Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
59
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Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are an international community of people sharing the vision to make knowledge revolving around natural building free and accessible to the most amount of people possible. Because we make no money out of natural building, we are also a Lodge and retreat center to generate the income we need to pursue our mission.
Located on the Pacific coast of Isla Los Brasiles in Nicaragua, the lodge is a co-living space and educational center where guests and volunteers can experience life in a community, learn about many things including sustainability, and contribute to the well-being of the local communities.
We have decided to enact a social enterprise model rather than a traditional non-profit. Like this, we do not depend upon donations and can create long-term sustainable projects with the local community.Types of help and learning opportunities
Art ProjectsLanguage practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsTeachingGardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseHospitality/TourismGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will have the opportunity to learn about permaculture and natural building, discover another culture and language (Spanish). What more, you will be submerged in the experience of living in community with people from all around the world. Here you will both have the chance to learn from others while also share what you know, begin or deepen your yoga and meditation practice and last but not least, enjoy the beautiful beach that is only meters away.
Help
The place has been closed for more than 3 years so the main focus will be the restauration of the ecolodge. From Monday to Friday the days start at 7am with a free optional 1 hour yoga session. At 9am we carry out the daily chores including, watering plants & trees and a general cleaning of the premises. We then gather for 2h30 hours of guided hands-on bio-construction workshop that comprises of different building techniques like cob, light straw, round wood carpentry, earthen floor, natural plaster, thatch roof, etc. From time to time, we also organize community projects like beach cleaning and encourage the creation of art projects. Weekends are off for everyone.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: 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
We have a beautiful forested area where you can camp with your own gear. If you don`t have any gear or need more comfort, you can rent a cabana or space in the dormitory. There are 3 outside showers and 2 compost toilets for your convenience. For food, you can either organize your own food or buy a meal package from the project (access to the kitchen is granted for communal food only).
Please try to arrive on a weekday before sunset to enjoy the most of the experience (as most of people are off for little expeditions in weekends). One week minimum is required.What else ...
Apart from learning about sustainable building and co-living practices, volunteers can also enjoy activities such as sunset volleyball, surfing, yoga, acro yoga, meditation, flow arts and a variety of workshops. We also dance our butts off and drop into ceremonies when appropriate. We also encourage volunteers to organize workshops at the lodge so they can share their knowledge, make extra income and learn how to live from their passion.
Don't forget, it is a co-living space, EVERYONE has to do their part to make the place livable =)
Don't forget to have a look at the webpage- ask us for the link- to have all the information you need to know on the volunteer opportunity, food, way to get there and more ;)A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
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
Hours expected
Maximum 15h per week (food not provided)
Feedback (40)
I hate to be negative but I wish I'd known more about what I was getting into before coming to Nicaragua with all my camping gear & plans to spend 3 weeks at this location.
They have updated their Profile page since I arrived & this is helpful. If one doesn't op for the food plan things a quite confusing. There is… read more
From the first day I arrived everyone made sure I feel comfortable, included and that I have everything I need. In total I spend a bit over 2 Weeks… read more
Paula, Nacho and koe ... what an amazing family. The energy and happiness that they share is so beautiful and contagious. From the first moment they arrived till the moment they left they were very helpfull and knowledgeable. They had a lot of initiative and were doing more than expected. The kid is adorable and they are so organised to take… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(3.5)
Cultural exchange:
(3.5)
Communication:
(3.5)
I hate to be negative but I wish I'd known more about what I was getting into before coming to Nicaragua with all my camping gear & plans to spend 3 weeks at this location.
They have updated their Profile page since I arrived & this is helpful. If one doesn't op for the food plan things a quite confusing. There is… read more
From the first day I arrived everyone made sure I feel comfortable, included and that I have everything I need. In total I spend a bit over 2 Weeks… read more
Paula, Nacho and koe ... what an amazing family. The energy and happiness that they share is so beautiful and contagious. From the first moment they arrived till the moment they left they were very helpfull and knowledgeable. They had a lot of initiative and were doing more than expected. The kid is adorable and they are so organised to take… read more
A quick rundown of a day there - you wake up & eat some delicious oatmeal for breakfast, start your daily tasks (mainly included cobbing, watering plants,… read more
My profile picture was in fact taken during my time at CDEP and it represents a time where I felt healthiest, most vital and most alive.
