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Long-term volunteering in Brazil – 100% free

Ready to reconnect with nature and live more sustainably? At Eco Caminhos, an eco farm in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, Brazil, we welcome volunteers for a life-changing experience of learning by doing. Guided by permaculture principles, we practice natural building and agroforestry to regenerate land and create a more resilient way of life. Here, you’ll grow your own food, build with natural materials, generate renewable energy, and live as part of a supportive community.

Join Our Long-Term Volunteer Program

Our long-term volunteer program is ideal for people who are ready to commit to a more meaningful and sustainable lifestyle. You’ll become part of the Eco Caminhos team and take on real responsibilities in bioconstruction, agroforestry, organic food production, and more. There are two ways to join:

1. Direct Entry

If you already have experience in key areas like natural building, agroforestry, gardening, carpentry, communication, administration, or marketing (see full list below), you can apply directly to our free long-term program.

2. Introduction Program

If you’re just getting started, you can join our Introduction Program. Over 6 months, you’ll develop the skills and experience needed to join the core team and transition into the long-term volunteer role.

What kind of skills do we expect for direct entry?

Hands-on skills

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][swmsc_toggle_accordion_container status=”closed” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”hand-rock-o” title=”Carpenter”][p] Hands-on carpentry skills: constructing roofs, building furniture, installing doors and windows, performing maintenance, and working on general construction tasks[/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”home” title=”Natural Builder / Bioconstructor”][p] Hands-on experience in bioconstruction: building stone foundations, constructing cob walls, working with wattle and daub, creating green roofs, and applying natural finishes. [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”hand-o-up” title=”Construction Worker”][p] Hands-on construction skills: site preparation, foundation work, bricklaying, framing, roofing, plastering, installing doors and windows, mixing and applying natural plasters, using power tools, and performing general maintenance and repairs. [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”pencil” title=”Architect”][p] Architecture skills: designing functional and sustainable spaces, creating technical drawings and 3D models (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit), collaborating on construction planning, integrating bioclimatic and natural building principles, and overseeing site implementation.[/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”tree” title=”Agroforestry”][p] Hands-on agroforestry skills: understanding core concepts, identifying tree species, planting vegetables and legumes, tree planting and pruning, soil preparation, irrigation, harvesting, plowing, operating chainsaws and brush cutters, and basic tree climbing techniques. [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”leaf” title=”Permaculture Skills”][p] Hands-on permaculture skills: applying design principles, managing compost systems, creating garden beds, integrating companion planting, building natural water retention systems (swales, ponds), practicing soil regeneration, working with food forests, managing organic waste, and implementing closed-loop systems [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”bug” title=”Beekeeper”][p] Hands-on beekeeping skills: managing hives, inspecting colony health, harvesting honey, handling bees safely, maintaining equipment, and understanding pollination and seasonal bee behavior. [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][/swmsc_toggle_accordion_container][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]

Communication Skills

[/swmsc_text_block][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][swmsc_toggle_accordion_container status=”closed” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”wechat” title=”Webdesigner”][p] Web design skills: designing and managing WordPress sites, implementing SEO strategies, creating visual content with graphic design tools, and using RD Station for digital marketing and automation[/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”camera-retro” title=”Videographer”][p] Videography skills: filming, editing, color correction, sound design, creating promotional and educational videos, operating cameras and drones, and using editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”mobile-phone” title=”Online Marketing skills”][p] Online marketing skills: developing and managing digital campaigns, SEO and SEM strategies, social media management, content creation, email marketing, analytics tracking (Google Analytics, RD Station), and lead generation.[/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”dollar” title=”Fundraiser”][p] Fundraiser: Writing proposals, contacting donors and partners, managing fundraising campaigns, promoting social projects, and securing support for the Ecolibrium construction and community initiatives.[/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”print” title=”Administrative Support”][p] Administrative Support: Managing email and WhatsApp communication, organizing schedules, contacting suppliers, welcoming guests, writing articles and updates, and improving internal workflows and processes. [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][swmsc_toggle_accordion icon_name=”suitcase” title=”Sales and Outreach”][p] Sales and Outreach: Engaging with schools, universities, and travel agencies; presenting programs and experiences; building strategic partnerships; managing leads through CRM tools; and developing outreach strategies to increase bookings and visibility [/p][/swmsc_toggle_accordion][/swmsc_toggle_accordion_container][vc_column_text css=””]To join our long-term volunteer program, we expect a high level of maturity, motivation, and respect for nature and others. In most positions, Portuguese is also essential, as it enables meaningful communication with the local team and community. After reviewing your application, if your profile aligns with our values and requirements and if we have space available we’ll invite you for an interview.

