Some content was translated automatically. Show original
United Kingdom
By the end of my stay with Francesco i felt as though i was leaving the company of a good friend. After first arriving in Portobelo i was feeling a little blue but soon i felt welcomed into Casa Vela like family. Now i adore Portobelo, i am very grateful for my time there and i cant wait to back and visit again. Francesco is a great host and the company of Alexander, Basti and Italia will be missed, the work itself is very relaxed and the meal at the end of the day is always delicious. Casa vela itself is set right on the waterfront and is absolutely picturesque
6 months ago
Belgium
I had an amazing experience with Francesco in Portobelo. He is a fantastic host: funny, kind, and incredibly interesting, especially because of his experience as a guide. One of the things I appreciated most during my stay were the tours he offers. Whether it was a jungle hike or a snorkeling tour, every activity was unique and memorable.
9 months ago
Bosnia and Herzegovina
What I can say all was the best second time ... Gera continúa 😊😊😊
over 2 years ago
Bosnia and Herzegovina
What can I say about Francesko...He takes care of you like a member of the family...The experience is incredible from the Caribbean itself to everything that Francesko offers you, going on free tours such as sightseeing tours, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking through the jungle and many other activities, I was lucky enough to stay on a ship as a real sailor and it opened up some completely new views on life that I didn't know about until now. . as for Antonio, you have to experience that character, you have to get to know him, all in all, a great experience and I hope that I will come back again
over 2 years ago
United States
This experience has been amazing! Francesco is so welcoming, understanding, and such a wonderful person and host. The restaurant is a cute little place right on the Bay and while working here I've met so many people from all the ships that dock in the bay, as well as many locals. The pizza or pasta dinners are all fantastic and I was introduced to many new styles of delicious Italian pasta. Francesco is very knowledgeable about the area, animals, and local culture. The dorm room is 3km away from the restaurant but you can use bicycles, taxis, or the local bus system to get to the Pizzaria.
over 2 years ago
Australia
Overall, a good experience in a unique location with a good atmosphere. The town itself is small and not lively. The host is very honest with what to expect upon arrival, so we knew this. The time period of 4 weeks minimum is a bit too long for the location, but we always found something to do on our days off with help and guidance from Francesco. The current accommodation is very basic and has a few issues. We dealt with water leaks in our room ( during wet season ) but he has plans to relocate the volunteer housing which will much improve the experience. We encourage you to give it a try :)
over 2 years ago
Turkey
Francesco is an amazing person. But the house he provides is really bad condition. If you would like to stay, bring pillows because there is none. There is no windows in the house, so bring a mosquito tent and get ready to sleep with lizzards, spiders, bugs in the room. Bring sheets. They only give dinners, and I cleaned the whole kitchen to make breakfast but you have to do it with pans in spider webs. If you look for no hygiene, no normal conditions but nature, its an amazing job. And the work between the house and restaurant is 4 kms, take 1 hour walking, anf no bikes available.
over 2 years ago
Germany
First of all I want to thank Francesco for being a amazing host! My experience in portobelo was amazing and more intense then I expected, in a positiv way. The locals are lovely and welcome you as a foreigner to there community. If you are looking for a journey that is about a real and authentic experience you have to come to Francesco! Portobelo is gonna stay in my heart for a long time I'm sure about that! Kind regards Olivia 🥰
over 3 years ago
United States
I had an amazing experience with Francesco and other travelers. While it was not perfectly what I expected it was down to earth and honest. Francesco was a super helpful host not only in getting around and getting to know the town but about the project and personal goals of my own. I enjoyed myself in the project and got to learn more about the industry I love from a new perspective. I would recommend to anyone wanting a new perspective of life from a simple and friendly seaside town.
over 3 years ago
Italy
I could not have started my first volunteer experience in a better way. With Francesco and the other volunteer, I immediately felt part of a family; for me, Panamore was more than just doing some daily tasks; it was believing in Francesco's project and really feeling part of it. Portobelo is a small town with not much to do during the night, but if you're looking for an environment surrounded by nature and you would like to learn how to prepare Italian food (Francesco cooks some great pasta and pizza) this is the right place for you!
almost 4 years ago
