Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
30 Jun 2025
Feedback
38
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
My name is Manuel and I'm from Italy. I have two children, two dogs and a cat. I've been living in Cocles for the last 15 years and I work as a contractor in the Caribe Sur.
My passion is construction work, that's why I've built two Jungle lofts and still have two more projects to work on; my own house and another loft. My properties are located in the Jungle, so you can see sloths, monkeys, coatis and many more animals around here and even the beach is very close to where I live. I tried to finish the work by myself but there are many things that have to be finished and I urgently need help.
Personal skills:
- at least 25 years old
- an outgoing person
- communicative
- eager to work
- pet-loving
- spontaneous
- able to work in a team
Please send an application at least seven days before your arrival.
I'm looking forward to work with you and realizing my hostel project on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
Pura vida,
Manu
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Volunteers skills:
- working experience is very good but also unskilled people are more than welcome
- open for every kind of work that has to be done (tiling, painting, wood framing construction, mosaics, gardening, etc.)
- looking for volunteers that stay at least two week
- work twenty hours a week.
- two days off (you choose the days)
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
What I offer:
- free accommodation with shared dorm, bathroom and kitchen
but:
- Volunteers will have to provide for their own meals and they share and mostly cook together
What else ...
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers sea related activities like surfing, snorkeling, SUP paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, boat tours, diving tours and several diving certification centers.
There is the world famous, Playa Cocles 200m from the hostel and local shops are easily accessible by foot or bike. There is a well stocked super market within walking distance from the property. And numerous cafes, sodas, restaurants, food stands and fruit vendors only meters away.
People who come help me will benefit from a pleasant and laid back environment, they will see a project shape up, learn new techniques, the Spanish language, and enjoy the pasta I cook.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 991442723822
Feedback (30)
4 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gianna) for host
This was my first workaway and it was a great experience! The work was not hard or too strenuous at all. For work we mostly did mosaics, grouting for the mosaics and did gardening work a few days for only 4 hrs a day. Manu is a very nice and laid back host. He was always willing and ready to help with answering questions or providing any… read more
23 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Valentina) for host
My volunteering at Manu's place was incredible!
A month in which I was able to learn the mosaic technique and live the carefree life of the Caribbean between breathtaking beaches a few meters away, nature of indescribable beauty and the kindness of the people ♥
Manu is a very pleasant person with whom it's easy to talk and exchange opinions,… read more
A month in which I was able to learn the mosaic technique and live the carefree life of the Caribbean between breathtaking beaches a few meters away, nature of indescribable beauty and the kindness of the people ♥
Manu is a very pleasant person with whom it's easy to talk and exchange opinions,… read more
13 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tamara)
Tamara was a great volunteer who helped me for 2 months. She helped me with gardening, landscaping and doing mosaic.
She is very communicative and open for any kind of work I assigned to her for the day, always bringing good vibes to the team. Higly recommended
She is very communicative and open for any kind of work I assigned to her for the day, always bringing good vibes to the team. Higly recommended
(Excellent
)
2 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tamara) for host
Mi experiencia aquí pasará a ser inolvidable! Mi idea principal era quedarme 2 semanas y al final estuve 1 mes y medio. He podido aprender la técnica del mosaico, que para mi ha sido como terapéutico, gratificante y muy bonito. Manu me ha enseñado a fraguar y como se lleva a cabo parte del trabajo. Es una gran persona, que te hace sentir cómoda y… 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:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.6)
4 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gianna) for host
This was my first workaway and it was a great experience! The work was not hard or too strenuous at all. For work we mostly did mosaics, grouting for the mosaics and did gardening work a few days for only 4 hrs a day. Manu is a very nice and laid back host. He was always willing and ready to help with answering questions or providing any… read more
23 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Valentina) for host
My volunteering at Manu's place was incredible!
A month in which I was able to learn the mosaic technique and live the carefree life of the Caribbean between breathtaking beaches a few meters away, nature of indescribable beauty and the kindness of the people ♥
Manu is a very pleasant person with whom it's easy to talk and exchange opinions,… read more
A month in which I was able to learn the mosaic technique and live the carefree life of the Caribbean between breathtaking beaches a few meters away, nature of indescribable beauty and the kindness of the people ♥
Manu is a very pleasant person with whom it's easy to talk and exchange opinions,… read more
13 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tamara)
Tamara was a great volunteer who helped me for 2 months. She helped me with gardening, landscaping and doing mosaic.