Every day I would cover myself… read more
I came here to learn a bit more about eco construction and after three weeks there, I realized that I've been learning much more about the human aspect of life in community.
I left as a new person and discovered so much about myself that I'll always thank this… read more
I love this place. It is just amazing. Its the perfect combination of work-learn and fun!
I could just stay there for three weeks but I am defenitly coming back to this place. The people, the place and the project is just unforgettable!
See you soon.
We were really interested in cob building and community life...well,we found a family!!
Everyday is a blessing at this project,
everynight under thousands of stars you go to sleep full of gratitude for all the learning and the sharing of the day.
Thank… read more
Cristian you left you mark here and you are more than welcome to come back whenever you want!
My time here overflowed with learning and connections; to the beautiful land, with the various projects going on within it (you'll have the choice of various tasks, depending on your skillsets and passions)- and to the beautiful and vibrant collective of people volunteering and running the project.
The atmosphere is always… read more
Many things to learn, many people to meet.
A perfect vibe to surf on during winter !
Would defenitly go back once again.
Thanks again fo that great opportunity.
She is really autonomiste and integrate well with a group.
She stay with us for about a month and she will always be welcome to come back. I would recommend her help for any type of project.
Tchuss!
Seriously I have over 200 volunteers a year but I will remember her!
She is very special and it's great to have her around.
Peace!
Ghislain
The way he interacts with all the… read more
What a great couple! Always there to help with a smile on their face and a good sense of humor.
I would definetely recommend them for other host!
Take care guys and great Musique Shannon!
Peace!
Cheers for the laughs,
Simon and Elly.
Thanks for… read more
I wish you all the best in the future and come back one day!
Peace
Ghislain
Amazing project, place, people. You have so much passion and patience and I am inspired by you to do big things in this world while I am alive and able.
Any one looking for an amazing work-exchange, go here. The food is plentiful, delicious, and healthy, the place is magnificent and will only continue to get better. I had such a… read more
It was so nice to have you here!
keep your humour and positivity and good luck in your future plans
Peace!
Ghislain
It was a pleasure to have you here and you are definetely welcome to come back whenever you want.
I wish you all the best!
Ghislain
You are more than welcome to come back at anytime!
All the best for your next plans!
Ghislain
I hope to see you soon too!
Peace
Ghislain is a really knowledgeable guy, and always happy to teach what he knows.
Being part of the creation of what is already starting to look like an amazing ecolodge was a great experience that is far from being in a commercial hostel.
Daily help consisted of working with cob, light… read more
It was awesome to have you here!
I wish you all the best to come!
We stayed about 10 days, helping build huts using natural materials (cob and lightstraw). Ghislain, who runs the project, has an incredible amount of energy, enthusiasm, patience and empathy. He understands that volunteers come to learn new skills, so he ensures… read more
I was so nice to have you both guys here!
Your positivity was an asset for this project and you did a great job with the pizza oven.
Thanks for everything!
It was a pure pleasure to have you here.
Thanks again for your help and you are welcome whenever you want.!
The guys got a few basic rules which are simple to follow. The days are interesting and its genuinely impressive yet simple to work with cob.
This was our first workaway experience and as you can guess... It is pretty much exactly what… read more
It was really nice to have you here and of course you are welcome next year!
Take care!
Ghislain
It was a pleasure to have you here!
I wish you all the best for the future and you are always welcome to come back here.
Peace!
Enjoy the rest of your trip and see you again one day hey!
It was my first Workaway experience and it has been exactly what I was hoping it to be: I've learned a lot about natural building (even if I had never done it before, Ghislain was so kind to explain me it all), I've met wonderful people and I was sorrounded with nature of a… read more