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Volunteer in a Self-sustaining Eco Farm (Short Term) logo

Volunteer in a Self-sustaining Eco Farm (Short Term)

by: Eco Caminhos

5 (1)Since 2014

Experience life in nature through community living and hands-on learning at a permaculture eco farm in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Eco Caminhos is a self-sustaining eco farm and international community located in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, surrounded by waterfalls, rivers and forests. Participants join the daily life of the farm through practical activities, workshops and cultural exchange while learning about agroforestry, bioconstruction, permaculture and sustainable living. Activities may include agroforestry, regenerative farming, natural building, composting systems, community cooking, hikes, waterfalls and social activities with people from different parts of the world. The experience combines learning, nature, simplicity and collaboration in a peaceful mountain environment close to Rio de Janeiro.

Program Highlights

Reconnect with nature in the mountains of Brazil, surrounded by waterfalls, rivers and the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.

Step away from stress and fast city life while experiencing a simpler and more grounded community lifestyle.

Learn about permaculture principles and sustainable living through practical daily experiences on the farm.

Discover how agroforestry and regenerative systems can restore degraded land while producing abundant food and biodiversity.

Build meaningful connections with volunteers and travelers from Brazil and all around the world through community life and cultural exchange.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Brazil
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Agriculture
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Development
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environment
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

Esperienza meravigliosa nella natura

April 15, 2024by: Fabio Fodaro - Italy
5

Ad EcoCaminhos ho trascorso 2 settimane meravigliose! Due settimane dove ho conosciuto gente stupenda, con molta voglia di fare, e molto preparata. Ho imparato molto, con un giusto bilancio di teoria, pratica e divertimento. Il tutto, a diretto contatto con la foresta pluviale Brasiliana. Non potevo chiedere di meglio. Altamente consigliato!

Eco Caminhos logo
Eco Caminhos responded to this reviewJune 05, 2025

Ciao Fabio! Many thanks for reviewing your volunteer experience. We are glad to attract people from all walks of life who share a purpose to restore ecosystems and develop themselves in the process.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Brazil

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Agriculture
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Development
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environment

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Language Lessons
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Salary & Compensation

No salary

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English
  • Portuguese

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my volunteer period up to 12 weeks?

If you want to extend your stay, we recommend you apply for a visa. A student visa is the best and cheapest option to get. Should you decide to learn Portuguese, we partner with the best language school for foreigners in Brazil – Aprenda Português no Rio de Janeiro Brasil | Caminhos Languages – ranked by people on TripAdvisor.

Is it allowed to drink and smoke at the farm?

It's totally prohibited to drink at the farm. People can drink in their free time in the city, outside the farm. For smoking, there are specific areas for it.

Is the farm far from the city?

The farm is 35 minutes away from the city by public transportation. There's a bus station 500m from the volunteer houses.

Are food and accommodation provided?

Food and accommodation are included in the program cost. Volunteers are encouraged to make a basic grocery list for the houses per week. The grocery budget is R$70 reais per person.

Do I need travel insurance while volunteering?

We recommend that all travelers have the appropriate travel insurance. Also, the Brazilian public health system is universal, and people from any country can benefit from it.

Eco Caminhos

Eco Caminhos

5

Ready to Learn More?

Experience life in nature through community living and hands-on learning at a permaculture eco farm in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Eco Caminhos is a self-sustaining eco farm and international community located in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, surrounded by waterfalls, rivers and forests. Participants join the daily life of the farm through practical activities, workshops and cultural exchange while learning about agroforestry, bioconstruction, permaculture and sustainable living. Activities may include agroforestry, regenerative farming, natural building, composting systems, community cooking, hikes, waterfalls and social activities with people from different parts of the world. The experience combines learning, nature, simplicity and collaboration in a peaceful mountain environment cl...

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