IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

My first experience as a volunteer abroad and I precisely picked upbio up because they seemed serious committed and professional. I wasn't wrong! Their project is effective and they are making a difference. I'm glad I have been part of this for a while.

I highly recommend this program. The role of Amazon research assistant is very accessible to anyone interested in the natural world and provides valuable information on biodiversity to the scientific community which is essential to conservation. Imran, Marleen and Martha are incredible people, Well connected and appreciated by the local communities and you feel like you're having a positive impact. You live with other volunteers in a nice place with a pool, though be warned it is a bit far from town (45min walk) but you can ask the neighbour to taxi for a price. I made valuable connections with the other volunteers who kind of become your family for a time :) You get to see loads of animals and I've also seen the best sunset of my life in Alter do Chao from the beach over the massive river and enjoyed the Carimbo (local dance) parties that happen every Thursday.

It was my first time in Brazil and first time volunteering. At IPbio I had many opportunities to see wildlife, which I have never seen before. There is a day and night difference between nature trips with “standard” tour guides (I have done it there too) and nature trips with professional biologists at IPbio. With IPbio staff one can see 10 times more wildlife, these folks know what they are doing My special thanks are to Imran Viroomal. He is a natural born manager (which is very rare find). Thanks to him all aspects of my stay there (from arrival to departure) were perfectly organized. In addition, Imran is very pleasant person, with good sense of humor and very easy to get along with. And he is absolutely dedicated to his job. Many cudos to him!

IPBio est le carrefour de la science, de la sensibilisation et de la culture. Nous avons pu participer à de nombreux inventaires, ce qui fait la force d'IPBio. Alter-do-Chao est un village aux plages et aux expériences inoubliables. Situé près de la forêt primaire de Flona il a énormément d'activités à faire. Alors un grand merci à IPBio amazone et toute son équipe d'ultra motivés et passionnés dans la conservation de la biodiversité.

Staff are very well informed of the area, program, risks, events... and are keen for volunteers to be informed as well. Everyone recives a comprihensive introduction on arrival and questions are welcome. Volunteers do descover new species and distributions here, but don't let this fule your ego and encumbur your work. People come here to volunteer, not holiday. By prepared and willing to get your hands and cloths dirty. You will be in the forest most days and some nights planting trees and seed. Most your work will be collecting data of birds, arthropods, amphibians and birds and identifying species. Some prior knowlage of species taxonimy is recomended but not nessesary. A camera (to take clear enough photos to identify the animal is very usfull but also not a nessesity. This is the jungle, of course there are some risks. Take precautions staff inform you of and you'll be fine. No the Tarantulas are not 'out to get you'.

I really enjoyed my time in the Amazon with IPBio. The work was varied, interesting and gave me the chance to learn a lot about biodiversity research in a real tropical fieldwork setting. I especially enjoyed the bird inventories, fish inventories, mushroom searches, night surveys and the chance to contribute to species records and data processing. The Amazon location is still developing, so sometimes the structure and working hours were more flexible than I expected, but the staff were supportive and the research itself was taken seriously. Overall, it was a unique and valuable experience where I learned a lot about fieldwork, Brazilian nature, teamwork and working in an international environment.

I had the best three months at IPBio! It's the best introduction to the Amazon one could ask for. You get to be immersed in the rainforest and surrounded by wildlife while also having the comforts most people are used too. We got to see the most amazing wildlife and meet the most amazing people! Leaving is by far the hardest part.

I had an incredible experience volunteering with IPBIO. The program was both engaging and genuinely enjoyable, with plenty of hands-on fieldwork surveying a diverse range of flora and fauna. The staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, creating a warm and sociable environment from the very start. What stood out most was how open they were to new ideas—volunteers were encouraged to share input and contribute meaningfully, which made the experience feel even more rewarding. Throughout the program, we encountered an amazing variety of wildlife and had countless memorable moments. It was an enriching and inspiring experience overall, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in conservation and field research.

My name is Simon, and I was a volunteer at IPbio in may/April 2026. I traveled to brazil during a gap year after high school, where I made time to follow this program for 8 weeks. I had an amazing experience with this program. The staff is incredibly kind and passionate about their work. The work was enjoyable and there was a large variety in the activities that we performed. All in all, this program left me with 8 weeks worth of amazing memories!

Volunteering with IPBio in the Brazilian Amazon was an incredible experience that exceeded my expectations. The program is extremely well organised, well explained and offers a wide range of biodiversity research activities, from bird inventories and habitat management to mushroom and arthropod surveys and night searches. I really appreciated being involved in both the fieldwork and the post-data process, as it made the work feel purposeful and helped me understand how our contributions fit into long-term conservation goals. One of the strengths of volunteering in the Amazon is how accessible everything is. Shops, restaurants, beaches and free-time activities are all close by, which gives volunteers a great balance between structured field days and independence outside of work. It also makes it easy to socialise, explore the area and feel part of the local community. The volunteer group dynamic was another highlight. Whether we were cooking together, exploring Alter do Chão, swimming in the rivers or spending evenings at local events, there was always a strong sense of connection and shared experience. Being surrounded by people who are passionate about conservation made the whole placement even more enjoyable. Overall, this program gave me practical field skills, unforgettable memories and a much deeper understanding of Amazonian biodiversity. I left feeling incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend this program to anyone wanting meaningful conservation work in one of the most unique environments in the world

I enjoyed learning about taxonomy, conservation, and science-based techniques for data collection. The field work was very immersive and focused on the actual conservation issues. The program is very well structured, and the repetition allows you to get comfortable with a wide variety of techniques.