Work Schedule & Community Life 

Long-term volunteers in our full-time program work 32 hours across 4 days per week, contributing to projects in natural building, agroforestry, communication, hospitality, or other areas depending on their skills and interests. Evenings and weekends are yours to enjoy. Some volunteers take the opportunity to explore Nova Friburgo or visit Rio de Janeiro, while others prefer to relax at the volunteer house, visit the waterfall just 50 meters away, or hike the surrounding mountains. Every two weeks, the Eco Caminhos team gathers for a social evening, our “farmily night.” We eat together, light a campfire, watch a movie, or play games. New ideas and initiatives are always welcome  the goal is to connect, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company.

Where will you be staying?

We have two volunteer houses, one for 5 volunteers and the other for 7 volunteers. The accommodations are basic and include the following facilities:

•  Rooms for 2 to 3 volunteers.
•  Small kitchen
•  Living room
•  Washing machine
•  WiFi

Phases of your volunteer experience

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After the interview and agreement on terms, you’ll receive a clear schedule:

• 2 days working in areas where the farm needs support

• 2 days in a project aligned with your interests (e.g., natural building, agroforestry, communication)
  Total: 32 hours per week

This period allows both you and Eco Caminhos to get to know each other. By engaging in real projects, we can assess your ability to adapt, stay motivated, and work hands-on as part of the team.

• After the first week, we do a short evaluation to check motivation, punctuality, and respect.

• Then, we hold monthly evaluations for mutual feedback.

• After 3 months, a final evaluation determines whether both sides want to continue the collaboration until at least the end of the year.

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Once both sides agree to continue for at least one year, the volunteer continues participating in existing projects four days per week, gradually taking on more responsibilities and becoming more involved in team decisions.

In addition, volunteers have the option to dedicate one day per week to a personal project, as long as it aligns with the vision of Eco Caminhos — such as environmental preservation, social impact, education, agroforestry, or natural building.

Important: Eco Caminhos operates on a limited budget, so projects should be low-cost or self-funded by the volunteer. Projects can be carried out individually or in groups, depending on the volunteer’s preference.

We also welcome revenue-generating initiatives, such as building partnerships with universities, schools, or travel groups. If these projects generate income, the volunteer may receive a commission based on the results.

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At this stage, you can further develop your personal project, with a primary focus on creating positive social and environmental impact. Projects that bring tangible benefits to the community, the environment, and the mission of Eco Caminhos are especially encouraged.

There is also the possibility of becoming involved with the Ecolibrium Association, a partner organization focused on expanding the educational, ecological, and social impact initiated at Eco Caminhos. This connection can open doors to new projects, fundraising opportunities, and collaboration with other institutions.

If your project generates income, financial compensation can be discussed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the project’s nature, impact, and level of responsibility involved.

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Volunteers who stay for more than two years and show strong commitment to the values and goals of the project may be invited to become active members of the Ecolibrium Association. This includes participating in strategic decisions, co-creating projects, and the possibility of receiving fair compensation for their contributions.

At this stage, you transition from volunteer to partner, coordinator, or paid team member, taking on greater responsibility and helping the organization grow in alignment with the principles of permaculture, collaboration, and positive social and environmental impact.

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Included

• Basic accommodation in a shared room

• Warm, home-cooked lunch (Monday to Friday), prepared with ingredients from our own farm

• Eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits from the farm when available

• Small food budget for self-prepared breakfast and dinner

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Not Included

• Room and house cleaning – you are responsible for keeping your own room and shared spaces clean

• Meals – you are responsible for your own breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals

• Food preparation – participation in the shared cooking schedule is expected

• Airport transfers – not provided by Eco Caminhos

• Personal expenses – including optional activities or outings that involve additional costs

• Personal items – such as hygiene products, laundry detergent, and other daily necessities

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Airport transfer

There is the option to take a bus in Rio de Janeiro. To do this you can take a line bus from the airport to the Rio bus station and from there take the bus to Nova Friburgo where we can pick you up. Now if you would like to guarantee your safe and comfortable arrival, our trusted driver can pick you up and leave you at the Eco Caminhos doorstep. He will wait for you in the arrival hall with a small name plate. The driver charges R$1000, a very fair price for Brazil. We can also arrange for you to be dropped off at a specific location on your day of departure.

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