Experience life in the Caribbean and join our spot for travellers in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Details

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  Description

  Please note:
  We only plan about 1–2 months ahead, so please apply only if you meet the requirements (check: ✅ What we are looking for) and are genuinely interested in coming soon.
  
  ➡️ Available start dates:
  July 13/14 or 15
  July 18/19/20 for just 3.5 weeks - hostel will be closed for maintenance from August 12 *if you experienced in construction there is option you can stay longer)
  Sept 05/06 (4 volunteers)
  
  Looking for a way to live in the jungle, meet people from all over the world, and be part of something meaningful on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica?
  We’re a small, community-focused hostel in Puerto Viejo, and we’re currently looking for a volunteer to join our reception team. You won’t just be checking people in — you’ll be helping to create a space that feels like home.
  
  🌿 A Bit About Us:
  The hostel opened its doors in 2010, when Dannie and Dave, two passionate travelers, turned a dream into reality. They poured their love, time, and energy into creating more than just a hostel — they built a welcoming space where people connect, relax, and feel at home in the jungle.
  In 2017, Viola arrived as a volunteer and quickly fell in love with the project. Since 2021, she’s been managing the space, supporting volunteers, and keeping things flowing — especially when the owners are away.
  We live alongside 3 dogs and 3 cats, who are very much part of the family. They’ll gladly become your beach buddies or hangout companions during your shift. 🐶🐱
  In 2024, we opened our very own Yoga Shala, where we host daily classes for guests and locals. If you’re a certified yoga teacher, there are opportunities to offer your own classes. It’s a great way to share your passion — with 70% of class income going to you, and 30% to the hostel to support the space.
  
  🛠️ What You’ll Do (Approx. 25 hours/week):
  Your main responsibilities will be at reception:
  Welcoming and checking in guests
  Giving tours and explaining house guideline
  Accepting payments and managing guest tabs
  Renting bikes
  Keeping the reception area clean and friendly
  Closing and tidying common areas in the evening
  Helping with basic volunteer kitchen cleaning
  Setting a positive tone and keeping good vibes flowing
  Walking our doggies (and give them a shower after a sandy walk)
  
  
  
  🎁 What You Get:
  A bed in our shared dorm (fan only) or volunteer room (if available)
  Access to a volunteer-only kitchen
  Use of laundry facilities (certain hours)
  A bike to explore the town and surrounding beaches
  The chance to become part of a warm, creative, and welcoming community
  Optional: opportunity to teach yoga classes in our new Shala (if certified)
  
  
  
  🗓️ Time Commitment:
  Minimum stay: 6 weeks
  Maximum stay: 4 months
  
  
  ✅ What We’re Looking For:
  Fluent English and intermediate Spanish
  Age 25 to 40
  Individual travelers (no couples or friends)
  Social, responsible, and positive attitude
  Proactive, clean, and respectful of shared living
  Comfortable with tropical life and community-style living
  Yoga teachers welcome! (Must be certified to offer classes)
  
  
  🚲 The Bike:
  You’ll have access to a hostel bike for your personal use. Just treat it with care and always lock it up!
  
  📩 Interested? Here’s How to Apply:
  Send us a message including:
  A short introduction about yourself
  Your age
  Your spoken languages and level (English and Spanish required)
  Your available dates
  Relevant experience (reception, hospitality, yoga, etc.)
  Why this exchange speaks to you
  
  
  We’re excited to hear from you and welcome you into the family 🌿

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Pets

  

  Sustainability

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Come check it out and experience a 'home away from home!' Learn Caribbean/Costa Rican culture, language, and chill in a positive vibration!

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  Help

  🛠️ What You’ll Do (Approx. 25 hours/week):
  Your main responsibilities will be at reception:
  Welcoming and checking in guests
  Giving tours and explaining house guideline
  Accepting payments and managing guest tabs
  Renting bikes
  Keeping the reception area clean and friendly
  Closing and tidying common areas in the evening
  Helping with basic volunteer kitchen cleaning
  Setting a positive tone and keeping good vibes flowing
  Walking our doggies (and give them a shower after a sandy walk)

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  🎁 What You Get:
  A bed in our shared dorm (fan only) or volunteer room (if available)
  Access to a volunteer-only kitchen
  Use of laundry facilities (certain hours)
  A bike to explore the town and surrounding beaches
  The chance to become part of a warm, creative, and welcoming community
  Optional: opportunity to teach yoga classes in our new Shala (if certified)

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  What else ...

  📍 Location & Local Vibes:
  We’re located just outside the town center of Puerto Viejo, right on the main road — so you’ll hear a mix of jungle sounds and local street life. The beach is just a short ride away, and bikes make it easy to explore nearby towns and nature spots.
  Puerto Viejo is a laid-back Caribbean town, close to the border with Panama, known for its mix of Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae vibes, and international energy. It’s a place where people come to surf, relax, and connect.
  In your free time, you can enjoy:
  Swimming, surfing, or snorkeling (conditions vary with the sea)
  Beach Volleyball, Slackline, Paddle Ball and much more
  Waterfalls and jungle hikes, local tourism
  A lively nightlife scene and great local food
  Plenty of chances to meet people from all over the world
  This is a space where adventure, nature, and community come together — and we love sharing that experience with our volunteers.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Bagheera

  The untamed soul, the wild one. You don’t see her much, as she’s always off exploring new places, roaming the world on her terms. But when she’s in the mood, she’ll share a quiet moment with you in the hammock. Growing up with Lilma, she’s got that cheeky, wild energy that’s hard to resist. Cheeky, fierce, and absolutely amazing.

  

  Mr.Ra

  The sweetest soul around. He loves to curl up on the reception couches, soaking in all the love. As the only boy in the crew, life’s not always easy, but he’s always calm and gentle. Named after the Egyptian sun god, he’s got a heart full of sunshine and a personality as warm as his name.

  

  Artemisa

  Artemisa sleeps where she pleases: sofa, reception, a random shelf, or some secret spot only she knows. She’s always ready for guest cuddles, and when she wants love, she comes and gets it. When she’s done… she's gone. Mama-cat of the house, calm, collected, and totally in charge.

  

  LilMa (7 years)

  The youngest of the crew and full of energy. She’s the hostel’s little guardian—always on alert, super loyal, and ready to protect her people. Walk time or the smell of food? Pure excitement! She’s a little quirky sometimes, but charms everyone with her innocent look and huge, loving heart. When she’s not out on patrol, she’s soaking up the sun or… secretly stealing the cat’s food.

  

  Mumu (14 years)

  Once a party girl, now living her best chilled-out life at the hostel. In another life, she was definitely a mermaid—she’s her happiest self at the beach, taking dips, catching waves, and soaking up the sun. She loves strolling through town and hanging out with her girls. When it rains, you’ll find her curled up under the sink, her favorite cozy spot. With her unique charm, she always gets what she wants.

  

  Ruka (15 years)

  The heart of the hostel and the original soul behind its name. She’s been here the longest, living her best dog retirement—slow mornings, beach strolls, and front-row seats at every yoga class (yes, she's a shala regular!). She likes to nap on the stairs and somehow always finds a snack, no matter where it’s hiding. She reminds us daily to enjoy the little things.

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