The ONDA Hiking Club is one of the main ways guests experience Boquete together. It is not a formal guided tour. It is a social group outing that gives guests an easy way to explore nature, meet other travelers, and spend the day together off-property.

Purpose of the role

The purpose of the Hiking Club is to:

• give guests an easy way to join an outdoor experience
• create connection between guests
• make hiking feel social, approachable, and well organized
• help guests choose the right outing for their level and vibe
• make sure the group leaves and returns together

For volunteers, the role is not to act like a professional guide. The role is to keep the experience organized, social, and clearly communicated.

What this role is

The volunteer is:

• the main point of contact for guests joining the outing
• the person who helps explain which hike is which
• the person who helps drive sign-ups
• the person who helps set clear expectations
• the person responsible for keeping the group together and reporting issues

The volunteer is not:

• a professional hiking guide
• a safety ranger
• someone who improvises a different route
• someone who guesses trail details if unsure
• a private host for one guest

Core Hiking Club rules

These points apply to all ONDA Boquete Hiking Club outings:

• Guests must sign up at the bar
• Guests must pay at the bar
• All outings leave at 9:00 a.m. sharp
• Transportation is included
• Entrance fee is included
• One free drink at the bar after the outing is included
• Once paid, there are no refunds
• Capacity depends on the van size
• Standard working capacity is usually up to 15 guests, unless a bigger van is arranged

Volunteer responsibilities

Before the outing

• Announce the day’s outing during breakfast
• Explain:
  • the route
  • the price
  • the departure time
  • what kind of outing it is
• Make sure guests know this is a group outing, not a private guided tour
• Help guests choose the route that fits them best
• Remind guests what to bring
• Confirm the group count
• Inform the hotel before departure

During the outing

• Keep the group together
• Stay aware of the slowest guest
• Do headcounts during the outing
• Keep solo travelers included
• Keep the group energy social and positive
• Make sure no one is left behind
• Do not let the group split without awareness

After the outing

• Do a final headcount
• Inform the hotel that the group returned
• Report any incident or problem
• Help lead the post-hike transition back into ONDA

What volunteers should always communicate to guests

For every hike, guests should clearly understand:

• where to sign up
• where to pay
• what time the van leaves
• what is included
• that there are no refunds once paid
• that capacity is limited by the van
• what kind of outing they are signing up for

This last point matters a lot.

A guest should not book a hike thinking:

• it will be easier than it is
• it will be harder than it is
• it is a swim outing if it is really a hike
• it is a true hike if it is really more of a scenic outing

Route guide at a glance

How to position each route

Pipeline

• Best “easy” option
• Chill hike with little incline
• Good for almost everyone
• Great for nature and birdwatching guests

3 Waterfalls

• More physical than Pipeline
• Still beginner-friendly
• Good for guests who want waterfalls and a more active trail

El Pianista

• The most challenging option in the weekly lineup
• Better for guests who want more of a workout
• Should be described as moderate, not extreme

Hot Springs & Waterfalls

• More of an outing than a true hike
• Best for guests who want something scenic and relaxing
• Good for people who want water and nature without a harder trail

What not to do

• Do not describe the Hiking Club like a professional guided tour
• Do not let guests sign up without understanding the route
• Do not say all hikes are basically the same
• Do not oversell a route to make it sound easier or more exciting than it is
• Do not guess trail difficulty if you are unsure
• Do not ignore footwear, water, or weather considerations
• Do not forget to inform the hotel when the group leaves and returns
• Do not skip headcounts
• Do not let the group split up unnoticed
• Do not leave slower or quieter guests behind

What success looks like

• Guests understand the Hiking Club before they sign up
• Guests choose routes that actually fit their level and interests
• Guests know the departure time, payment process, and refund policy
• The group leaves organized and returns together
• No one is forgotten or left behind
• The outing feels social, smooth, and well communicated
• Guests come back feeling like it was a strong ONDA experience

Summary

The ONDA Hiking Club is a social group outing, not a formal guided tour. The volunteer’s job is to help guests choose the right route, set expectations clearly, keep the group together, and make sure the experience feels organized, social, and safe.