel and Maria Jesús are so nice hosts and we really liked our volunteering stay there! Regarding our journey we only stayed there for a few days but it was fantastic! Making the beds, cleaning the bathrooms, painting a wall and share some great moments together. They are really helpful and nice and we liked… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
5 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Kianna)
Para mi recibir a Kianna y Siara fue una muy linda experiencia, las dos muy respetuosas, muy ordenadas en sus labores y ambas muy simpaticas . Hicieron su trabajo de muy buena forma, recomiendo a las dos sin duda.
Lo mejor de ellas, siempre tienen una bella sonrisa y muy buena disposicion :)
Muchas gracias y mucha suerte chicas, esta es su casa.
Lo mejor de ellas, siempre tienen una bella sonrisa y muy buena disposicion :)
Muchas gracias y mucha suerte chicas, esta es su casa.
(Excellent
)
1 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kianna) for host
I was only able to stay here for a few days but I had a wonderful experience! This hostel is located in the tiny town of La Campana but is easily accessible by bus (about 15min) from Vicuna. It is a comfortable hostel with all the amenities you need, and since it was low season I was lucky enough to stay in a private room with a private bath. As… read more
20 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lena & Diego) for host
When I think back, I don’t think of the hostel as a place were we worked (altough we of course did haha), I think of it as a home. Because that‘s how Daniel and Maria Jesús made us feel. Unfortunately we could only stay for a few days but luckily Diego and my plans changed so we could go back and spend another day with Daniel.
I absolutely… read more
I absolutely… read more
25 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Fue una experiencia maravillosa, digo maravillosa por que mas alla de la ayuda que me dieron tuvimos la oportunidad de conocer a estas personas increibles, Sarah, Lena y Diego.
A pesar de que fueron pocos dias , basto para encariñarnos con ellos y ya estarlos extrañando
A pesar de que fueron pocos dias , basto para encariñarnos con ellos y ya estarlos extrañando
(Excellent
)
19 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
What a great time in this hostel! Daniel and Maria Jesús are so nice hosts and we really liked our volunteering stay there! Regarding our journey we only stayed there for a few days but it was fantastic! Making the beds, cleaning the bathrooms, painting a wall and share some great moments together. They are really helpful and nice and we liked… read more
17 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Luisa)
Mi experiencia con Luisa fue muy agradable, es una chica muy alegre y con muy buena voluntad, preparo un pan increible para el desayuno de los pasajeros :) muchas gracias Luisa!! esta siempre sera tu casa.
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne)
Anne es una gran persona, participo como voluntaria en nuestra hostal y todo fue positivo, su disposicion, su amabilidad, su alegria.
Es una chica muy simpatica y fue muy agradable que estuviera con nosotros. :)
Es una chica muy simpatica y fue muy agradable que estuviera con nosotros. :)
(Excellent
)
28 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anne) for host
Me quede 9 dias al Hostal con el nuevo administrador Daniel. La pasé super bien con el y su hijo Gabriel que tambien se quedaba en el hostel para las vacaciones. Daniel es una persona super humana y generosa a quien le gusta compartir sobre la cultura chilena (y hacer humor chileno!). El hostel esta ubicado un lugar muy tranquilo, con una vista… read more
17 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Virginie) for host
The hostel is in a beautiful place, in a very quite area, the dorm is comfy and you will cook your meal with the food provided by the hostel. Beside that, be aware of the rule when you go there: Amador (the manager) ask you, no in a direct way, to work the all day and it's hard to get a day off. Actually the hostel is running by Cecile, a French… read more
19 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Constanza)
Constanza fue una de las voluntarias lo mas especiales. Auydo en todos aspectos de la operacion dando siempre mas del 100% con amabilidad y sonrisa. La recomiendo sin pensarlo dos veces.
Richard
Richard
(Excellent
)
19 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Constanza) for host
Un lugar increíble con gente más increíble. Es ideal para aprender cosas nuevas. Gracias Richard! Sos una persona única como todo tu equipo. Los llevo en mi corazón!
8 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kenna )
Kenna's help during high season was invaluable. Kenna is simply a great hostel manager, she knew it all. From maintenance, to garden, to cleaning, administration and most importantly dealing with customers.
