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

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 Shared Accommodation – Volunteer House

Facilities

Bedrooms for 2-3 volunteers each

Kitchen, Living room, Bathroom, Washing machine

WiFi

Advantages:

Live together with other Brazilian and International volunteers.

Close to the bus stop

Disadvantages

In winter (Apr. - Sept.) it gets cold as houses are poorly insulated.

It is basic, no luxuries, limited privacy

If the pick-up is not there people walk up or down the farm 2 km

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Homestay or Tiny House accommodation (1-2 people)

Facilities

• tiny house or room in local family house
• Small kitchen, small bathroom
• WiFi
• Advantages:
• Private Room
• Comfortable
• Disadvantages
• Need to walk to the farm 10 - 30 min depending on the location.
• From May - Setember very cold - Poorly insulated
• No transport from the house to the farm.

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Private Luxury Accommodation – Eco Lodge – Bioconstructed

Facilities

• Private accommodation for 1 - 8 people
• 3 bedrooms (2 with private bathroom)
• Large kitchen, Laundry room, Terras
• Fire Place, WiFi
• Advantages:
• High Comfort all year round, Incredible views, Total privacy
• Situated at the centre of the farm
• Disadvantages
• Reachable only with 4x4 car
• 15 minute walk to busstop

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Expectations

Some behaviors and responsibilities we expect from volunteers include:

– 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