Another blog for you guys ✨
After finishing my seasonal work in Croatia (3 months), I flew to Mexico to officially start my traveling era.
I had zero plans, no must-see list — my only goals were simple: rest, party, eat tacos, repeat.
I landed in Cancún and partied for a full week to fully switch off “work mode” ;P
After that, I flew to Oaxaca to begin my volunteering journey.
I planned to stay at Iguana Hostel for one month… and somehow ended up staying four months 😅
A little about Iguana Hostel
Iguana Hostel has this amazing rooftop with:
- a bar
- hammocks
- a coworking space
Not gonna lie — I spent most of my time up there.
What the work was actually like
Hours:
25 hours per week
Type of work:
You only work twice a week and get four days off 🙌
Most of the work is at reception:
- checking guests in & out
- answering questions
- changing sheets for new guests
EASIEST SHIFT EVER so farrr.
I watched so many movies behind the reception desk.
👉 Tip: volunteer during low season if you’re an introvert like me.
I also helped out at the bar, which I loved — serving drinks, putting on dance music, organizing ping-pong tournaments, getting tips and dancing it off 💃
My DIY tip jar for my shift at the bar
Even though it was low season, it was filled with high-season moments.
I got to experience Day of the Dead (absolutely magical) and Christmas, when the hostel was full.
For Christmas we did Secret Santa, cooked turkey, and smashed a piñata 🎄✨
Days off
4 days per week
Energy level required
Low
The work is very chill. I’d honestly recommend a post-shift hammock nap 😌
Accommodation & food
Room:
Shared room only for volunteers
(Maximum of 4 volunteers)
Kitchen access:
Yes
Food included:
Breakfast every day — cooked by Terres, the hostel chef 🥹
Her food is delicious.
The Breakfast includes: one bowl of fresh fruits, a coffee on the right and entomatadas!
Location
The hostel is right in the center, with tons of street food nearby.
Safety & vibe
Would you recommend it for solo women?
Definitely. I felt very safe as a woman in the neighborhood — just be a bit more cautious during high season.
Queer-friendly or neutral?
Neutral.
There are more gay clubs for gay men than for lesbians.
Tips
- Across from the hostel there’s a 90-peso all-you-can-eat buffet (yes, really).
- You can find it here: El Conde
- Visit Txalaparta for salsa nights — salsa night costs around 250 pesos.
- Other nights are free entry, and there are cheaper or free options around the city too.
Who this place is good for
If you’re new to hostel volunteering or choosing your first placement, I break down different volunteering placements and what to expect in [How I Traveled the World for a Year With Almost No Money].
Good for:
Honestly? Everyone.
You work only twice a week, have four days off, and can easily travel to:
- Mexico City
- Puebla
- San José
- and more
Breakfast is included daily, there are always fellow travelers to meet, and you still get quiet time — perfect if you’re an introvert like me.
Would you do it again?
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I already miss the sun 🌞
👉 If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad, I use Worldpackers and only share places I’d actually stay at again.
As always,
Wonder. Explore. Live.
Till next time,
💫 Wander Woman Quest