I felt so confident with her to a point I let her run the hostel while I was dealing with other important issues I had in my second hostel.… read more
I felt so confident with her to a point I let her run the hostel while I was dealing with other important issues I had in my second hostel.… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kenna ) for host
I spent 10 weeks in the valley and really enjoyed the work and the many faces that passed thru. I was there to help out in the high season so the majority of the guests were nationals which gave plenty opportunities to speak in Spanish. Working with Richard and the other girls was great. I felt like there is a mutual respect between everyone. Both… read more
13 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
It was such a pleasure to Hannah on the team. She was flexible on her schedule and very professional when it comes to do any work she was asked to accomplish. A very sociable person which is a plus to have her around to interact with customers.
I highly recommend her and will be happy to have her back any time she choses to.
Richard… read more
I highly recommend her and will be happy to have her back any time she choses to.
Richard… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
I felt very lucky to volunteer in this peaceful paradise for two weeks. Most people only come to Valle del Elqui for a couple of days, but I was glad to have more time to take in the stunning views, explore the many small towns, and look up at the stars. The hostel staff are patient, fun, and great to work with and the owner is an interesting and… read more
25 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)
Maria, was one of the best workawayers we had so far. Always willing to work extra hours, very sociable to have around guests, and very familiar with the nature.
We highly recommend her in a hostel setting helping with any aspect of the operation and in a farming setting. She is always remembered.
We highly recommend her in a hostel setting helping with any aspect of the operation and in a farming setting. She is always remembered.
(Excellent
)
28 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Miriam) for host
Richard's hostel is a special and wonderful place, it was worth every day I stayed there. The host Richard is a warm and generous person who does everything to make you feel like home.
I also enjoyed working in the hostel, it was a great experience and I learned a lot through it.
Thanks for everything!
I also enjoyed working in the hostel, it was a great experience and I learned a lot through it.
Thanks for everything!
14 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie was one of the best workawayers who helped at the hostel. The 2 weeks she was here she was able to learn the entire process and within days she was in complete charge. A wonderful customer service agent, there was no need to tell her how to receive people and how to guide them. The place was very clean while she was here, she was the… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Eugénie)
Eugenie was a great person. Very good at cooking and on top of everything. She really knows the hostel business and always willing to do some extra. We definitely recommend her for any volunteering.
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Eugénie) for host
I spend 3 weeks volunteering in this hostel. The place is incredible, in the middle of the Valle del Elqui, but out of town.
There is a lot of work here to do, but nothing hard : breakfast, cleaning, cooking, gardening... I usually had the afternoon to go out and discover the area. But be aware that you will have work, and sometimes more than… read more
There is a lot of work here to do, but nothing hard : breakfast, cleaning, cooking, gardening... I usually had the afternoon to go out and discover the area. But be aware that you will have work, and sometimes more than… read more
15 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Gabriel)
Gabriel was one of the best workawayers I had. Always ready to help and most importantly took initiatives within the limits he had to. He is a well organized person, always willing to help and a creative artist.
I would love to have him back...
Richard
I would love to have him back...
Richard
(Excellent
)
15 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Gabriel) for host
I was a workawayer at Richard`s Hostel/Home for the first two weeks of February, and I had a great time there! Work hours vary, meaning that some days you work less, some days more hours. It does get very busy on high-season and I`m glad I was there not only to help the way I could, but also to learn a lot through the great work experience.… read more
3 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen)
Ellen was a nice workawayer who was always available when needed and sociable while working. Her support was tremendous in a moment of shortage of personal. Ellen was flexible and reliable, our operation could have been affected if she was not part of the team, especially during high season when local labor is working in the grape fields.
(Very good
)
3 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Ellen) for host
I´ve been two weeks working here, and I have really enjoyed my time with Richard, Tali and the guests! Richard is an open person, teached me how to make my own yoghurt, and I found him inspiring doing what he does! Tali was always divertido to have around, cooks as a pro, y mi Español es más mejor por él!
You´ll make the most out of your time… read more
You´ll make the most out of your time… read more
2 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
(Negative
)
27 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Magdalena)
Magdalena es una persona muy agradable y sensilla. Nunca nos vamos olbidar de su senso de humor, su queques y sonrisa. Magdalena estaba siempre dispuesta a ayudar y hacer lo que es necesario para que lo huespedes se sienten bien y en casa.