My name is Mae and I am 23 years old. In February 2026, I had the privilege of volunteering with IPBio in Alter do Chão. Despite my initial hesitations, applying for this project turned out to be one of the best decisions. I learned so much about nature, about birds, and about myself. I developed a newfound fascination for birds and a deeper passion for protecting the environment, both of which I will carry with me long after returning home. I was fortunate to be part of the first group of the year, where everyone stayed for at least four weeks, which allowed us to truly get to know one another. The hardest part for me was definitely watching people leave. What I find so beautiful about IPBio is that everyone works toward a shared goal. The weekly presentations were a wonderful reminder of what we had collectively achieved, because it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you are out in the field. I will forever be grateful for this experience and everyone who was part of it!

Here’s your revised version with a more general and positive tone: ⸻ I had a really great experience volunteering at IPBio and would highly recommend it. The fieldwork was interesting and engaging, and I especially enjoyed working alongside such a friendly and supportive team of coordinators and fellow volunteers. The small size of the organization creates a welcoming atmosphere where you feel heard and connected. There’s also enough free time to experience Brazilian culture, which made the overall stay even more rewarding. Overall, a very positive experience with a strong sense of community.

I volunteered for five weeks at IPBIO's Amazon program, as well as five weeks at IPBIO's Atlantic Forest program. Working with Imran and Marleen was really fun at the Amazon program, as was working with Vitor and other staff at the Atlantic forest. I especially enjoyed the bird inventory. There are also mushroom, arthropod, fish, and tree plantings/inventories, so really something for everyone!

The programme is well organised and the activities are explained in detail. The reserve staff were very helpful. We were able to meet people from the local community who are also integrated and involved in the project.

I was volunteer for a month, both as research assistent and as photographer/videographer. I loved my time there. Alter do Chao is a really nice city and the people are incredible. The people working for IPBIO are incredible as well, really nice and helpful. For me the only negative was that I expected to be fully in nature, and we are still somewhat in the city, making going into the rainforest more of a hassle. The thing is though that it was the people and the town that eventually made my time there so incredible. Everyone works hard and is there to help you. The house was very comfortable and the living cost quite cheap. If you go, give hugs and kisses to Nala (the cat that lives around the house) for me.

I volunteered with the IPBio Amazon program for three weeks, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. It allowed me to experience firsthand what it means to collaborate on ecological projects that have a direct impact on ecosystem preservation and local communities. The staff were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, always eager to share their passion and expertise with volunteers. Living in such a unique place as Alter do Chão made the experience even more enjoyable, offering a wide range of activities during time off, special shout-out to Carimbó!

I had a magical time volunteering for IPBio in the Amazon. I arrived as a photographer for the program and had plenty of opportunities to take control of my own creativity and work on my own projects, whilst also involving the other volunteers and staff who were more than happy to play a part. I've always had a passion for wildlife as well as photography, so combining the two was the perfect opportunity for me.

This is a highly engaging, hands-on field research programme, led by a team who are genuinely passionate about biodiversity and conservation. The staff are extremely dedicated to discovering species and often go above and beyond their scheduled tasks. It’s not unusual for meetings or transitions between activities to pause so that everyone can observe and document a cool sighting, like a new bird. This approach fosters an environment that encourages curiosity and scientific interest. One of the programme's best features is its variety of activities and field sites, which provide exposure to a wide range of ecosystems, species and research methods. Some monitoring tasks are repeated as part of standard data collection, which maintains a methodical approach to the work and helps to build reliable long-term datasets. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and positive, balancing focused fieldwork with moments of humour and casual interaction. Short breaks, including a swim in the river, help keep the team feeling refreshed during long days. Clear, respectful and fair communication makes it easy to understand what is expected and collaborate effectively. Overall, the programme successfully combines high-quality scientific work with a supportive and motivating team, making it a truly rewarding experience.

Every activity was enjoyable, you almost forgot you were working! Truly will take this experience and hold it dear with me for the rest of my life. From the beginning to end, I felt like I was living out a dream. I hold a deep passion for the Amazon and being a part of its conservation was such a heart warming experience. From reforestation to inventories of mushrooms, birds, insects and fish, I participated in with enthusiasm. And the community is so lovely. I enjoyed meeting the locals, indulging in carimbo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and attempting to immerse myself to understand the beautiful language of Portuguese better. 10/10 experience.

Volunteering as a 21 year old photographer from Belgium, was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to grow as a photographer while enjoying the beauty and spirit of the Amazon rainforest and the town Alter do Chao.

I didn’t like the Birdinventory at the reserve and at son Risal. Because there weren’t enough birds to see and the hole day felt kinda unsuccessful. But apart of this every invetory was diversified and interesting. I loved especially the Arthropods because we always found some new insects. I enjoyed the group work of two for some invetories ( mushrooms, frogs and trees) because it helped to get to know the other volunteers better.

Hey, I'm Cristina and after I discovered the IPBio program through https://www.volunteerlatinamerica.com/ had an online interview with Imran, the manager of the Amazon program, who shared all the details about the volunteer opportunity I had chosen. What followed were five intense and unforgettable weeks, full of discoveries from the animal and plant world. I became part of the daily life of the community, explored Santarém and Alter do Chão (the “Caribbean Paradise”), and embraced the volunteer lifestyle—between bird, frog, and arthropod monitoring, relaxing by the pool, and witnessing for the first time the magic of bioluminescent mycelium and fluorescent spiders.o I also experienced the vibrant Sairé festival and the pure joy of dancing carimbó, a traditional rhythm, every Thursday night.k( I’m truly happy I chose IPBio—and grateful that they chose me too!

The experience with IPBio was amazing. It is a beautiful place where you can feel nature in its purest form. The field research activities have been very stimulating, encouraging you to focus on the environment, pay attention to small details and enjoy every minute. The way of working is very organised, which makes it easy and motivating, and the staff take care to teach and accompany each volunteer during their stay. On the other hand, the village and its surroundings offer many things to do. The local community is very friendly and it was fun to join their cultural events; they made me feel at home. There are also countless tours and activities to do on the weekends. It has been a very valuable experience that has undoubtedly helped me to get to know myself better and to know what I need in my life.

