Volunteer in Brazil

Permaculture, agroforestry and natural building in the mountains of the Atlantic Forest. Experience a multicultural community and be part of the positive impact on society and nature.

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Volunteer
in Brazil

Permaculture, agroforestry and natural building in the mountains of the Atlantic Forest.

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2014

FOUNDED

IN

+2.000

 VOLUNTEERS

 HOSTED

15.000

m² AGRO

FORESTRY

18.000

 TREES

 PLANTED

4.000

COFFEE

PLANTS

60%

OF FOOD

GROWN

ON SITE

5

NATURAL

BUILDINGS

ABOUT ECO CAMINHOS

Start Your Volunteer Experience
at Eco Caminhos

Eco Caminhos is a permaculture farm founded in 2014 in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro.

We develop and practice solutions that harmonize agriculture, community and nature, bringing biodiversity back to the land and fostering collaboration among people.

As a volunteer, you gain hands-on experience, live in an international community, immerse yourself in nature and build friendships for a lifetime while contributing to a meaningful project.

The three pillars of our practical approach

Permaculture

Permaculture is a design system that works with nature to create sustainable and regenerative human ecosystems.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry is the integration of trees and crops to create productive, regenerative and biodiverse farming systems.

Natural Building

Natural building is the use of local, natural, low-impact materials and techniques to create healthy, sustainable and energy-efficient structures.

HANDS-ON PERMACULTURE AND AGROFORESTRY

What you will learn
and experience

In this volunteer program in Brazil, we offer flexible stays from 1 to 24 weeks and welcome people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, with or without prior experience.

Our main goal is to create a positive impact on people, society and, eventually, in the world. If you are looking for a meaningful volunteer experience in Brazil, Eco Caminhos welcomes you.

Instructor teaching agroforestry and permaculture principles to international volunteers at an eco farm in Brazil.
Volunteers exploring biodiversity and native ecosystems during a guided nature walk on a permaculture farm in Brazil.
International volunteers relaxing at a beautiful waterfall after participating in eco farm activities in Brazil.
Mountains ni Eco Farm in Nova Friburgo
Volunteers building a cob wall using natural materials during a natural building volunteer program in Brazil
YOUR WEEKLY ROUTINE

What to expect
during your stay

Volunteers contribute 8 hours per day, three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), working in agroforestry, natural building and essential farm activities.

Tuesdays are dedicated to learning and hands-on workshops, while Thursdays focus on ecotourism and exploration. Evenings often include social moments, sports and community activities.

On Saturdays and sundays, there is also the option for ecotourism,exploration and relaxing.

Why volunteer with us

Hands-On
Permaculture and Agroforestry

Hands-on learning

Learn real permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building skills through practical, guided experience.

Real environmental impact

Contribute directly to reforestation, soil regeneration, and sustainable systems that create long-term change.

International community

Connect with volunteers from around the world and share meaningful cultural experiences. Making friends for life time.

Ecotourism & exploration

Enjoy hikes, waterfalls, forest walks, and outdoor adventures in the Atlantic Forest.

Meaningful transformation

Gain purpose, clarity, and personal growth through immersive life in nature.

ACCOMMODATION

Where you will stay

Eco Caminhos offers a variety of options to suit your preferences, ranging from shared housing to a more private eco-lodge. No matter which you choose, you’ll have a comfortable bed, a safe environment, and stunning views of the Atlantic Forest to rest and recharge.

Shared Living · Nature

Volunteer House

The volunteer house hosts up to eight people in shared rooms, creating a friendly, multicultural environment with volunteers and Brazilian staff.

It includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and a cozy living room for a simple and comfortable stay. Outside, a seating area offers beautiful mountain views.

A nearby creek and waterfall provide a refreshing spot to relax after activities. Winter nights (April–September) can be chilly, but the peaceful natural setting makes the experience special.

Located just outside the farm, transportation is usually provided on workdays; otherwise, it’s a 1.5 km uphill walk.

Nature
60%
Privacy
35%
Comfort
60%
Silence
58%
Also available

Volunteer House Suite

For those who prefer more privacy, it is also possible to stay in a private suite within the volunteer house. This option allows you to enjoy your own bedroom and bathroom while still being part as a sustainable farm volunteer.

You will share common areas such as the kitchen and living room with other volunteers and team members, creating opportunities to connect and enjoy a friendly shared environment.

Shared Living · Nature

Ecolibrium

Natural building
and design

Ecolibrium offers five double rooms and two suites, a spacious fully equipped kitchen with a large communal table, separate male and female bathrooms, and outdoor areas with hammocks to relax and enjoy the mountain views.

Ecolibrium is a multifunctional space that we envision becoming one of the largest permaculture learning hubs in Latin America in the near future. Covering 1,200 m², the project will bring together a wide range of facilities, including teaching and training areas, a restaurant, fifteen bedrooms, a maker space, two classrooms, a large kitchen, laundry facilities, an office, and plenty of bathrooms.

Although the broader project is still under construction, all volunteer areas are fully operational. At times, there may be some dust, noise, or movement of people and machinery around the site. We work carefully to minimize any inconvenience, and many volunteers appreciate seeing the natural building process unfold as part of the experience.

Nature
78%
Privacy
50%
Comfort
74%
Silence
70%
Also available

Ecolibrium Suite

The Ecolibrium Suite offers a peaceful and comfortable retreat for guests seeking greater privacy and tranquility during their stay. It provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can rest, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a slower pace of life after a day of activities on the farm.
Luxury Accomodation

Ecolodge

Immerse into nature

Ecolodge is a hidden gem at the farm. This spectacular bioconstructed house is located at the heart of Eco Caminhos. If you are looking for comfort regardless of the weather, this is the place we recommend.

