Short-Term Volunteer - Bioconstruction & Permaculture
by Eco Caminhos
Program Overview
Eco Caminhos is an international permaculture farm and learning community located in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
For over 12 years, we have been developing regenerative projects focused on bioconstruction, agroforestry, sustainability education, and community living. Volunteers from around the world come here to learn practical skills while exp...
Eco Caminhos is an international permaculture farm and learning community located in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
For over 12 years, we have been developing regenerative projects focused on bioconstruction, agroforestry, sustainability education, and community living. Volunteers from around the world come here to learn practical skills while experiencing life connected to nature and an international community.
This short-term program is ideal for people who want an immersive introduction to natural building.
No previous experience is required, only motivation to learn and participate.
Participants can join hands-on bioconstruction activities using techniques such as cob, bamboo building, adobe, earth plaster, recycled materials, and na...
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Agriculture
- Biological Research
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Development
- Culture
Updated May 22, 2026
Program Details
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Locations
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Home-stays
Application Procedures
- Disciplinary Clearance Form
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Volunteers work 8 hours per day, 3 days a week, typically on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The program offers flexible stays from 1 to 24 weeks with year-round availability and flexible start dates. Tuesdays are dedicated to learning sessions covering permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building, while Thursdays feature optional nature-based and cultural activities like hiking to mountain peaks and swimming in waterfalls. Weekends are free.
Eco Caminhos Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Tim Dubois
Participated in 2025
AlumniTim, 20 years old, from Antwerp, Belgium, is in his third year of university studying business engineering. He plays a lot of sports, including kite s...
So, I was looking for a two-week experience to do in September, and I wanted to do something different. I've never been to Latin America, but Brazil seems like a very nice country, and I ended up here looking at the volunteer world site.
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