Join an unforgettable journey into permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building in the heart of the Atlantic Forest
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Join an unforgettable journey into permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building in the heart of the Atlantic Forest mountains.
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At Eco Caminhos, Brazil, we welcome volunteers from all over the world. We invite them to become part of our organization, and we believe in the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and friendships.
Volunteering in Brazil at our Eco Farm is a unique experience because we are truly dedicated to making the world a little more sustainable. At the Eco Farm, you will learn how to live according to permaculture principles while practicing natural building (bioconstruction) and agroforestry.
Since our foundation in 2015, we have been practicing natural building, and since 2017, agroforestry. We have already completed five natural building projects on the farm and planted more than 17.000 trees. Currently, 60% of our food is produced on-site, and our goal is to become 100% self-sufficient. You will also have the opportunity to practice and improve your English and Portuguese skills with international and Brazilians volunteers.
Volunteering on a permaculture farm contributes to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Those who are open to listening, learning, and reflecting can experience incredible personal growth.
Learn real permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building skills through practical, guided experience.
Connect with volunteers from around the world and share meaningful cultural experiences. Making friends for life time.
Enjoy hikes, waterfalls, forest walks, and outdoor adventures in the Atlantic Forest.
Gain purpose, clarity, and personal growth through immersive life in nature.
Contribute directly to reforestation, soil regeneration, and sustainable systems that create long-term change.
This program has a participation fee that helps cover your accommodation, the activities and learning experiences offered during the program, as well as the support provided throughout your stay. We offer different rates depending on the length of your stay, making longer experiences more affordable on a weekly basis.
We truly want to become self-sustainable. Eco Caminhos has been implementing permaculture principles since its foundation in 2015.
We have built three natural houses, four tool sheds, one cattle barn, and one chicken coop using sustainable construction techniques. We are 100% self-sufficient in energy. Over the past nine years, we have planted more than 1.5 hectares of agroforestry systems and more than 18.000 trees from 260 different species.
In terms of food production, we currently produce around 60% of our food on the farm, including vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and milk. We believe that it is time to take action instead of only protesting or waiting for governments to take responsibility.
Regarding social impact, since 2015 we have welcomed 24 apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds. These apprentices are invited to live and work at the farm for a 1- to 2-year program, where they learn different sustainable techniques, develop as individuals, improve their English skills, and gain better opportunities in the Brazilian job market.
Two of these apprentices have already joined the Eco Caminhos team as employees.
In 2024, we started the construction of Ecolibrium, a 1,200 m² multifunctional complex that will include a restaurant, permaculture school, and accommodation facilities. Through this educational center, we aim to create an even greater socio-environmental impact in the region.
Here at Eco Caminhos, you can choose the experience that best matches what you’re looking for:
Volunteering: experience the daily life of the farm, learn new skills, and contribute to sustainability projects.
Ecotourism: slow down, explore trails and waterfalls, and enjoy nature at your own pace.
Families: share special moments in nature and discover a more sustainable way of living together.
Exchange: combine learning, culture, and hands-on experiences in an international environment.
Research & Internships: turn your knowledge into practical experience and develop projects connected to the reality of the farm.
Long-Term: immerse yourself in life at Eco Caminhos, developing skills and building connections through a longer experience.
Whether you want to discover, learn, contribute, or simply experience something different, there’s an Eco Caminhos experience waiting for you.
The weather in Cardinot can be quite different from other regions of Brazil, such as Rio de Janeiro:
Summer (December to March): Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher on the hottest days. There is also a period of heavier rainfall between February and the end of March.
Winter (June to September): Cold and drier. During the day, temperatures are usually pleasant, but mornings and nights can be quite cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 0°C.
Season overview:
Summer: December to March
Autumn: March to June
Winter: June to September
Spring: September to December
We recommend bringing clothes for different temperatures, including light clothing for warmer days and warm clothing for colder nights. It is also important to be prepared for periods of rain.
Eco Caminhos is located in a rural area of Nova Friburgo, surrounded by nature. The city is considered a safe place and is regularly ranked among the municipalities with the best public safety and quality-of-life indicators in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Entry and stay requirements depend on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the activity you will be taking part in. Check the official requirements before traveling and confirm with our team which type of participation applies to your program.
If you would like to study Portuguese in Brazil for a longer period, our course in Rio de Janeiro may be an option if you are looking to apply for a student visa. Get in touch with us to learn more about the course and how it works.
To ensure a harmonious environment for everyone, we are currently unable to accommodate visitors with pets, as we already have several animals living on the farm.
At Eco Caminhos, we offer different ways to experience life on the farm, depending on your interests, goals, and availability. You can choose from family experiences, ecotourism, volunteering, exchange programs, and research, with short-, medium-, or long-term options.
Whether you want to spend a few days surrounded by nature, take part in the daily life of the farm, develop a research project, or experience an exchange program, there are different opportunities for you to learn, explore, contribute, and build connections during your stay.
Yes. Both the accommodations and work areas have high-speed Wi-Fi. However, there is no mobile data signal available in the area. Wi-Fi may occasionally experience interruptions due to weather conditions.
To get to Eco Caminhos, you can choose from three transportation options: a private transfer from the airport or from Rio de Janeiro, for a more comfortable and direct journey to the farm; public transportation by bus, a more affordable alternative; or a taxi, a convenient option for the final leg of the journey.
Due to the weather and the type of environment and experience, we recommend that visitors bring:
Clothes for both warm and cold weather
Boots and suitable footwear for work or hiking
Work clothes (long-sleeved shirts and long pants)
Swimsuit and flip-flops
Towel
Rain jacket
Hat
Water bottle
Flashlight
Work gloves
Sleeping bag (optional)
Personal hygiene items
Basic first-aid supplies, insect repellent, and sunscreen
International power adapter
Cash (Brazilian reais) for public transportation
Real stories from volunteers who were part of our journey