Here, volunteers enjoy a higher level of privacy, with their own rooms and incredible views. The Ecolodge can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people. It includes two suites, a smaller bedroom, a large kitchen, a spacious living room, a terrace, a bathroom, and a garage. The house also features cozy indoor and outdoor fireplaces, perfect for bonfires.

Because the house is bioconstructed and equipped with double-glazed windows, it provides a warm and comfortable environment during the winter months. As a sustainable home, all electricity is generated through solar panels, which also provide warm showers. Waste is separated and collected by the Eco Caminhos staff.

Nature
100%
Privacy
100%
Comfort
100%
Silence
100%
Volunteer House

The volunteer house can host up to eight people in shared bedrooms for two, offering a simple and comfortable stay with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and cozy living room. Outside, there is a seating area with mountain views, as well as a nearby creek and waterfall,perfect for relaxing after daily activities.

Due to its location, winter nights (April to September) can be quite chilly, but the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings make the experience truly special.

Located just outside the farm, volunteers are usually transported by pickup truck on workdays. When unavailable, the 1.5 km uphill walk offers a refreshing way to start the day and connect with nature.

Volunteer house suite
Volunteer House Suite

For those who prefer more privacy, it is also possible to stay in a private suite within the volunteer house. This option allows you to enjoy your own bedroom and bathroom while still being part as a sustainable farm volunteer.

You will share common areas such as the kitchen and living room with other volunteers and team members, creating opportunities to connect and enjoy a friendly shared environment. it is also possible to stay in a private suite within the volunteer house. 

Ecolibrium

Ecolibrium offers five double rooms and two suites, a spacious fully equipped kitchen with a large communal table, separate male and female bathrooms, and outdoor areas with hammocks to relax and enjoy the mountain views.

Ecolibrium is a multifunctional bioconstruction project at Eco Caminhos, designed to become a major permaculture learning hub in Latin America. Spanning 1,200 m², it will include training areas, accommodation, classrooms, a kitchen, and shared facilities.

While still under construction, all volunteer areas are fully operational, and some activity on-site may occur. Currently, it offers five double rooms, two suites, a spacious kitchen, separate bathrooms, and outdoor areas with hammocks and mountain views.

Ecolibrium Suite

The Ecolibrium suites offer a more private and comfortable space for those who would like a bit more tranquility during their stay.

The Ecolibrium suites offer a more private and comfortable space for those who would like a bit more tranquility during their stay. Each suite includes a double bed and a private bathroom, while still being part of the vibrant volunteer environment of the house.

Ecolodge

Ecolodge is a hidden gem at the farm. This spectacular bioconstructed house is located at the heart of Eco Caminhos. If you are looking for comfort regardless of the weather, this is the place we recommend.

Ecolodge is a bioconstructed house at Eco Caminhos, offering comfort, privacy, and stunning views. It accommodates up to 8 people, with two suites, one bedroom, a large kitchen, living room, terrace, bathroom, garage, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

Designed for sustainability, it features solar energy, warm showers, and double-glazed windows for year-round comfort. Located at the top of a mountain, access requires a 4×4 vehicle, but transfers are provided on arrival and departure.

Live and learn
on a Sustainable farm

We provide the essentials so you can focus on learning, growing and conneting. Here is what is covered in your program.

Included
Not Included
PLAN YOUR STAY

The longer you stay, the cheaper the price

At our permaculture farm, we value fairness. As volunteers gain skills and become more productive, their contribution grows and the price decreases.

Step 1
Where would you like to stay?
Volunteer House
Ecolibrium
Ecolodge
Step 2
What type of room would you like?
Shared bedroom
Volunteer House
Private suite
Volunteer House
Shared bedroom
Ecolibrium Hub
Private suite
Ecolibrium Suite
Private suite
Eco lodge - 1 or 2 people
Private house
Eco lodge - up to 8 people
Step 3 How long would you like to stay?
Step 4 Number of guests
1

Total (R$)
Approx. (US$)
estimated rate
Approx. (€)
estimated rate
Per week / person
average weekly cost
COMMUNITY VALUES

What we expect from
each volunteer

Here, we value transparency, motivation, collaboration, and kindness, initiative, and respect for shared schedules, as these help maintain harmony within the community. We invite our volunteers to bring these qualities into their experience and help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Eco Caminhos is a permaculture farm, offering the opportunity to experience a more conscious and sustainable way of life. As part of the community, participants are encouraged to contribute household chores when needed, and eventually supporting outdoor activities like agroforestry and bioconstruction.

Respect for everyone in the space is essential. To keep the environment safe and aligned with the spirit of our mission, the use of drugs or alcohol is forbidden on the farm.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Feel at home before you even arrive

Airport Transfer

We have a trusted driver who can pick you up in the airport in Rio de Janeiro and drop you off at the Eco Caminhos. Our driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall to welcome you. The cost for the pick-up or drop-off service is R$1100 for the approximately 3-hour ride.

Safety

Our permaculture farm offers a peaceful and welcoming environment where you can enjoy a carefree stay. The surrounding rural community is very safe, with significantly lower levels of violence compared to large cities in Brazil. Surrounded by nature, here you can enjoy the tranquility that the countryside provides.

Our Testimonials

Real stories from volunteers who were part of our journey

★★★★★
9.9/10 no GoAbroad · 1.400 voluntários recebidos
Desde 2014, transformando vidas na serra
Your adventure starts here!