Short-term Volunteering

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

Availability: All year        Duration:  1 – 12 weeks        Start date: flexible

Eco Caminhos is an eco farm in Brazil, situated in the beautiful mountains near Nova Friburgo, where we work with bioconstruction, agroforestry, organic farming, and permaculture. We offer volunteers the opportunity to become part of our project and live in our international community while enjoying nature and ecotourism activities. At Eco Caminhos we bioconstruct since our foundation in 2015 and plant agroforestry systems since 2017. We not just talk about sustainability we work towards becomming fully self-sustaining every day. At our eco farm, you will live and work with people from around the world. You will have the opportunity to make lifelong friends while learning the Portuguese language.

The short-term program is ideal for people who have limited time for a long-term immersion or lack the skills or physical preparation to join our long-term program from the start. In case you do well, after 3 months you could be invited to the long-term (free) program.

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

 

 

What will your average day look like?

Short-term volunteers will work 8 hours per day, 3 days a week usually monday, wednesday and friday.  The work can vary between agroforestry, bioconstruction, and other jobs at the farm. On Tuesday we organize eco sport and touristic activities. We do hikes to the beautiful peaks arround the farm, visit waterfalls and natural pools, we organize mountainbike tours and visit touristic sites in the region. Thursday morning is our general meeting and/or we offer presentations on permaculture, agroforestry, bioconstruction and other topics. The weekends are free however we often offer extra activities for those whole like to join.  Many of our volunteers use their weekends to explore Nova Friburgo or Rio de Janeiro.

Once every 2 weeks the people of Eco Caminhos unite in the evening to socialize. During these volunteer nights we usually cook together or make a fire outside, but all suggestions are welcome. What matters is that we spend time together. Short-term volunteering is actually not the right description for the program. We consider our volunteer program something between an apprenticeship , volunteering and ecotourism program.

*This image is an example of our weekly routine

Accommodation Options

We have 3 accommodation options for our short-term volunteer program adjusted to your interest. We offer the most basic shared facilities to the most beautiful high comfort facilities. Every human being has its own living standards. For one basic accommodation is not an issue but privacy is an absolute must. For the other the shared living with people for across the globe is the cultural imersion he or she is looking for. And for the family with 3 children a private and comfortable accommodation with good internet connection is essenctial.

You can simply mention in your application form which accommodation you prefer and we will check availability. After you applied we will set up an interview and give you more detailed information and answer your questions.

Basic Accommodation / Shared Volunteer House  

Level of Comfort
★☆☆☆☆

Our Basic Accommodation facilities are located on the edge of the farm. On workdays people drive up with our pickup to the farm. In some cases when the pick-up is not there people need to walk up or down which is 1,5 km walk up hill. We have two houses, one for 6 and another for 7 people. The houses have shared bedrooms that can accommodate up to 3 people. You will be living together with other volunteers and the Brazilian apprentices and workers. Each house is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and a small living room. The houses are simple in nature and may not be suitable for those who prefer more comfortable accommodation or value privacy. The houses are poorly insulated and in winter In winter (Apr. – Sept.) it can get cold at night. However the incredible natural surroundings more than make up for it. Behind the volunteer house, you can take a shower under the most incredible waterfall. People are responsible for cleaning and cooking in the houses. Simple does not mean dirty. Living permaculture also means understanding our role within a community setting. We expect everyone to collaborate in these activities.

Conditions

Insulation
20%
Safety
85%
Distance to busstop
10%
Privacy
5%
WiFi
75%
Distance to Farm
95%
accesability by car
90%
Socializing
90%
Natural Beauty
95%

Comfort Accommodation / Tiny House  

Level of Comfort
★★★☆☆

Our Comfort Accommodation tiny house accommodation is for those people that enjoy total privacy and live in beautiful nature. The tiny house has a view over a beautiful lake. It is also great for people that need to work online. Internet connection in the tiny house is good. The tiny house is situated about 15 minutes walk from the farm. For people who come by car the tiny house is reachable by car. Only during very wett periods the dirt road becomes more of a challenge. The tiny house is situated on the edge of the farm, there is no pick-up service to get to the farm. so you will need to walk to and back from the farm which takes about 15 minutes. Another difficulty is getting into town there is no busstop nearby. So for people that come without car and want to go regulary in town this is a bit of challenge. We do collective shopping on mondays so you can hand in your shopping list. The walk has 2 little climbs but is much less of a walk then walking to the volunteer basic accommodation houses. The tiny house is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and a small living room.  The tiny houses like our volunteer houses are poorly insulated and in winter (Apr. – Sept.) It can get really cold at night. The Eco Lodge on the contrary is perfectly insulated and has a fire stove for comfort.  People are responsible for cleaning and cooking in the houses. The Tiny house option can receive max 2 people.