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Magdalena) for host
Pasé tres semanas en el Valle de Elqui. Richard y Tali son personas muy amables y abiertas. Me sentí muy bien. Tali es muy buen cocinero y sabe hacer muchas cosas que las puede enseňar a los voluntarios. Richard habla muchos idiomas y es muy buen jardinero. Muchas gracias por todo y espero que nos veamos otra vez.
4 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Travis)
Travis is one of the best workawayers out of more than 30 I had come over during the last year. He is a nice, friendly and discreet person to share space with and when it comes to work he is reliable, trustworthy and takes initiative when necessary. At some points he was in charge and, during his stay, we had to face unique challenges and he… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Travis) for host
Richard's hostel is his home that just happens to be a hostel! I stayed one month there and had a wonderful experience. Richard is an excellent host and made me feel completely at home.
I assisted with a variety of work including: reconstructing a terrace (under the supervision of Tali who can fix anything and was a great teacher and friend),… read more
I assisted with a variety of work including: reconstructing a terrace (under the supervision of Tali who can fix anything and was a great teacher and friend),… read more
21 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Saartje) for host
The experience I had at this hostel was short but beautiful. A lot of the visitors and volunteers decide to stay a few days longer because it's sut Richard's ch an extraordinary place in the Elqui Valley. And it truely is. Richard and his right-hand man Tali are great company, teachers and cooks. I will never forget how amazed I was when I… read more
14 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Carolina & Raquel)
Carolina, was a very special workawayer. I have had more than 15 come help here and no doubt she is one of the best. She is very good at managing a hostel, and detail oriented. It was painful to see her leave. I definitely would like to see her back and she is welcome to come visit as a family member.
(Excellent
)
14 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Carolina & Raquel) for host
This was an amazing and unforgettable experience in my life. I stayed just 2 weeks but I would have stayed for more. Richard is a such a great person. He made me feel at home, and this is something that I will not forget. He cooks great meals and he always has something to tell you. I know for sure that one day I will be there again. Thanks for… read more
1 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Paul) for host
Here i had my first workaway experience. Richard is very friendly host and make you feel like you where at home. We had much fun with him and his friends.
The Hostel located in a beautiful place where can stargaze or swim in the river.
It was definately worth it and i am sure i will come back .
The Hostel located in a beautiful place where can stargaze or swim in the river.
It was definately worth it and i am sure i will come back .
31 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
Leaving here was hard! From the moment I arrived, Richard made me feel like I was at home. The work varied from cleaning, helping with cooking, making amazing jams, and with plenty of time to relax. Richard is unconditionally kind person with lots of stories to tell. The hostel is in a beautiful location, right in the Elqui Valle and close to… read more
3 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Samia)
Samia is also a great person. She was always available to help and volunteering to work more than the regular 5 hours. Samia helped with merchandizing the jams, worked on inventory control and created exel sheets for this purpose, and made sure to ask guests for referrals, she acted like if it was her own place and tried to do the best she can. … read more
(Excellent
)
3 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Samia) for host
Richard is a great host. He does everything he can to make you feel at home. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I learnt so much from Richard - including how to make amazing jams. Richard is very understanding about the fact that were travellers and doesn't ask you for too much of your time. Was very hard to leave that place. Thanks a lot… read more
2 Sep 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonas)
Jonas helped in all aspects of the hostel operation, he is also a great friend to have around. By now he learned how to produce great jams, he learn fast and very good how to produce and conduct a small scale home made jams for sale.
Jonas' travelling experience is uncomparable, he has visited 76 countries in 8 years, that is amazing. Guests… read more
Jonas' travelling experience is uncomparable, he has visited 76 countries in 8 years, that is amazing. Guests… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Aug 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jonas) for host
Great host and great place to stay. I was spend almost 2 weeks at this amazing place helping out with hostelwork and also making a lot jam. Richard is a great, open and friendly host and he lives up to his hotel-motto: feel like home.
the hostel is located outside vicuña in an amazing spot with a lot of thing to do such as stargazing and visiting… read more
the hostel is located outside vicuña in an amazing spot with a lot of thing to do such as stargazing and visiting… read more