I am Jil , 19 years old . I was a volunteer for about 10 weeks at IPBio. Me and my partner did it in first way as a gap thing because we wanted to do something between finishing Highschool and starting university. For us it was clear that we needed to go to the Amazon. Through out our stay we learned so incredible much about biodiversity and how the life in the forest works. But this is way more then just biodiversity it’s about how to live with other person, how to interact with the locals and getting to know team dynamics . IPBio brought me out of my comfort zone. What I really liked was that you are getting easily a routine because of the week schedule but on the other hand you got enough free time to explore your surroundings by yourself. Working with locals / local communities gets you really in touch with their daily life and their culture. I loved the weekly presentations because their you could really see what your work effects and also the hole processes behind the scenes before something gets published. I hope this organization grows more and more so everybody can experience this way of nature and culture.

Hello, My name is Tom I am 19 years old and was a volunteer for 10 weeks in the Amazon. IPBio is a wonderful organisation. Wonderful experiences you can make, wonderful people/culture you get to know and a wonderful team you can become part of. I only met super friendly and welcoming people and a serios but also interesting work atmosphere. Trough weekly presentations and general updates you dont forget, what you are doing this work for and you get to know your part of a big work. It was the perfect organisation for my first volunteering and I would recommend IPBio to everyone who has interests in biologie, biodiversity or nature in generel

I'm Luca, I'm from Italy. I decided to join the volunteer program in IPBio because I really wanted to have a taste of the Amazon Forest, to know the biom and how it feels to live for a few weeks in the broadest tropical forest of the world. I wasn't disappointed. It was really an amazing experience, that made me grow in different ways. The volunteer house is not far from the city, so I had enough commodities. The activities during the program really allow to get closer to different aspects about biodiversity, so I had the opportunity to learn different skills. It is really good that I got to work in a team and get know a lot of people from all around the world. Getting to know the local community and to dive in the tradition of the people was incredible as well. You have to go and dance Carimbo! I am glad that I had this opportunity an I think that it is really nice for people that like nature conservation.

I stayed 11 weeks at IPBio in the Amazon and it was a great experience. The biodiversity is amazing, we saw so many different species, and every time we went into the forest there was something new to observe. The activities were varied, from species survey, to night walks. That made the work interesting and gave me the chance to try out different things. On top of that, meeting volunteers from all over the world was a real highlight. It created a great atmosphere, both for work and for daily life. Since the program is still quite new, I think the scientific side could be improved, with clearer protocols and more structured data collection. But even with that, I found the experience very valuable and definitely worth it. I’d recommend it to anyone curious about ecology or biology, or just looking to experience the Amazon in a hands-on way while meeting people from across the globe.

I volunteered for two months with IPBio for the Amazon Program. I thoroughly enjoyed not only learning about the biodiversity of the region in such depth during fieldwork, but properly experiencing the lifestyle and community in my off-time. I would recommend this to anyone interesting in contributing to a great cause but also keen to develop their skills and passion for biodiversity, ecology and environmental science. It's truly the perfect place to get some experience in these areas. This is the place for enthusiastic people not afraid to try new things. I also really loved meeting people from all over the world and doing group activities together in the afternoon and evenings. Such a unique experience, and sharing knowledge and life experiences with such incredible and driven individuals was life changing. Imran, Marleen and Martha run an amazing program here and I am so grateful for their efforts and dedication to make it what it is today. They were great at making me feel so welcomed, at home and comfortable right from the moment I arrived. Such a great team environment here which makes it so special.

My name is Chloe, I am from the USA, I turned 20 during my volunteer experience with IPbio. When I found this program, I had just left what I thought was my "dream school", but I turned out to hate. I returned home feeling lost and not sure what to do next. That's when I found IPbio. It might be the best thing that's ever happened to me. I spent April to the end of May in the Atlantic as an eco-volunteer and then June through July in the Amazon. Those 4 months helped to remind me who I am and what I am meant to be doing. I think I learned more about myself, the social and political state of the world, and of course, biodiversity during my time with IPbio than I have at any school. Living with people of all ages, from all different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, brought together by a shared passion for the environment, was incredible. The programs are different from each other in many ways, with the Atlantic feeling more established with infrastructure such as a laboratory, visitor center, aquarium, and greenhouse. They also have a team of amazingly knowledgeable local biologists! In contrast, the Amazon has none of the infrastructure and fewer staff (for now), but you really feel as if you are on the frontier of scientific discovery, frequently finding species that haven't been recorded yet on inventories (and could even be new to science!). Overall, I couldn't recommend this program more. The staff are great and the mission of IPbio is sound and more critical than ever. Every day felt like watching a nature documentary, but there's no screen infront of you and where you would expect David Attenborough's voice, there's only the sound of the forest and your own awed gasp as a toucan flies overhead or a massive anaconda silthers past, or a mushrooms glows brilliantly before your eyes in the dark night, or....

Volunteering with IPBio in the Amazon was both a deeply meaningful and educational experience. I had the chance to take part in impactful fieldwork — from reforestation and tree planting to biodiversity monitoring and species inventory. Knowing that each task contributed to the protection of such a unique ecosystem made the experience feel especially meaningful. Beyond the work itself, what truly made this experience unforgettable was the people. The team at IPBio is warm, funny, and always willing to help and teach. Their passion is contagious, and their support made every day on-site both productive and enjoyable. I met incredible individuals from all over the world — coworkers who quickly became friends. I’m proud to have contributed to IPBio’s essential mission, proud to have helped preserve the Amazon, and proud to have been part of an organization whose work truly matters.

After graduating from Biology around a year ago it was cool to be back out in the field. It was clear the guys had really prepared for all of the volunteer days and had thought a lot about our experience at the house and in our free time too. Over my month at Alter do chao, the structure of the programme ensures you not only start to understand the environments you are in when doing field research but allows you to explore the local region of Alter do chao in your free time. Imran, Marleen, and Martha couldn’t have been more helpful. They helped the group and provided quick solutions to any problems we encountered. I made great friends during my time and it was truly a month to remember.

