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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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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FOUNDED
IN
VOLUNTEERS
HOSTED
m² AGRO
FORESTRY
TREES
PLANTED
COFFEE
PLANTS
OF FOOD
GROWN
ON SITE
NATURAL
BUILDINGS
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.
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.
Hands-on learning in a real permaculture farm
International eco community and cultural exchange
Practical skills in agroforestry and natural building
Research opportunities in a living laboratory
Immersion in the Atlantic Rainforest ecosystem
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:
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:
We offer four unique research paths for you to choose from:
Integrating Carbon and Biodiversity Credits into Sustainable Business Models.
Regenerative Business Models for Sustainable Land Use.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Scaling Restoration Efforts.
Financing Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities.
Sustainable Supply Chains for Agroforestry Products.
Developing a Community-Led Agroforestry and Ecotourism Enterprise.
Women and Youth Empowerment in Agroforestry-Based Businesses.
Impact Measurement for Sustainable Agroforestry, Biodiversity Credits, and Eco-Tourism Businesses.
Creating a Brand Identity for Sustainable Agroforestry, Biodiversity Credits, and Eco-Tourism Enterprises.
The Role of Certification in Scaling Sustainable Agroforestry, biodiversity Credits, and Tourism Models.
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.








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.
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.









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.










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.









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.

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 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.


