Nature, surf, hands-on projects, and a slow living in Popoyo, Nicaragua

Infos

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  Description

  Hi Workawayers 🌞
  I’m living in Popoyo, where I’m building my own wooden rancho house on stilts and creating a life rooted in creativity, nature, and simplicity. After leaving city life behind, I’ve been here for a few years with my dog Mila, enjoying a hands-on rhythm that feels calm, real, and intentional.
  The project is set in a quiet, green area in the hills behind salt flats—peaceful and spacious—yet only 5 minutes by moto to the beach, with beautiful surf spots for all levels. Alongside the construction, I’m also starting a garden and shaping the land step by step.
  I’m renting a comfortable house just 3 minutes from the project, which is where I live and which would be shared. It has all the facilities needed for daily life (meals are not included). On the property, there’s also an older expat lady who is absolutely adorable, adding a gentle, human presence to the space.
  I organize most of the project myself and work together with local helpers, creating a natural exchange of English and Spanish. I’m hosting because I enjoy collaboration, creativity, and appreciating simplicity while building something meaningful.
  If you’re drawn to nature, surf, hands-on projects, and a slower, intentional way of living, this could be a beautiful place to land 🌿🌊

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Garde de maison et d'animaux
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Événements/vie sociale

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Animaux de compagnie

  

  Culture

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Vie en van

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Langues

  

  Dessin et peinture

  

  Menuiserie

  

  Animaux

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Sports d'équipe

  

  Nature

  

  Danse

  

  Plage

  

  Sports nautiques

  

  Activités en plein air

  

  Sports d'aventure
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  Life around Popoyo is naturally social and full of little moments of exchange. I work closely with local helpers who are always happy to share their culture, humor, and stories, and it’s beautiful to see how easily conversations flow between Spanish and English. Food is a big part of that connection—one of my weekly highlights are Nacatamales, lovingly prepared by a good friend’s mother who is indigenous and deeply rooted in the area.
  
  There’s also a small circle of locals and expats here who have created a warm little community, sometimes coming together for gatherings or small community projects. Outside of work, life easily moves toward the ocean: sunsets at the beach, surf sessions at one of the many nearby breaks, visiting the turtle reserve Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, fishing or surf boat trips with friends, beach volleyball, horseback riding, tide pools—or dancing bachata or salsa, which is one of my personal favorites. My last volunteer even got invited to Play Baseball with a local Team in the Village.
  
  What I love sharing most is a hands-on, creative way of living—building things step by step, learning by doing, cooking together sometimes, and appreciating simple moments. At the same time, hosting people from different cultures always brings new ideas, perspectives, and energy. For me, that exchange is where the real magic of the experience happens. 🌊✨🌿

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  Aide

  The help here is very hands-on, so I’m especially happy to welcome people who enjoy building, creating, and working with their hands. Experience with carpentry, using power tools, or working with wood is definitely a plus. Right now the main projects include building a kitchen and bathroom, creating wooden furniture, doing some basic plumbing for the water system, and helping start a garden from scratch that will slowly grow into a lush little space.
  
  At the moment I’m also learning how to weld with people who have experience, so that’s something that might naturally be shared and learned along the way too.
  
  Most of the time we’ll be working side by side, figuring things out together and exchanging skills as we go. I also have a young local helper who loves being part of the process and is very curious to learn and create new things. And if something becomes too technical, I occasionally bring in a professional to guide us or help with specific parts.
  
  The spirit of the project is simple: building something beautiful step by step, learning as we go, and enjoying the process. There’s a bit of creativity, a bit of improvisation, and hopefully a little bit of magic in turning wood, earth, and ideas into a place that feels alive. ✨

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Allemand: Courant
  Anglais: Courant
  Espagnol: Intermédiaire

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il souhaitait faire partager sa propre langue ou en apprendre une nouvelle.
  Contactez-le pour en savoir plus.
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  Hébergement

  The accommodation is a comfortable house I’m renting and is shared with just me and my lovely Dog Mila about 5 minutes walking distance from the project. The house sits on a quiet shared property with a lovely elder lady who lives next door, and there are also 5 cats and 2 very friendly dogs around the property who are always happy to say hello. The Area we are living in is called Soma and is about 5 minutes by bike from Guasacate far, we have a Bus driving by a couple times per Day going to the next city (Rivas) which is a 45 minutes ride, the bus stop is about 5-7 minutes driving distance or 20 minutes walk, but im very happy to pick you up if needed. There is a couple little super markets in town, or also a food/veggi Truck driving by 1-2 a week, but for grocery im also happy to offer Transportation or orders if needed.
  The house has a nice porch with hammocks, perfect for relaxing after work, as well as a spacious living room and kitchen area which we share. You will have your own private bedroom with a queensize bed, single bed and bathroom, so you also have your own space and privacy. Wi-Fi is available, and the living room has a couch and TV with Netflix if you feel like relaxing in the evenings.
  I enjoy cooking together from time to time and share some meals together, but in general everyone is responsible for their own food, so meals are not included. The kitchen is fully equipped, so it’s easy to prepare your own meals.
  Overall, it’s a peaceful, comfortable place to live, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space to unwind. 🌿

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  Autres infos...

  House Rules & Expectations for Volunteers
  
  First of all, welcome! I try to create a relaxed, respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable and enjoys the experience. These simple guidelines help keep things running smoothly for everyone.
  
  1. Work Schedule
  The schedule here is flexible. We will usually talk in the evening about the plan for the next day, so everyone knows what’s going on.
  Most of the time we start work in the morning, especially when it’s cooler. In general, volunteers help around 4–5 hours per day, about 5 days per week, depending on the project and weather.
  
  2. Communication
  Good communication makes everything easier. If you feel tired, unwell, or unsure about a task, please let me know. I’m always happy to explain things again or adjust work when needed.
  
  3. Respect for the Home & Property
  Please treat the house, tools, animals, and land with care.
  After using tools or equipment, return them to their proper place.
  
  4. Clean Shared Spaces
  Everyone helps keep the house comfortable.
  Please clean up after yourself in shared spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. If we cook together, we also share the cleaning, you will be responsible for your own room.
  
  5. Quiet Hours
  Quiet time is usually 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM so everyone can rest, but im open to communicate about this.
  
  6. Guests
  Please ask before inviting visitors to the property. Overnight guests are generally not allowed unless we agree beforehand.
  
  7. Alcohol & Drugs
  Responsible alcohol use is fine, but please be respectful of others. Illegal drugs are not allowed on the property and also not during working.
  
  8. Safety
  Some tasks involve tools or outdoor work. If you are unsure how to use something, please ask first. Your safety is important.
  
  9. Transportation
  Please note that transportation is not included. I only have one motorcycle, so I cannot offer regular rides. From time to time I may be able to give someone a lift if I am already going into town, but it cannot be guaranteed.
  
  The good news is that there are many motorcycle rentals available in town, which is a common way to get around the area. If you prefer something simpler, I may also be able to help organize a bicycle for you to use during your stay.
  
  10. Positive Attitude
  This experience is about cultural exchange and teamwork. A positive attitude, flexibility, and respect for everyone make the experience great for all of us.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Unfortunately we have scheduled power outs in the area from time to time, that means no electricity and wifi during the day, but there is a couple workspaces in the are with a generator, starling internet or solar system.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  if you have a camper you can stay on the project property, you will have simple water access, electricity, and we are working on the toilet.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Un

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  Mes animaux

  

  Mila

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