This program is so amazing. The experience was once in a lifetime. I felt like a kid again hunting mushrooms, fluorescent arthropods, insects and amphibians. Although the field research was fun, the director presented all of our findings to us in a way that helped us to understand how our inventories were actually making a significant contribution to an importante body of scientific work. Apply to this program. It's life changing.

IPBio volunteer program is a very nice option if you want to live the deep amazon experience, you will be in touch with nature, be able to study the different species of animals, insects, funghi and plants while you are enjoying a good moment. And of course, to contribute to the research that will facilitate a better understanding and taking care of the amazonian environment.

My experience at IPBio was absolutely wonderful and enriching. The program was very well-organized, from the detailed pre-arrival information to the orientation and support upon arrival. The diverse range of activities, including bird and fish inventories, reforestation, and searching for bioluminescent organisms, allowed me to gain hands-on experience and learn so much about the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. The staff was extremely supportive, open to feedback, and fostered a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. The coordinators were approachable and easy to connect with, which made working together enjoyable. On weekends, we occasionally went out together, for example to eat, which added a nice social aspect to the experience. One of the highlights was exploring partially new areas with exceptional biodiversity. I had the chance to see sloths, monkeys, a wide variety of birds, enormous trees, and so much more. The accommodation was comfortable, and its location near Alter do Chão provided a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture while enjoying the beauty of the Amazon River. What made the experience even more meaningful was the opportunity to actively contribute to environmental protection. Whether through reforestation projects or the general mission of the volunteer program, I felt that my work was part of a broader effort to preserve the rainforest and support sustainable practices. Overall, this program is perfect for anyone passionate about biodiversity and looking for a meaningful volunteer experience that also makes a real difference for the environment.

During my 3 week stay completing the biodiversity research volunteer program I have had the opportunity to learn about how humans impact the environment and how we can all be more considerate and make better choices for the environment. The experiences have been well lead and the program leads were really passionate.

This wasy first volunteering experience abroad and I truly enjoyed it, especially the highest level of organization and communication, engagement of volunteers to the aspects of IPbio activities and diversity of tasks and program, allowing you to see a lot of species of birds, some mammals, mushrooms, amphibians, fishes

It is a great volunteering program for who loves outdoor activities! I would really recommend it if you desire to live an experience of real contact with nature. The Amazon forest deserve to be protected!

As a first time overseas volunteer, let alone a wildlife researcher, I found this program an awesome experience on so many levels. The staff very friendly, genuine and supportive, the procedures allowed a novice like me to be able to understand not only how to do things but why we were doing it and had so much fun undertaking the research work. The staff were always happy to hear any observations and assistance in how to streamline / improve the procedures. I got to experience so many community-based initiatives such as reforestation, seed and sapling planting supporting local schools and being part of local religious celebrations. These activities highlighted how high regard the group had in the local community and the conformation of the difference that we were making. I found the whole experience very humbling, knowing that the work and my actions were making a difference. Avoiding cliches but I have returned a different man, inspired and motivated to help out not only this group, by undertaking some project work that I can do from home but to reach out to NGO's around the world offering assistance. It gave me the jumpstart I needed to get me out of my rut and help me to re-discover my passion for nature and helping the community. I got to meet some beautiful, genuine, humble and dedicated people to the cause, which I now have the privilege to call friends. The program also allowed me enough free time to undertake some travel seeing other parts of Brazil during my free time which was awesome.

I had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge regarding the research and conservation methods for different aspects of nature. The work was harder some days than others, but super rewarding. The staff was very kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. We had the opportunity to interact with the local community which deepened my appreciation for their culture and the work that IPBio is doing. Lastly, the town is beautiful and offers a variety of things to do from the beach, restaurants, dancing, different tours, and more. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in nature or conservation.

Hello, I am an engineering student specializing in agronomy, environmental science, and agri-food. I completed a 2-month internship at IPBio, and it has been the best internship I have had so far. Both the setting, which is exceptional, and the diverse and interesting missions made it an outstanding experience. There is something for everyone. Regarding the staff, they were excellent, and everyone was very kind and attentive. What I enjoyed the most were the reforestation days we participated in, as they allowed us to contribute directly to environmental conservation and combat the massive deforestation of the Amazon.

I truly enjoyed my time working for IPBIO. As a biology student experiencing the Amazon wildlife firsthand was an unforgettable experience. The program combines so much diversity in activity types and locations for biodiversity research. Coordinators are responsible and open - help is available at any moment, that is why I felt very safe going to a remote area in a new country. The housing has all utilities you can think of. Group dynamics is amazing, it is easy to connect with other volunteers and coordinators due to a welcoming and positive environment. The nature can not be fully described in words, but the diversity of species you see during work and free time is breathtaking!

This was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life so far. Alter do chao is so beautiful the location you are in is amazing many activities to do many necessities near by and so many great people. It’s truly amazing, irman and Marleen the people that run this organization are such amazing people they are so nice and so helpful with anything you need they truly are friends for life. The other volunteers are also so amazing you meet so many cool people that all have the same interests it’s truly amazing. The living quarters are amazing I couldn’t ask for more, you have an amazing pool with a big kitchen and the rooms are nice and cold with good beds it’s great. This was truly one of the best experiences ever and I recommend it to everyone. Definitely will do again!!!

I am an undergraduate biology student. During my 7 weeks at IPBio, I witnessed a lot of biodiversity in the Amazon forest. The programme itself is well organised and executed, with the volunteer coordinators Imran and Marleen being very responsive, supportive, and instructive. The only drawback was that the location of the programme is in close proximity to human settlements, which restricts the extent of biodiversity present. However, this is balanced out by the close proximity to food shops, cultural immersion, and social activities.