She is very communicative and open for any kind of work I assigned to her for the day, always bringing good vibes to the team. Higly recommended
She is very communicative and open for any kind of work I assigned to her for the day, always bringing good vibes to the team. Higly recommended
(Excellent)
2 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tamara) for host
Mi experiencia aquí pasará a ser inolvidable! Mi idea principal era quedarme 2 semanas y al final estuve 1 mes y medio. He podido aprender la técnica del mosaico, que para mi ha sido como terapéutico, gratificante y muy bonito. Manu me ha enseñado a fraguar y como se lleva a cabo parte del trabajo. Es una gran persona, que te hace sentir cómoda y… read more
6 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Casey)
Casey and Katie were great volunteers to have for 3 weeks. Casey helped me writing and edit air bnb postings, gardening and landscaping. Katie helped with painting, landscaping, and cleaning the properties. They were both very communicative and open to any kind of work I gave them for the day, and brought the good vibes!
(Excellent)
5 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Casey) for host
Manu was a great host, knowledgeable about Costa Rica and It’s history which he shared with us! Location was awesome just a short walk to a beautiful part of Cocles beach. Groceries are expensive in Costa Rica so keep that in mind for your trip since meals aren’t included. Definitely helps to have a bike to get around the area, we were able to buy… read more
20 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Martha) for host
I really enjoyed my stay at Manu's place, doing a lot of physical work (especially painting a lot of walls :D) and to get to know the technique of Mosaicking which was really interesting and a skill that I'm able to use now also for other projects. The house is super close to a nice beach, Manu is a really nice guy, the dog Lola is very cute and… read more
29 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jordan & Ruairi) for host
We have just finished volunteering for nearly 3 weeks with Manu and it was an amazing experience! We carried out losts of different jobs mostly painting, welding and DIY projects which were really rewarding. Manu is so welcoming and kind, and really took the time to get to know us. We really enjoyed our time here and would highly recommend a… read more
3 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Francis & Lily) for host
Manuel is very welcoming and easy going, we loved our time volunteering here and appreciated working/living within the beautiful grounds Manu maintains. We did a variety of tasks, mainly DIY projects on the rental properties and learnt new skills in doing so - learnt how to tile and grout among other things that we hadn't done before and also… read more
4 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Marek & Martyna)
Marek and Martyna were excellent people and helped me a lot in my project. They were reliable, accurate, enthusiastic. I miss them and would welcome them back anytime. Highly recommended
(Excellent)
4 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marek & Martyna) for host
Such a great experience! We learned a lot about mosaics and it was so rewarding to see the job done, from design all the way to glued and grouted in place. Manu is a great guy, relaxed, helpful and funny :) The place for volunteers is quite basic, but has all you need and it's 5 minutes away from the beach. We'll miss the place!
6 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sofia) for host
Mi voluntariado donde Manu fue increíble, el es muy buena persona, muy relajado, flexible y siempre dispuesto a enseñar con su precioso proyecto.
El entiende muy bien que los voluntarios no solo están ahi para trabajar, si no para conocer el lugar así que Manu es muy flexible cuando se trata del tiempo libre.
De todas maneras he disfrutado mucho… read more
El entiende muy bien que los voluntarios no solo están ahi para trabajar, si no para conocer el lugar así que Manu es muy flexible cuando se trata del tiempo libre.
De todas maneras he disfrutado mucho… read more
3 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Dominick) for host
This was my first experience with Workaway and it was amazing! it can't be beat! The volunteer work was a lot of fun! different projects everyday. I enjoyed most getting to work in the jungle, Manu taught me so many valuable facts, skills, life lessons and I will always cherish the month I had there! Manu is the coolest guy and I hope to come back… read more
29 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Tavi)
Tavi spent two weeks at my place. I thank her for the help, hard work and the awesome positive vibes. She learns really fast and was very good at everything I asked her to help me with. I definitely reccomend her as a workawayer!
