Learn new skills and explore beautiful nature in Boquete, Panama

Detalles

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  Descripción

  Hola, I’m Luis, a local Panamanian who traded the big city for the green mountains of Boquete in search of a simpler, healthier life close to nature.
  
  I’ve been hosting Workawayers on and off since 2016, after doing Workaway myself in Europe. My favorite part of Workaway is the cultural exchange: as a traveler you get to live like a local, and as a host I get to learn about the world without leaving home.
  
  NOT A WORKAWAY FOR EVERYBODY
  
  My place is not a business, and I’m not looking for cheap labor. I’m a fellow traveler who decided to share his home with Workawayers because that seemed like an interesting thing to do. And so far, it has been a great experience. I’ve met wonderful people from around the world and made some amazing friendships. But part of the success has to do with being selective.
  
  I like to host like-minded travelers, which in my case means hikers who enjoy being in nature and want to immerse themselves in the cultures of the countries they visit. Who are interested in learning new skills. Who enjoy sharing meals and conversation, and would like to stay a minimum of 2 weeks, but could also do three or four weeks.
  
  Also, vegetarians who enjoy cooking. Although exceptions can be made for non-vegetarians who like to cook and are open to experience being vegetarian for a few weeks.
  
  SAFETY AND TRUST
  
  I live alone and I understand that staying at a stranger’s home in a foreign country can raise safety concerns, so I provide a private room with a door that locks, and I’m happy to put you in touch with past volunteers or do a video call before you commit.
  
  I worked in adventure tourism for 15 years until covid started. From then on I started developing the property I live in here in Boquete. I finished a house that was half-way done, moved in and started renting the main house while working on finishing a third. The property is big, mostly forested, and I have no intentions in doing any mass develpments or taking down any trees. My goal is to have a tiny community with a few homes surrunded by nature.
  
  YOUR CONTRIBUTION
  
  Cooking vegetarian meals. No need to be a professional chef, just enjoy cooking and be confident enough about your skills. The instructions are simple: cook for yourself, but make enough to share with me. I usually take care of breakfast, and you’ll cook lunch, which doubles as dinner, though you’re welcome to cook something different for each meal if you’d like.
  
  Gardening, planting trees, clearing dead branches, weed control, cleaning leaves, moving rocks, painting, sanding, organizing, and small building projects like making a fence or a patio door. No prior experience needed. Bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and help out, and you’ll do fine. We'll talk and build a plan around your interests and energy.
  
  The usual day starts with breakfast, then four hours of work from 8:00 to 12:00, plus about an hour to cook lunch. That’s 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Afternoons and weekends are free for hiking, reading, or exploring town.
  
  WHAT THE EXPERIENCE IS LIKE HERE
  
  Boquete is one of those places that feel magical. The nature in trails such as Sendero Los Quetzales is spectacular, the people are friendly, the temperature is like AC year-round, and several of the local coffee farms have broken world records for their high quality and exotic flavors. Because of all this, many foreigners have decided to call this place home, though locals are still the majority, which helps maintain its authenticity.
  
  I love this place and I'll be happy to show you around, take you on some of my favorite hikes, or share everything you need to know to explore on your own.
  
  My neighborhood is a small community where everybody knows each other. It is far enough from the center of town for peace and quiet, yet still accessible. Being surrounded by nature works great for slowing down, self-reflection, practicing yoga, and reading.
  
  The 30-minute hike to town is great exercise and provides a sneak peek into the locals’ everyday life along the way. When the sky is clear, you get imposing views of the Barú Volcano, which stands at 3,475 meters above sea level.
  
  THE FEELING I HOPE YOU LEAVE WITH
  
  My wish is that everyone who stays here feels like they’re visiting a friend or family. In the reviews you’ll read comments like “feeling at home right away” and “saying goodbye as friends.” To me, this is what it’s all about: treating everyone with respect and offering a safe, comfortable, and caring experience where real connections can happen easily.
  
  GETTING IN TOUCH
  
  Don’t worry about having to write a long message with your pitch. A quick one letting me know you are interested works best. Just make sure your profile describes well who you are and what you are looking for. And that your pictures illustrate your interests.
  
  You are welcome to reach out at any time, but I can only confirm availability close to a month in advance. I read and respond to every message.

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  Tipos de ayuda y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  Jardinería básica

  Proyectos creativos DIY «hazlo tú mismo»

  Cocinar para toda la familia

  Ayuda doméstica

  Mantenimiento básico
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  Intereses

  

  Sostenibilidad

  

  Autodesarrollo

  

  Cultura

  

  Música

  

  Bricolaje y manualidades

  

  Carpintería

  

  Arte y diseño

  

  Arquitectura

  

  Yoga / bienestar

  

  Actividades al aire libre

  

  Naturaleza

  

  Senderismo

  

  Ciclismo
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  Intercambio cultural y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  Interact with a local, learn about Panama's culture, nature, food and coffee. I've also lived in Mexico and Argentina, and traveled extensively in Latin America, North America, and Europe. Over the years I have developed an interest in sociology and cultural psychology. When I was working in tourism I had to be a bit of a cultural translator, and that helped me become aware and understand better many aspects of the Latino culture that I'll be happy to share with you.

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  Ayuda

  Cooking, gardening, planting trees, clearing dead branches, weed control, cleaning leaves, moving rocks, painting, sanding, organizing, and small building projects like making a fence or a patio door.

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  Idiomas hablados

  Inglés: Fluido
  Español: Fluido

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  Alojamiento

  You will have your own private room with a door that locks, ensuring you have your own personal space to retreat to. Shared bathroom. Ingredients for meals included.

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  Algo más...

  Most travelers will find it easy to get to Boquete. And once here the town is small and easy to figure out. One important thing to point out is that being a mountain town, there are lots of hills so walking on flat terrain is rare. If you are in good shape and enjoy hiking, you will love it here, if not, then this might not be the right place for you.
  
  There are stores to buy essentials close to the house, otherwise the town center is 30-40 minutes walking with supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and a farmer's market where you can find a great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

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  Un poco más de información

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    Acceso a Internet

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    Acceso a Internet limitado

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    Tenemos animales

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    Somos fumadores

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    Puede alojar familias

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  ¿Cuántos voluntarios puedes hospedar?

  Uno

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