We were well looked after by the coordinators and had a really genuine experience of Brazil. It was a really good chance to help out the organisation, learn loads about biodiversity research, and see the animals of the Amazon.

Joining the IPbio Amazon program was an amazing experience, the volunteer program is full of discovery, you really join a scientific program who matters even if you don’t have a lot of knowledge. The volunteer house is perfect and you have time to discover the amazing town of alter do chao during the free time. The two responsible there are amazing person who loves to share and are lovely persons.

I chose this program to fulfill an internship requirement for my degree program but the IPBio Amazon volunteer program went above and beyond my expectations. Not only did I have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work everyday either the field or in the local community in Alter do Chao but I got to work alongside brilliant and passionate volunteers and staff. I will always look back on my 8 weeks in the Amazon fondly. If you are looking for an opportunity to participate in field research, explore amazing wildlife, and make great friends then this is the program for you!

My time spent working with IPBio was assuredly one of the best things I have been involved in to-date! Firstly, it is to be noted that the Amazon branch of the organisation is very new comparatively to the Atlantic Forest, meaning that the facilities are different but this is by no means a negative! The accommodation is lovely, being in a re-purposed AirBnB, complete with swimming pool, affectionate cat and the loveliest neighbours you could ever hope to meet. On top of that, the coordinators are fantastic, being helpful, friendly and informative regarding both work, down-time and anything in-between. Even though I had travelled for two days to the other side of the planet, I had never felt more at home. Meeting likeminded volunteers from across the globe was really one of the highlights of my time there; the others being the inventories: Traveling to different locations to photograph bird populations, discovering new species of mushrooms, exploring the night-time world of the rainforest searching for fluorescent creatures, catching a huge frog and naming it "Bruno"... the list goes on! Some of the best extra activities we did were visiting Santarem to see the pink dolphins and on our way back from the Bird Inventory at Canal do Jari, taking a tour to see sloths and squirrel monkeys. The beaches around Alter do Chao are also some of the nicest I've been to! The work IPBio does is essential, considering that the Amazon Rainforest is home to so many endemic species and yet so little is known about them. By conducting inventories over time, species can be monitored and the impact of threats can hopefully be identified to help conserve one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Overall, I think IPBio exceeded my expectations, acting as an educational and immensely fun project full of diverse work and wonderful people. While I was there a whole month, I feel that I could have honestly stayed there for longer, discovering new things and spending time in one of the most Amazing places I have ever been! I would highly recommend IPBio to friends, family and anyone looking to make a difference in the conservation of the natural world: I very much believe in the work they do and thoroughly appreciate just how accessible the project is to volunteers.

The IPBio program is an amazing, once in a life time experience! Being able to be apart of important research whilst making life long friends. I would definitely recommend doing this program if you get the chance. Be prepared for physical work, but also a lot of fun along the way!

I spent 3 months volunteering with IPBio on the Amazon project and absolutely loved it. Pre departure they were brilliant at communicating information, answering any questions and generally making you feel comfortable with what to expect. Once on site the IPBio team were professional, supportive and a lot of fun. I found the work to be interesting and varied with plenty of free time to explore the local area and culture. The other volunteers tended to be like-minded, hardworking and fun loving. There were usually 8 volunteers sharing a comfortable house and there was always something happening from Capoeira lessons with the neighbor to Carimbo Dancing with the locals and not forgetting the forest night searches and riverside BBQ’s! I truly can’t recommend this company and the Amazon Biodiversity Research experience enough.

This was the best experience I could have asked for. The team are super responsive and organised before you arrive. The accommodation is great and you only pay a small price for a great place to stay. The amount of time per day that is normally from 8-1ish which works well in the heat and weekends off. Each day the team does different data collection/inventories (fish, trees, mushrooms, reforestation, and birds) as well as one night search per week. The people I met there were open, kind, hard working people with great personalities. The volunteer organiser is really kind and sometimes arranges BBQs or social activities. It's super easy to explore the surrounding area by yourself of booking tours into the forest. I had moments in this programme that will last me a lifetime. Like finding bioluminescence on a night search, snorkelling through the small crystal clear streams of the Amazon, dancing with the other volunteers at the local Carimbo. This is one of the most transparent, well organised and dedicated organisations I have come across.

22 year old French student, I was looking for a field experience as part of my studies in tropical forest ecology, and I first chose to apply for the IPBio Amazonie program due to its reasonable cost and the diversity of activities proposed. I stayed for almost 2 months and I can say that all my expectations were fully satisfied! The diversity of the inventories carried out will enable people with or without a scientific background to appreciate the beauty of the flora and fauna, and to learn about them. I'm still enchanted by the beauty of the region, which is certainly one of the most beautiful places on earth and offers plenty to discover during the weekends, as well as by the local culture, which will give you a friendly welcome. It was also an opportunity to meet other volunteers from other countries and with different backgrounds: amazing encounters! In definitive, it was the ideal volunteer program for learning more about the Amazon ecosystem, doing useful and rewarding work with passionate people.

I had a fantastic time volunteering with IPBio. We did such a wide variety of work from reforestation to examining fish and each activity was enjoyable. There is also something special about having the chance to work and integrate with the locals in order to create a more sustainable community and help them in the future, which is something that IPBio has executed well. Beyond this, the excursions and the fun activities we got to do further added to my time working with IPBio. I loved going to carimbo every week, having BBQs with the team and exploring the beautiful local area. Alter Do Chao is a gorgeous town with the most friendly people and I honestly want to move there now. I cannot recommend this programme enough.