(Excellent)
21 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Tavi) for host
I had a great stay at Manu's. I stayed around 10 days and the place and host were both awesome! It's right next to the beach and very close to grocery store as well as puerto Viejo.
Manu was always there if we needed anything, good company and very understanding in the kind and amount of work wanted.
He also had nice tips for travelling around… read more
Manu was always there if we needed anything, good company and very understanding in the kind and amount of work wanted.
He also had nice tips for travelling around… read more
11 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maja) for host
I really liked this place, i stayed way longer than expected! Thank you Manu, thank you Erica!!!
Actually i dont have any construction skills, so i just tried to support Erica running the bnb in general: i painted, i did the laundery, basic cleaning and making the beds. While the other, skilled, volunteer was supporting manu with his… read more
Actually i dont have any construction skills, so i just tried to support Erica running the bnb in general: i painted, i did the laundery, basic cleaning and making the beds. While the other, skilled, volunteer was supporting manu with his… read more
5 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Rinaldo & Vanessa) for host
Our goal with the first Workaway was to gain experience in running a B&B.
We are extremely grateful to Manu for entrusting his business completely in our care. The B&B is a triple story house that is subdivided into three fully functional apartments. It can Host between two and five guest per apartment and has a separate laundry area.
We managed… read more
We are extremely grateful to Manu for entrusting his business completely in our care. The B&B is a triple story house that is subdivided into three fully functional apartments. It can Host between two and five guest per apartment and has a separate laundry area.
We managed… read more
22 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Louis) for host
Great experience volunteering in Puerto Viejo in Manu's property. He is very friendly and I spent an awesome stay with the other workawayers. The job was easy. I mostly helped maintaining the rooms and gardening. The house is perfectly located. I loved walking along the beach and playing volleyball in the evenings. The beaches are amazing!
Thanks… read more
Thanks… read more
31 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne Berit)
I can highly recommend Anna as an excellent workawayer. She helped me out a lot in my property, not only doing the mosaik, also the laundry, fixing furniture, looking after my animals and she was so nice with my kids. If I asked her for help, she immediately helped *thumps up* :)
Anna really is an open person and interested in learning new things… read more
Anna really is an open person and interested in learning new things… read more
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anne Berit) for host
I spent allmost five weeks at Manus place. I loved beeing there from the moment I arrived. I helped mostly with mosaics wich was very interesting and fun! I also helped out in the house and with the garden. Manu and his family are loving caring persons. We had a lot of fun together:grinning:. His animals are amazing and I also got new good friends… read more
12 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)
Nicole s notion of order and cleanness were key to getting the common volunteers areas to work efficiently again. Her positive hands on approach to any kind of work make her a precious element in the team. Thank you for the help and the good vibes. Manu
(Excellent)
25 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host
I was volunteering at Manu's Place in November 2015 and it was an awesome experience. At that time we where a big group of volunteers and soon it felt like family. The work was easy, sometimes physically demanding but nothing you cannot handle and rich in variety (From art projects, cleaning apartments or doing laundry to painting a bathroom or… read more
11 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Chelsey & Bernardo) for host
The expierence at Manu's place was amazing! We stayed for 3 weeks instead of 2! It is very nice and chill. Mostly it's gardening, cleaning or wherever he needs help in. He is a very easygoing, social and friendly guy who is always in a good mood. We loved the environment a lot, it's very close to the sea. Thank you for the great expierence Manu!
28 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Bárbara) for host
Volunteering in Manu's place is a good way to explore Puerto Viejo because his house it's located very close to a beautiful beach and alsoin the way to a lot of woderfull spots. The job can physicly demandimg sometimes, but it's pretty easy. Manu is a very nice host. He is a Pura Vida, as people say in Costa Rica! We stayed only 10 days because… read more
24 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Frida) for host
Dave is a really Good host who made us feel at Home, so is Manuel even if he was mostly busy with his building :) They are helpful and the Job is great, physicly demandimg sometimes, but easy and there are many different things to do. It is a chilled and laidback place in the jungle, but with easy access to the "Town" and the beaches around!
