Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
3 Mar 2025
Feedback
11
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
A small hostel which has seven years of operation and is located in David, Panama. I first knew David in 1981 and I now live permanently here since about 10 years. We have a mix of guest backpackers from all over the world as well as regular national customers. We live with 2 dogs and many cats. I am hoping to have one and sometimes up to 3 volunteers at a time for any periods of the year. No couples or family though, I have no private room for volunteers; only dormitory for adults.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Visit and experience the living and culture in Chiriquí, Panama. We are located in David, the biggest city of the province of Chiriquí with a closed walking distance to the bus terminal where you can go visit different places in Chiriquí, Panama. Day trips at 20 minutes or one hour by inexpensive public transportation to visit beaches, mountains, volcano, waterfalls, canyons, rivers, carnival and fairs, coffee farms, etc. Also, nearby is the farmers market, central park and all the commodity a city has to offer. An opportunity to learn Spanish while also meeting people from all over the world. In David we have good Spanish teachers and language schools.
Help
One easy task to wash the floors, bathrooms, walls and dusting while watching the place for a few hours, meanwhile, I go out do my errands which is always close by and easy to reach me by phone.
Also, possible projects depending of your skills and interests could be some simple maintenance, gardening, light construction projects such as installing shelves for the cats, painting. If someone is more of a handy person, project such as tiles work, install, sand furniture to varnish, etc.
I am seeking volunteers that are respectful to others, with positive attitude, motivated, responsible and try their best. The schedule is some days on the morning (8am – 11am) and some days on afternoon (1pm – 4pm) for 3 hours of help for 5 days per week; two days off. You will have plenty of time off to visit the province of Chiriquí on day trips, learn Spanish or chill if you prefer.
We offer free shelter but no food included which explain only 15 hours per week. You can use the kitchens and purchase fresh food available every day at only a few minutes walking distance from here. I am open to receive up to 2 or 3 volunteers at the time for more company and more fun experience.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
Our Hostel is conveniently located in walking distance to all central David facilities and at the same time in a quiet residential area.
We have 4 bedrooms. The dormitory is set with comfortable solid metal bunk beds. We also have three private rooms for guests. Each volunteer will occupy a bed in the dormitory shared with guests. Volunteers has some drawers to keep their personal effects and are expected to keep the area reasonably tidy.
The other common areas shared with the guest of the hostel are a kitchen, laundry area, front and back terraces and yard. We have WIFI, Smart TV, a pool table and hammocks. As an unusual hostel, we are pet friendly. Our dogs are well used to people and reasonably quiet. Pets are no allowed in the bedrooms.
Being very central David, you will find within walking distance the central bus terminal from where you can travel to fun day trip by inexpensive public transportation. an everyday farmer's market (fresh fruits, veggies, fish and more), supermarkets, "Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra" Park and shopping stores, ATM, banks, Western Union, pharmacies, doctors, restaurants, bars, casinos, movie theater, museum, etc.
What else ...
Depending on your interests, for example, you can get to live the Panamanian cultural celebrations and carnivals. You can join an art, music group, take Spanish, Latino dancing or photography lessons. Or, just have a walk to the park and enjoy the iguanas, birds, squirrels and the people. Discover the culture of indigenous and Latinos. We are in the biggest city of the province of Chiriquí and within walking distance you will find movie theatre, the old Barrio Bolívar, museum, bar, casinos, the central bus terminal where transportation is inexpensive and buses will bring you to many interesting places, touristic area or not. On a one day-trip, you might like to visit places such as beaches (Las Lajas, La Barqueta), various waterfalls, canyon, river, hot springs, Boquete, Volcano Barú, Cero Punta, horse riding, hot springs, go shopping at the border of Costa Rica, join a sightseeing tour, rafting, climbing, visit a coffee farm and factory, go to annual fairs, and more.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Good internet connection
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Feedback (10)
The interaction with Josée was based on mutual sincerity and trust.
I had a comfortable bed and the company of cute cats and dogs, just like a welcome guest. Because of this, I unconsciously hope to provide more assistance to repay her kindness.
Josée… 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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
The interaction with Josée was based on mutual sincerity and trust.
I had a comfortable bed and the company of cute cats and dogs, just like a welcome guest. Because of this, I unconsciously hope to provide more assistance to repay her kindness.
Josée… read more
Thanks Josee :)
Her animals (dogs and cats) were relaxed and friendly.
With Josee's wisdom and knowledge I can quite… read more
She is also exceptional with animals and looked after my sick dog with so much tenderness.
She was reliable, always smiling and… read more
From the profile written by the host, you will not get the idea of how wonderful she really is. I was dubious at first as from the description I thought this place might be strict and the host might be somehow demanding, but this was definitely not the case.
Jose is my absolute favourite host so far. She… read more
The work was light and easy: general cleaning, making beds, mopping the floor, taking the dogs for a walk if you have time… read more