I'm a 19 years old girl from Sweden. After graduation I wanted to do a meaningful volunteer program and something that could be helpful for my future work area. At IPbio we got pick up from the airport at all time. Staff was helpful and nice. The living accommodation was comfortable and the neighbours offered safe taxi transportations and other freetime activities. I liked that at IPbio we got to experience a lot of different things, the activities were for example fish inventory, bird inventory or planting trees on an island. Social Impact (5) Safety (4) Support (5) Free Time Activities (5) Value (5)

My one month volunteering in The Amazon Rainforest was absolutely incredible, I really can't recommend it enough. Imi and Marleen, our coordinators were so welcoming when I first arrived and the other volunteers ended up becoming fast friends that I felt so at home there. The work can be challenging in the heat, you are sweating 24/7, but you know you are making a positive impact and it feels very rewarding. Every day is different ranging from measuring and planting trees to identifying fish, frogs, birds, and mushrooms. The volunteer lodge is beautiful, (you feel like you are on holiday!!) the locals are so kind, the neighbours are the best and the food is delicious. I'm now solo travelling around South America and EVERY time someone asks me what the highlight of my trip has been so far, I always say volunteering in Alter do Chao. I will definitely be coming back.

I spent a month volunteering with IPBio in the Amazon rainforest whilst on a career break. I joined while the program was still relatively new; having volunteered in conservation before, I wanted to participate in a program at an earlier stage of development. On the whole, the program is well-organised and it has a lot of variety, with different themes for each day - trees, fish, mushrooms, amphibians and birds. There is also a day dedicated to reforestation activities (e.g. potting seedlings, planting trees) - I always enjoyed these as you could feel an immediate sense of your contribution. The activities rotate between locations every week so no two weeks are the same either. Whilst I liked the breadth of the program, this does come with one drawback - you gain surface-level familiarity in each area but never develop any deeper understanding. Some people may find this lack of depth unsatisfying. Currently there are no specialist staff on base so opportunities to nerd out on particular areas are limited e.g. you're not going to have an in-depth discussion about frogs with a herpetologist. However, this may change in future as the program develops. Working hours are generally 8am-1pm so there is a lot of downtime. As mentioned by other reviewers, there is a wide range of extracurricular activities available and I have lots of fond memories of capoeira lessons, carimbo nights and weekend tours. Pros - Immersion in local community and culture, opportunity to learn and practise Portuguese - Lots of variety in the program - good if you want to try a bunch of different things - Friendly and welcoming staff, volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and interest areas Cons - There are no specialist experts on base so opportunities to have in-depth discussions and build on your knowledge are limited - this might change in future though - Due to inventories being in the early stages, there is a heavy focus on photography so if you don't have a good camera it can feel harder to make a meaningful contribution

I spent seven weeks volunteering with IPBio in the Amazon and was extremely sad to leave. My primary reasons for choosing the program were to experience conservation work in a different country and to get the opportunity to see some of the Amazon's wildlife (insects and arachnids included) - and see wildlife I did! Almost every day brought a new creature of some kind, from birds and monkeys to spiders and scorpions. The program's location was also a massive plus - the town of Alter do Chão is amazing, with the best parts being the gorgeous white sand beaches and the weekly carimbó nights (which are ridiculously fun and attended by people of all ages). A fantastic experience overall!

I had the best 5 weeks of my life volunteering in the Amazon rainforest. The whole time I was there I was like “I can’t believe I’m in the Amazon” surrounded by such beautiful scenery and amazing biodiversity. I was a bit nervous when I first arrived, but everyone was so lovely and welcoming. The staff were amazing and so enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Each day was an exciting adventure not knowing what cool animals you’d see that day. Seeing a potoo for the first time was mind blowing!!! I really liked that each day was different, dedicated to a different project. One of the most memorable for me was searching for bioiluminscent species at night. It was magical -being in complete darkness listening to the sounds of the rainforest and staring at the clear night sky. The work to life balance is great. There is plenty of time to relax and explore around Alter do Chão or chill at the beach at the weekends as well a chance to engage with the culture. I really looked forward to the Carimbó dance in town every Thursday night. It was a truly fulfilling experience and one I will never forget. My only regret is that I couldn’t stay longer. I met some amazing people, saw some really cool wildlife and stunning landscapes. It’s an experience that will stay with me forever and would certainly recommend it to anyone if they have the chance.

I volunteered with the Amazon programme and I couldn't recommend it more. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The coordinators are excited about the work you do and it's very contagious. The work can be tiring due to the heat sometimes so if you are someone who would identify as lazy I wouldn't recommend this. I personally really enjoyed the work, we do half days and we have plenty of free time, the house is gorgeous and it feels like you are on holiday - you really can't complain. Everyone was so positive and supportive, I felt very welcomed. The people in Brazil are super friendly and I felt safe there. The area is gorgeous too, the town is great and there is so much to see and do out of work hours. I didn’t expect it, and I was so pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed meeting new friends throughout my stay and seeing wildlife in its natural habitat out of sheer luck. Every day is a different adventure and completely unique to everyone.