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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Real stories from volunteers who were part of our journey
EXCELENTE Com base em 191 avaliações Publicado em Google Kristen RochaTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. When I first heard about EcoCaminhos, I was incredibly interested about its mission and focus on sustainability. I heavily agree with the idea that we need to find solutions to deforestation, climate change, degradation, etc. Because of this, I was super excited to learn about the actions and initiatives EcoCaminhos is taking to help with said problems and how I could continue to contribute throughout my daily life. I really enjoyed the environment here. The staff and community here super friendly and welcoming. I had such an amazing time here. I loved learning how to do bio construction, as well as the agroforestry practices. All in all, the most meaningful part of this entire experience was how connected to nature I felt here. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Thank you, EcoCaminhos!Publicado em Google Taylor HoodTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. Had an amazing timePublicado em Google Elena GonzalesTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. Amazing opportunity to feel connected with nature and the people here.Publicado em Google Alejandro ZúñigaTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. Great experience; Coming from the city this is a unique experience to enjoy nature in a great farm surrounded by people that have a positive energy and are giving their best to give you a great experience. The cultural and hands on activities were really good; Overrall the work is hard but you enjoy it and food is also really nicePublicado em Google Paulina Hackett MedinaTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. This experience was a lot of fun but still work intensive. There’s hard labor, but it’s to be expected on a farm and the food was really good. The staff was very kind, particularly Helen, Dutra, Maria and Bart. Also, there’s two lovely, friendly dogs that love to get scratches/pets. Also, I recommend staying at the Eco Lodge vs the other places.Publicado em Google Maria Fernanda LicerioTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. I chose Eco Caminhos for this experience because I wanted to go deep into nature, disconnect from what I know and open myself to new ways of living and meeting other people. I believed in its mission and how much it was going to help me grow not only as an academic but as a person. I really enjoyed the farm and learning about sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and generally reconnecting with nature. As a person that lives in a desertic, industrial area where these practices are pretty much unheard of, it makes me happy to know that there are projects like Eco Caminhos that push for a better environment and balance harmony between human beings and nature as it was intended to be. The hikes, hands on agroforestry and bio construction were the best for me. I was looking for new experiences and to find myself liking new things, for growth within myself and change. I’ve discovered that I now love hiking, getting dirty and being surrounded by nature.Publicado em Google Brianna ZambranoTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. Great experience here, the beautiful nature and the educational aspect of Eco caminhos is great. Hands on experience and being able to connect with nature and learn all about Brazil’s culture, agroforestry, and agriculture was amazing.Publicado em Google Renata BarretoTrustindex verifica se a fonte original da avaliação é Google. Experience was great, the people who live in the farm and shape your experience are awesome. It is a hike at time so be prepared with good shoes and clothes. An experience one should do at least once
EXCELENTE Com base em 63 avaliações Publicado em Tripadvisor Alejandro ZVerificada Unique experience Great experience; Coming from the city this is a unique experience to enjoy nature in a great farm surrounded by people that have a positive energy and are giving their best to give you a great experience. The cultural and hands on activities were really good; Overrall the work is hard but you enjoy it and food is also really nice.Publicado em Tripadvisor Luca VVerificada Thank you everything very good!!! incredible!!!Publicado em Tripadvisor Lui RVerificada Muito enriquecedora Muito enriquecedora . Linda equipe, comprometida e humana. Natureza sublime e boas práticas de agrofloresta.Publicado em Tripadvisor MelanieVerificada Authentic, inspiring, and deeply educational experience in Brazil! My stay at Eco Caminhos exceeded all expectations. I chose this experience because of its collaboration with Wheeling2Help, and it turned out to be an incredibly meaningful and enriching journey. The best parts for me were the agroforestry and bioconstruction activities. Being able to learn by doing, made everything more engaging and impactful. I gained valuable knowledge about sustainable practices while working alongside a supportive and diverse group of people. The environment is beautiful and peaceful, and the entire experience feels authentic and purposeful. Even the small challenges, like adapting to a new routine, became part of the learning process and made the experience even more rewarding. I would absolutely recommend Eco Caminhos to anyone interested in sustainability, community living, and personal growth. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.Publicado em Tripadvisor Peter KVerificada Amazing!! Amazing place, the connection with nature is great. Bart and all the team were always very friendly and willing to help for anything we needed. Maria and Escarlet are amazing cooks, the food was fantastic. I can wait to come back.Publicado em Tripadvisor Τάσος ΠVerificada Amazing One of the best experiences of my life Thank you eco caminhos team.Publicado em Tripadvisor Joshua YVerificada DEFFO RECOMMEND Enjoyed it so much, learnt a great amount about the farm, and bio construction. The accommodation and view of the mountains was breathtaking. Would come back and definitely recommend for those who are interestedPublicado em Tripadvisor canard72Verificada Off-the-beaten-track holidays Off-the-beaten-track holidays As a family of 4 (parents + 20 and 17 years old boys), we were looking for adventure, and especially a way to immerse into this beautiful country and learn more about the people, the culture(s) away from the mass tourism. Eco Caminhos was the perfect place to do that. Only a few hours bus away from Rio de Janeiro (the travel alone was worth it), we spent 6 wonderful days (5 nights) in their eco lodge and participated to a variety of activities: workshops, hands-on on ecological constructions and agroforestry, hiking, social night, cinema night, Brazilian language basics, etc. Waking up with the sun in this marvelous environment is certainly graved into our memories. A regenerating experience! The people working and living at Eco Caminhos are friendly, helpful, patient and always with a smile. Despite the different cultures, nationalities, we could integrate quick and felt like belonging to this Eco Caminhos family. A last point, we could combine this stay with 5 days in Rio de Janeiro and 3 days at Ilha Grande. The perfect mix of discovery, entertainment, learning, regenerating. If we could do it again, we would not change a thing. Just the perfect holidays! Hope to go back one day again to Eco Caminhos, bringing more time 😊 Thanks a lot to the Eco Caminhos team for the wonderful stay!Publicado em Tripadvisor Daisy ZVerificada Best Experience Ever I was originally not supposed to stay an extra three more weeks in Brazil. I had a two week long trip in Brazil but was offered to stay an extra three weeks in EcoCaminhos. I had no idea what to expect since had done very little research about the program. Arriving to Nova Friburgo I felt like I was in a world like no other, but what took me away was the hospitality we received as soon as we arrived at EcoCaminhos. The staff were beyond kind and very helpful when it came to fitting us into our accommodations.The staff were also very attentive to any needs or any itinerary changes if needed. Learning about EcoCaminhos missions regarding permaculture, agroforestry, and bio-construction very fun and interesting. Never in my life could I have imagined that I would learn about reforestation and not only learn but most importantly actually do hands on work toward this mission. Being at EcoCaminhos leaves you feeling closer to nature and most importantly closer to people from all over the world. Thank you for everything EcoCaminhos!Publicado em Tripadvisor Heitor MVerificada Amazing experience in a ecofarm. It's a great opportunity to experience permaculture, bioconstruction, and agroforestry in practice, as well as living in a multicultural community. By allowing a week of hands-on experience at the ecofarm, they also helped me so much with my dissertation, in which I address ecovillages and proposals for solutions to the climate crisis. They welcomed me very well, all of them. Juliana, Bart, Geovani and everyone else. Bart showed me around the place. He explained permaculture, agroforestry, and a bit of bioconstruction. During our free time, we played a lot of games at the volunteer house and at the Colmeia, the main house, where we gather for lunch on weekdays. Working in the agroforest helps therapeutically; connecting with nature has something special; even though the work is tough, it's something to be aware of! The volunteer house is stocked with supplies on Mondays. On Sundays, we can request specific items. This way, we can make our own snacks and dinners. I was lucky enough to have a vegan apprentice, just like me. So we cooked and even made a vegan cake together. At the communal Saturday lunches, they were always considerate of me and made delicious vegan options. It’s definitely a multicultural and welcoming environment where people from various nationalities work and live together.