Conditions

Insulation
20%
Safety
85%
Distance to busstop
100%
Privacy
90%
WiFi
75%
Distance to Farm
40%
accesability by car
75%
Socializing
10%
Natural Beauty
95%

Luxury Accommodation / Eco Lodge / Bioconstructed Accommodation 

Level of Comfort
★★★★★

Our luxury Accommodation is a real highlight at the farm. This spectacular bioconstructed house is situated at the center of the farm. We can really recommed this accommodation for people that want real comfort no matter the climate, want to join a private experience with incredible views. The Eco Lodge can easily house up to 8 people. It has 2 suits, a smaller bedroom, a large kitchen, very large living room, a terras, a lavantory and a garage. The house also has a nice outdoor fireplace for bongfires. As the house is bioconstructed, has double glass it is very comfortable during the winter months. On cold days you can light 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. The challenge of the Eco Lodge is to get there by a normal car as the house is build on top of the mountains. It is needed have a 4×4 car. For those we do not have a 4×4 car we drive you to the house on arrival and make sure we drive you down as well on departure.

Conditions

Insulation
100%
Safety
95%
Distance to busstop
40%
Privacy
100%
WiFi
90%
Distance to Farm
20%
accesability by car
25%
Socializing
20%
Natural Beauty
95%

Expectations

Now you have an idea what you can expect from the farm we 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

Prices Short-term Volunteering + Volunteer House Accommodation 

Period Preço em RealPreço em US$Preço em EUR
1 weekR$ 1.794
$ 309.16 *€ 293,51 *
2 weeks R$ 2.691
$ 463.73 *€ 440,27 *
3 weeks R$ 3.588
$ 618.31 *€ 587,02 *
4 weeks R$ 4.485
$ 772.89 *€ 733,78 *
5 weeks R$ 5.382
$ 927.47 *€ 880,53 *
6 weeks R$ 6.130
$ 1,056.37 *€ 1.002,91 *
7 weeks R$ 6.877
$ 1,185.10 *€ 1.125,13 *
8 weeks R$ 7.475
$ 1,288.15 *€ 1.222,96 *
9 weeks R$ 8.073
$ 1,391.20 *€ 1.320,80 *
10 weeks R$ 8.522
$ 1,468.57 *€ 1.394,26 *
11 weeks R$ 8.970
$ 1,545.78 *€ 1.467,56 *
12 weeks R$ 9.269
$ 1,597.30 *€ 1.516,48 *

* 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.

Prices Short-term Volunteering + Homestay / Tiny House Accommodation

Periodprices in BRLPrices in US$Prices in EUR
1 weekR$ 4.794$ 826.14 *€ 784,33 *
2 weeksR$ 7.691$ 1,325.37 *€ 1.258,30 *
3 weeksR$ 9.588 $ 1,652.28 *€ 1.568,67 *
4 weeksR$ 11.485 $ 1,979.18 *€ 1.879,03 *
5 weeksR$ 15.382 $ 2,650.74 *€ 2.516,61 *
6 weeksR$ 18.130$ 3,124.30 *€ 2.966,20 *
7 weeksR$ 20.877 $ 3,597.68 *€ 3.415,63 *
8 weeksR$ 23.475$ 4,045.39 *€ 3.840,68 *
9 weeksR$ 26.073$ 4,493.09 *€ 4.265,73 *
10 weeksR$ 28.522$ 4,915.12 *€ 4.666,40 *
11 weeksR$ 30.970$ 5,336.98 *€ 5.066,92 *
12 weeksR$ 33.269$ 5,733.16 *€ 5.443,05 *

* In case you are 2 people wanting to rent a tiny house we can give the 2nd person 70% discount. 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.

Prices Short-term Volunteering + Eco Lodge luxury Accommodation – 3 people

Periodprices in BRLPrices in US$Prices in EUR
1 weekR$ 7.794$ 1,343.12 *€ 1.275,15 *
2 weeksR$ 12.691$ 2,187.01 *€ 2.076,34 *
3 weeksR$ 16.588 $ 2,858.57 *€ 2.713,92 *
4 weeksR$ 20.485 $ 3,530.13 *€ 3.351,49 *
5 weeksR$ 24.382 $ 4,201.69 *€ 3.989,07 *
6 weeksR$ 28.130$ 4,847.57 *€ 4.602,27 *
7 weeksR$ 31.877 $ 5,493.28 *€ 5.215,31 *
8 weeksR$ 35.475$ 6,113.32 *€ 5.803,97 *
9 weeksR$ 39.073$ 6,733.35 *€ 6.392,62 *
10 weeksR$ 42.522$ 7,327.71 *€ 6.956,91 *
11 weeksR$ 44.970$ 7,749.57 *€ 7.357,42 *
12 weeksR$ 47.269$ 8,145.75 *€ 7.733,55 *

* 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.

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

Not Included

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

Airport Transfer

To guarantee your safe and comfortable arrival our trusted driver from Nova Friburgo, Dutra, can pick you up and drop you off at the Eco Caminhos doorstep. He will wait for you in the arrival hall with a small name plate. Dutra charges R$ 900, for the 3 hours ride. We can also arrange for you to be dropped off at a specific location on your day of departure.

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.