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Volunteer at an Eco Farm and experience agroforestry, bioconstruction, and eco sports

Availability: All year        Duration:  1 – 24 weeks        Start date: flexible

Eco Caminhos is a sustainable farm located in the astonishing Atlantic Forest mountains of Nova Friburgo, Brazil. As a volunteer, you’ll live and work on a permaculture-based farm that integrates natural building, agroforestry and organic food production. Since 2015, we’ve built several natural houses and regenerated degraded land through productive agroforestry systems.

Our Eco Caminhos Introduction Program welcomes people from around the world to experience hands-on learning, cultural exchange and a regenerative way of life. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects, share daily life in community and explore an ecological hotspot within one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. We offer flexible stays from 1 to 24 weeks and welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. No prior experience is required. Volunteers who demonstrate commitment and alignment with our mission may be invited to join our long-term (free) program, after successfully completing this program. At Eco Caminhos, sustainability is not a theory, it’s our lifestyle. You’ll learn by doing, reconnect with nature, and become part of a movement for real transformation.

Now the biggest oportunity volunteering at Eco Caminhos is to learn about yourself.

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What will your average day look like?

Participants in the Volunteer Introduction Program work 8 hours per day, 3 days a week, usually on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tasks may vary between agroforestry, natural building and other essential activities on the farm.

Tuesdays are dedicated to learning, with presentations on key topics such as permaculture, agroforestry, natural building and sustainability. These sessions are designed to deepen your understanding of the principles and techniques behind our work. Tuesdays also include practical workshops, such as Portuguese classes, cooking, composting and other hands-on activities connected to daily life on a permaculture farm. In addition, we hold feedback and planning meetings, where volunteers can share their experiences, suggest improvements and participate in shaping the future of the farm. Participation is optional.

On Thursdays, we organize a mix of nature-based, cultural, and eco-sport activities. Volunteers may hike to scenic mountain peaks, swim in waterfalls and natural pools or join mountain bike tours. We also explore the local region’s rich food, art and cultural traditions through guided visits to nearby communities. It’s a chance to experience both the incredible natural beauty and the vibrant culture that surrounds us. Weekends are free, though we often offer optional group activities for those who wish to participate. Many volunteers use this time to explore Nova Friburgo or travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Every two weeks, we host our Farmily Night, an evening where everyone comes together to socialize, cook, make a fire, play table games or ping pong, sing karaoke and share quality time. Suggestions for activities are always welcome. If the group is up for it we also organize football nights. Although we call this our Volunteer Introduction Program, it is more than just volunteering. It’s a unique blend of a volunteer experience, an apprenticeship and an ecotourism program. It offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute, learn, grow and live in harmony with nature.*This image is an example of our weekly routine

Accommodation Options

We offer two accommodation options for participants in our Volunteer Introduction Program, tailored to different preferences and needs. You can choose between comfortable shared facilities and more private, luxury accommodations. Our comfort shared accommodation is ideal for those who enjoy simplicity and the experience of living and connecting with people from around the world. It fosters a sense of community and shared learning. Our luxury facilities offer greater comfort and privacy, making them suitable for individuals or families seeking a quieter, more independent living experience. All of our accommodations include a reliable internet connection suitable for everyday use.

You can indicate your preference in the application form, and we will check availability. After applying, we’ll schedule an interview to provide more detailed information and answer any questions you may have.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][swmsc_tabs tabs_style=”tabs_horizontal” content_style=”content_with_border” tabs_align=”left” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_tab title=”Comfort Accommodation” icon_name=”group” background=”#adcb69″ color=”#ffffff”]

Comfort Accommodation / Shared Volunteer House

Level of Comfort

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Our Comfort Accommodation is located just outside the farm. On workdays, volunteers are transported to the farm by our pickup truck. When the pickup is unavailable, the walk is about 1.5 km uphill, a good warm-up for the day ahead. The volunteer house can accommodate up to 8 people, with shared bedrooms for 2 people each. You’ll be living alongside other volunteers and Brazilian team members. Each house is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and living room, offering everything you need for a simple and communal lifestyle. Just next to the volunteer house runs a beautiful, clean creek, perfect for refreshing yourself after a day of work. The houses are poorly insulated, so during the winter months (April to September) it can get quite cold at night. However, the incredible natural surroundings more than make up for it. Living in this space also means embracing permaculture values. Everyone is responsible for cleaning and cooking, and we expect all residents to participate. Simple doesn’t mean dirty. It means learning to live consciously and respectfully in a shared environment.