There… read more
There… read more
21 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
Better late than never!- I volunteered September 2014 for over 3 weeks.
Manu made me feel at home, and it was great spending time with his beautiful kids-going frog catching and having beach days.
Manu is easy to get along with and you can speak with him about anything, we enjoyed practacing yoga, having talks and he took me to a great sushi… read more
Manu made me feel at home, and it was great spending time with his beautiful kids-going frog catching and having beach days.
Manu is easy to get along with and you can speak with him about anything, we enjoyed practacing yoga, having talks and he took me to a great sushi… read more
13 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Viera) for host
I wish I could have stayed longer than one week. Manu is a great, relaxed and open minded person...fantastic place! Good luck with everything Manu!
21 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Carla) for host
Thanks manu! was a nice experience working with you and all the other volunteers, like a big family. Manu is a nice owner and every morning we start with great and happy pankekes! :-) The work is different every day and I learned a lot about different skills; construction, painting, wood, gardening...
I spent six months there so... everything was… read more
I spent six months there so... everything was… read more
5 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Edmond) for host
Awesome week here with Manu and the guys, it's like a home here and everybody gets on great. I did a load of tiling work for the week.
Hanging out, cooking together, and chatting about everything under the sun. Manu has a wealth of knowledge and great to chat to for hours.
Wish I could have stayed longer but I'll definitely be back to surf… read more
Hanging out, cooking together, and chatting about everything under the sun. Manu has a wealth of knowledge and great to chat to for hours.
Wish I could have stayed longer but I'll definitely be back to surf… read more
22 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Masha) for host
Manu, thank you so much for everything! This was my first workaway experience and I could not have asked for anything better. Manu is so caring and kind, you really feel like you are a part of a family. The work is not hard, the space is wonderful, the beach is across the road, and bars and parties are a short bike ride away. If you are thinking… read more
27 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Chiqui & Kaylea) for host
My experience work trading here was spectacular :) I had so much fun painting and helping open up this hospice!! Manu is one of the nicest hosts I've had on my travels and I will never forget the feeling of family when all of the volunteers and him worked together. Super great and Right next to the beach. Wonderful times, thanks! <3
4 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
Well,
Manu is kind of a person you won't meet that often in your live. Thanks for your patience, your will, motivation, respect and the experiences.
All best,
Peter
Manu is kind of a person you won't meet that often in your live. Thanks for your patience, your will, motivation, respect and the experiences.
All best,
Peter
15 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Barbara & Ela) for host
Entances .. great time there, nice kitchen, lovely cat, beautiful house and so the owner- really handsome and open minded. Pasta must be good but ginger soup we enjoyed. Tasty! Hope all is going fine, good luck. Greets from cartagena to italy :)
10 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephan_and_Lea)
(Excellent)
12 Aug 2014
Left by Workawayer (Stephan_and_Lea) for host
We loved the stay with Manuel in Playa Cocles, next to busy Puerto Viejo! We almost stayed three weeks and really recommend this amazing host and the great atmosphere in his beautiful handmade house. The work is fun and not too hard even for non-experienced constructors. Don't be lazy and you will have a smiling, very thankful and open-hearted… read more
10 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin & Janina)
I ve had a great time working with Janina and Martin and living together at the project house. Since from the beginning they had a positive approach to work and a fine way of carrying out tasks. They d often come up with original and useful ideas to improve the way things were done. They mingled in the volunteer s group and we miss them. Thank You… read more
(Excellent)
30 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Martin & Janina) for host
We've spent 18 days at Manu's place and it was our first workaway experience. We felt welcome from the first moment and we couldn't have made a better choice! Manu's huge house lies in Cocles which is an absolutely beautiful place. Within 2 minutes you were at the beach and we went swimming almost every day. Also the jungle is all around you… read more
25 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Johanna) for host
The experience to work in the house of manuel was amazing.the atmosphere there is very nice and I felt home there on the first sight. I had to admit, that I am not bery experienced in construction, but manuel was fine with that, so I cleaned the sheets and the dormromms, helped out around zhe house, whatever work needed to be done. I had a lot of… read more