Name: Laura Maisväli Volunteer role: Biodiversity research assistant Length of stay: 4 weeks Do you feel that volunteers receive sufficient orientation about our Institute and training before they begin work Yes Comment: The work itself isn’t that complicated, so a short presentation is enough. You mostly learn the details in the field anyway. Do you feel the staff was accepting, supportive and provided feedback about your work? Yes Comment: They were very helpful and were happy to answer any questions, even those that didn’t necessarily relate to the task at hand. What was your best experience while volunteering with us? Seeing a wild monkey for the first time was mind boggling. I believe my first words were: “Oh shit! There’s monkeys!” I was absolutely dumbfounded and flabbergasted. Grey river dolphins were my first marine mammals that I’ve seen. Night searches were my favourite. I have never done anything like it so it was always fun. Just standing there in the darkness. All the jungle noises and with the stars and occasionally a firefly being the only light source. Loved the tree frogs. Bird inventory was my next favourite, the sheer diversity of birds in the Amazon is wild. Sometimes I didn’t even have to go anywhere, there were toucans and motmots at the volunteer house. I feel like I got so much exposure therapy, I’m not really afraid of spiders like that anymore. By the end I was even able to boop a relatively medium sized spider at the volunteer house. The sheer curiosity just takes over at some point and you forget the fear. I even brought a dead spider home, for pinning. BULLET ANTS being like 3cm big???? What are the best strengths of the volunteer program? The logistics. We had a plan for every day and the file organising was also nice to see. Also the people. Imi, Marleen and Pascal were such a pleasure to work with. The fact that Marleen is able to say “Titi monkeys” and “anus” with a straight face truly shows her professionality. Loved the other volunteers as well. I liked that even though the age gap was sometimes 2x, it didn’t really matter since we’re all there for the same thing, with the same interests. What was your least enjoyable aspect of volunteering with us? Tree and mushroom inventory. I feel like I would've liked it more if I learned more about the specific species. Otherwise it’s just 20 different mushrooms that all look the same. I personally haven't studied plants and fungi that much yet either. If you could make any three changes to our volunteer program, what would they be? More theory. I would’ve wanted to learn more in depth at the species we were looking at and their ecological niches. b) More trail cameras! I loved looking through them! c) Overall, how do you rate our program? (1=terrible, 10=great) Number rating: 10 Any other questions/comments? I didn’t expect it to be that much of a life changing experience. This will not be my last time in the Amazon.

My 12-week volunteering experience with IPBio in Alter do Chao was incredible. Each day involved diverse tasks vital for Amazon rainforest conservation, including tree phenology and measurements, bioluminescence, fluorescence, reforestation, fish, mushrooms, frogs, and bird inventories. Despite some challenging days in the Amazonian heat (you will be sweating 24/7!), our efforts felt significant to preserve the rainforest, especially in the face of climate change. There is a sense of camaraderie among the volunteers and staff, and every new finding in the field is celebrated. The town of Alter do Chão, nestled in the Amazon and along the Tapajos river, offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a welcoming community. The town's culture, cuisine, and the Carimbo dance every Thursday night add to its charm, and it will always have a special place in my heart. Although the program is conducted in English, having a basic understanding of Portuguese is beneficial for interactions in town and tours around the region. The staff is dedicated and attentive to all volunteers and any feedback that they have during their time at IPBio. This is a perfect place if you love nature and wildlife and want to make a conservation impact!

I’m Jørgen. 24 years old from Norway. After graduating in environmental sciences, I wanted to experience a hands-on sustainability related project in the rainforest. I choose IPBio because of the nice location and the interesting work description. The program does not disappoint! Every day is an amazing new experience, whether it is seeing monkeys jumping around in the canopy, snorkelling in a muddy stream to see amazing fish, planting a tree on the beach, or going to the local Thursday dance night in the town. I would not be afraid to recommend this program to my friends, acquaintances, or even YOU!

I will not lie, the work can be physically difficult or mentally tedious. However, the emotional reward you receive after the job is complete makes it all worth it. Additionally, the beautiful location, the amazing wildlife, and the impressive work-life balance that IPBio has managed to achieve makes the work sustainable. Ultimately, volunteering at IPBio as an Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant was one of the most emotionally fulfilling experiences of my life

This was my first time volunteering abroad and it has encouraged me to continue. If you’re interested in finding new species and seeing one of the most beautiful places in the Amazon while helping to contribute to the research conducted around it. The organisers are generally very friendly and approachable if you have any issues and they know their stuff!

I am a recent college graduate from the United States and spent three months volunteering with IPBio. During my time at Reserva Betary, I worked closely with the staff to create a new project for the volunteer program, in collaboration with a professor from Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Creating a new project gave me an inside look at all the effort and organization that is poured into each research project; the projects at IPBio are engaging and interesting with real world implications. I highly recommend volunteering with IPBio for anyone who has an interest in the natural world. The Atlantic Forest is an incredibly underrated and diverse ecosystem where you are guaranteed to see amazing flora and fauna. During my stay there, I saw monkeys, toucans, and several species of beautiful tanagers. The atmosphere the program cultivates is one of friendliness and comradery. Our weekends were usually filled with floating down the river, visiting caves, or taking a trip to Cananeia, a beautiful island off the coast. Volunteering with IPBio was an incredible experience in every way from the ecology to the staff to the fellow volunteers!

I was lucky to spend 6 weeks at IPBIO in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest, although this amount of time is way too short to discover all the amazing plants and animals and natural wonders you can find there. The institute is located in an absolutely marvellous spot in the jungle surrounded by lush vegetation and an astonishing abundance of incredible beautiful wild animals. The people working there are very nice and supportive and will do everything to help you with any kind of concern. I was mainly helping to carry out research studies concerning frogs and tadpoles but i was also involved in a lot of different other projects like bird monitoring, habitat monitoring or tree inventory. When I was there I had the chance to meet a lot of wonderful people from all over the world. At the weekends we were able to do a lot of great and fun weekend activities together like hiking through a river and swimming through waterfalls or simply hiking in the jungle. Once we also went to the island of Cananéia, where, if you are lucky, you can see a lot of dolphins. So for me it was an absolutely wonderful time at IPBIO! Thank's for everything guys :-)!!

I had such an amazing time at the Betary Reserve in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest. It is so beautifully located in the midst of the rainforest that it is surrounded by a tremendous abundance and diversity of plants and wildlife. The staff-members of IPBIO are incredible nice, helpful and attentive. I was working there as an eco volunteer and my main focus was helping carrying out research studies with tadpoles and frogs. But I've also participated in a lot of other projects like mushroom inventory, habitat monitoring or bird monitoring. I really loved every single project and it was great to work together with a lot of other wonderful people from all over the world. There are a lot of awesome weekend activities you can do such as wandering through marvellous caves or discovering beautiful waterfalls and even swim behind them or make a trip to the sea to Cananéia, where, if you are lucky, you can see a lot of dolphins!! All in all it was a very unique and amazing experience for me!!