 

Conditions

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Luxury Accommodation / Eco Lodge / Bioconstructed Accommodation

Level of Comfort

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Our luxury Accommodation is a real highlight at the farm. This spectacular bioconstructed house is situated at the center here at Ecocaminhos. We recommend the Ecolodge for ones who want comfortability whatever the weather, and desire living in a private accomodation with incredible views. The Eco Lodge can easily house up to 8 people. It has 2 suites, a smaller bedroom, a large kitchen, a spacious living room, a terrace, a bathroom and a garage. The house also has a warm outdoor fireplace for bonfires. Because the house is bioconstructed, and has double-glazed windows it is very comfortable during the winter months. On cold days you can gather around the fireplace. On hot summer days, it is nice and cool. The house has a natural wastewater filter, solar warmed hot water and all electricy is generated through solar panels. Waste is separated and collected by the staff of Eco Caminhos. Because the Ecolodge is located at the top of a mountain and due to the condition of the road, a 4×4 car is required. For those who do not have a 4×4 car, we are ble to drive you to the house on arrival, and will drive you down on departure.

Conditions

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Expectations

Now that you have an idea of what to expect from the farm, we would like to share some behaviors and responsibilities we expect from volunteers. Staying on a permaculture farm is not staying in a hostel. Following the permaculture principals means that people should come prepared to participate in a more concious lifestyle. It is important to be aware how we live, how we impact the environment and our fellow residents. We can say that this is often one of the biggest challenges people face at the farm but also form the biggest learning oportunity.

• Keep your room/house clean and organized
• Participation in meal preparation
• Have motivation, disposition, and initiative
• Be punctual and respect schedules
• Respect all members of the community
• No drinking and no drugs

 

Our volunteers sharing their experiences

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Prices Introduction Program + Comfortable Accommodation

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* Our prices are in Brazilian Real. Taxes and fees are included. The prices in US$ and Euros are indicative and the exact amount in US$ or Euro will be calculated on the day of booking.[/swmsc_tab][swmsc_tab title=”Prices Luxury Accommodation” icon_name=”home”]

Prices Introduction Program + Eco Lodge luxury Accommodation – 3 people

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* The prices above are based on 3 people. For families and groups up to 8 people we do not charge aditional for accommodation. There is an additional fee of  800 reais per week for each person for the experience, training, activities and warm meals.

Our prices are in Brazilian Real. Taxes and fees are included. The prices in US$ and Euros are indicative and the exact amount in US$ or Euro will be calculated on the day of booking. Take in mind that we depend on availability.[/swmsc_tab][/swmsc_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][swmsc_tabs tabs_style=”tabs_horizontal” content_style=”content_with_border” tabs_align=”left” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_tab title=”Included” icon_name=”- Select Icon -“]

Included 

• Warm Lunch from monday – friday with organic ingredients of our own farm.
• Theoretical introduction about the implementation of  permaculture, bioconstruction, and agroforestry on our farm
• Hands-on bioconstruction and agroforestry work on the Eco Caminhos
• 1 activity per week, including hikes, mountainbike tour, visit to waterfalls and tours of the region *
• 1 Portuguese class per week
• Participate in volunteer nights, including board games, movies, and campfires.

* You pay for your own transport, food, and entrance fees, if applicable[/swmsc_tab][swmsc_tab title=”Not Included” icon_name=”- Select Icon -“]

Not Included

• Airport transfer
• Breakfast and diner
• Cleaning Services
• Childcare

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Airport Transfer

To guarantee your safe and comfortable arrival our trusted driver from Nova Friburgo can pick you up and drop you off at the Eco Caminhos doorstep. The driver will wait for you in the arrival hall. The price for the pick-up or drop-off is R$ 1000, for the 3 hours ride. 

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Safety

You can come to the Eco Farm carefree. The rural community surrounding the Eco Farm is  extremely safe. We live with our doors and windows open since we first arrived here. Also the city Nova Friburgo which is nearby has a very low violence rate compared to the big cities in Brazil. 

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