Sustainability Internship
in Brazil

Go further. Dive into agroforestry, natural building, and sustainable business development at our Eco Farm and gain the tools to create positive impact in your own community.

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Internship / Research
at our Permaculture Farm

Go further. Dive into agroforestry, natural building, and sustainable business development at our Eco Farm and gain the tools to create positive impact in your own community.

SCROLL DOWN

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

YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY

Hands-on Learning
in Sustentability

As an intern or researcher, you become part of a welcoming international community, living close to nature, sharing meaningful moments, and gaining practical skills in sustainability that stay with you for life. From planting in our agroforestry systems to building with natural materials, each day is a chance to learn, create, and grow.

Volunteers learning about edible plants during a permaculture volunteer program at an eco farm in Brazil.
Volunteers in Agroforestry learning about botany

People arrive with different intentions, to learn, to contribute, or simply to experience a new way of living, and often leave with much more: new perspectives, deep connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Come develop projects related to sustainability, permaculture, natural building, agroforestry, and ecological design while being immersed in the daily life of the farm.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, there’s a place for you here.

MORE THAN A FARM

Why choosing Eco Caminhos?

Knowledge

Hands-on learning in a real permaculture farm

Culture and languages

International eco community and cultural exchange

Agroforestry and Bioconstruction

Practical skills in agroforestry and natural building

Science development

Research opportunities in a living laboratory

Connection with nature

Immersion in the Atlantic Rainforest ecosystem

Internship and Research
Opportunities

Internship

Our Internship Program in Brazil is designed for recent graduates, students about to graduate, and individuals seeking meaningful, hands-on experience in permaculture, agroforestry, or natural building.

If you are still exploring your career path, this program offers a unique opportunity to gain clarity while actively engaging in real-world regenerative projects.

As an intern, you will:

Research

For those with a more academic taste, our Research Program offers the opportunity to develop your studies within a permaculture farm immersed in nature.

Set in the Atlantic Forest, Eco Caminhos works as a living laboratory, where theory meets practice. Researchers have access to ongoing projects, diverse ecosystems, and a collaborative environment that supports deep inquiry.

As a researcher, you can:

Below, you can see our research lines:

Research opportunities

We offer four unique research paths for you to choose from:

  1. Enhancing Biodiversity Through Agroforestry in the Atlantic Forest.
  2. Agroforestry as a Climate Mitigation Strategy in Brazil. 
  3. Economic Viability of Agroforestry for Smallholder Farmers.
  4. Agroforestry’s Role in Soil and Water Conservation.
  5. Agroforestry for Sustainable Coffee Production in the Atlantic Forest.
  6. Scaling Agroforestry Models for Large-Scale Forest Restoration. 
  7. Biodiversity Credits and Agroforestry: A New Revenue.
  8. Stream for Conservation. 
  9. The Role of Cooperatives in Scaling Agroforestry-Based Production and Biodiversity. Credits.
  10. Strengthening Farmers Through an Agroforestry Coffee Cooperative.
  1. Integrating Carbon and Biodiversity Credits into Sustainable Business Models.

  2. Regenerative Business Models for Sustainable Land Use.

  3. The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Scaling Restoration Efforts.

  4. Financing Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities.

  5. Sustainable Supply Chains for Agroforestry Products.

  6. Developing a Community-Led Agroforestry and Ecotourism Enterprise.

  7. Women and Youth Empowerment in Agroforestry-Based Businesses.

  8. Impact Measurement for Sustainable Agroforestry, Biodiversity Credits, and Eco-Tourism Businesses.

  9. Creating a Brand Identity for Sustainable Agroforestry, Biodiversity Credits, and Eco-Tourism Enterprises.

  10. The Role of Certification in Scaling Sustainable Agroforestry, biodiversity Credits, and Tourism Models.

  1. Eco-Tourism as a Tool for Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods.
  2. Consumer Preferences and Market Potential for Agro-Tourism in the Atlantic Forest.
  3. Agroforestry-Based Eco-Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities.
  4. Impact of Agro-Tourism on Rural Development.
  5. Agro-Tourism and Environmental Education: A Case Study Approach.
  6. Caminho da Mata Atlântica as a Potential Eco-Tourism and Community Business Development Model.
  7. Coffee Tourism and its Potential for Sustainable.Development in the Atlantic Forest.
  1. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of Natural Building Materials.
  2. Material Impact and Cost Analysis.
  3. Green Roof Feasibility and Efficiency.
  4. Wastewater Filtration Performance.
  5. Structural and Thermal Performance of Bioconstruction.
  6. Cost-Efficient Natural Building Strategies.
  7. Tiny House Design with Natural and Recycled Materials.
  8. Biodigester for Energy and Waste Management.
Researcher in Eco Farm in Brazil
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 in this house

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 · Nature

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.

Nature
60%
Privacy
35%
Comfort
60%
Silence
60%
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. 

Nature
60%
Privacy
80%
Comfort
70%
Silence
80%
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.

Nature
78%
Privacy
50%
Comfort
74%
Silence
75%
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.

Nature
80%
Privacy
80%
Comfort
70%
Silence
70%
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.

Nature
100%
Privacy
95%
Comfort
100%
Silence
100%
PLAN YOUR STAY

The longer you stay, the cheaper the price

Step 1
Where would you like to stay?
Volunteer House
Ecolibrium
Ecolodge
Step 2
What type of room would you like?
Shared bedroom
Shared bathroom · Price per person
Private suite
Private bathroom · 1 or 2 people
Shared bedroom
Shared bathroom · Price per person
Private suite
Private suite · 1 or 2 people
Private suite
Shared kitchen · 1 or 2 people
Private house
Complete house · 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

Explore natural building and regenerative design