I'm 28 from the UK, with a scientific background and interest in conservation. Volunteering at IPBio was a lovely experience which I would definitely recommend. It is in an amazing setting in the Atlantic forest by a tranquil weather and plenty of opportunities to see colourful birdlife and the rare glimpse of other animals such as monkeys. I also loved getting to know the local town Iporanga which was not on the tourist trail and gave you an insight into small town Brazil. The programme is very well organised and the volunteer co-ordinators Imran and Marleen are friendly and helpful. The application process and arrival were made simple. On the ground, Imran was always ready to solve any problems and pro-active. I also really enjoyed working with other like-minded volunteers from around the world. The social life was good with relaxed evenings and the opportunity to do trips away at the weekend. The work was varied and interesting. I spent about half my time working on frog/tadpole protects and the rest helping with the general eco-volunteer role. My only criticism is that not all of the work seemed scientifically rigorous and it was not always clear what the end goal of some projects was. I hope as the organisation develops it can create closer links with universities or research groups to make sure its work is practical and relevant. Overall, it is a fantastic team who are passionate and I have no doubt it will continue to grow and improve.

IPBio has been the most amazing way to spend my summer. The past two months have been filled with so many opportunities to learn and be hands on with projects. As an eco-volunteer, I had the chance to work with all of the projects here as well as focus on the frogs in the lab. Being able to be in this gorgeous area while learning and exploring is an incredible experience. The staff here is extremely friendly and supportive. Living with the other volunteers has given me the opportunity to make great friends to explore this beautiful forest with. The weekends allow us time to explore the state park and the town and the weekdays are filled with hands on experiences in nature. This summer here has provided me with experiences, knowledge and memories that will last a lifetime.

My husband and I have been volunteering around Central and South America for the last 5 months, and I can say that without a doubt this has been the best volunteering experience yet! From comfortable accommodations including electricity and internet to exciting daily activities and incredible weekend opportunities, this place really has it all! Some of the activities that we have done include: watching trap camera footage, bird observation, monitoring pond habitats, performing a fish inventory and tree inventory, and even doing some creative craft-work. I love watching the trap camera footage because it is always a surprise and you never know what you’re going to see. One of the videos I found was of a hummingbird taking a bath, that was so adorable! The living accommodations are really nice, I was pleasantly surprised to find I had my own air-conditioning unit in my room! The kitchen is fully stocked, and even has a fridge! (The last 2 places we volunteered didn’t have this, so this was particularly exciting). It is really amazing getting to live right in the forest alongside the river, but also having really nice buildings and rooms! On the weekends we typically did some activity with the other volunteers and volunteer coordinators on Saturdays, such as going fishing or having a barbeque. On Sunday we usually did some kind of tour, like tubing down the river, or going to see the caves or waterfalls! All in all, this has been a really incredible experience. I wish I could be here longer, and who knows we may find ourselves here again one day. I think if you are looking to volunteer in South America and you love animals or science, then your search is over! I really don’t think you could find a place better than this!

I spent 4 weeks volunteering at the Betary Reserve, without a Biology background, and loved every minute of it. I arrived with a background in mechanical engineering, an open-mind, and a willingness to work hard and I wasn’t disappointed. The work varies day-by-day and as a Research Assistant I was able to participate in all of the studies being conducted. Jobs included: taking measurements of important properties in the river, collecting and inspecting tadpoles, inventorying trees, monitoring local ponds for water quality and lifeforms, bird watching, and general ground maintenance. The variety of work meant that I felt very involved with all of the ongoing projects and it let me contribute in multiple ways. The living arrangements were superb and unlike anything I had experienced volunteering elsewhere in South America. We had A/C in our rooms, WiFi, flush toilets, hot showers, and a fully functioning kitchen! The organization of the staff is incredible. All of our inquiries pre-arrival were handled quickly and with lots of detail. The entire month we were here we always knew what we were tasked with and what was upcoming for the week. They organizers even took care of our taxi rides to/from town and planned weekend activities.

I applied for the volunteer program at IPBio in July of 2017 without imagining what I could expect when I left your country to live an adventure. I had an interview with the Imran Volunteer Coordinator via skype where he explained carefully that you would be in charge of the Reserve if you were selected, so I decided to stay for a period of three months (January to April 2018) and I do not get tired of thanking for the opportunity they gave me and the experience I had. I am a bachelor of law and I have always seen environmental issues and what a better opportunity to know the Mata Atlantica. Within the Reserve I was in charge of the research (mushrooms, bats, frogs), protocols (tadpoles, bd tadpoles, frogs), once a week there were group activities (gardening day, fish inventory or other activities). In addition, I had the opportunity to learn a little more with Luciane, Ana, Isaías and Henrique about Biology because I started working in the laboratory (animal feeding of the Reserve and research). On weekends one had the opportunity to perform different leisure activities (visit: caverns, waterfalls, Cananéia, Quilombos, boia cross), inside the Reserve there is a deck where one could swim in the river or make a barbecue. I definitely recommend the Reserve for people who like field work, nature. For me it is an unforgettable experience not only for the work you do but for each of the people who work there who are always willing to help you with a smile (Ana, Isaias, Marleen, Imran, Luciane, Henrique, Raphael, Adriana). And to the volunteers who are going from different nationalities, culture. I spent three months in the Reserve and saw many volunteers leave before me, and friendships that have been formed and will continue over time. Do not hesitate for a second to apply to the Reserve you will not regret it, I would go back without hesitation. Mariale Bellota

The Reserve has been an incredible place to volunteer. The unique and wonderful setting aside, IP Bio provided a range of projects to get involved with, creating a very exciting volunteer experience. The staff are keen to utilise and promote the implementation and use of your specific skills while also encouraging you to get involved, hands on, with the other research projects being carried out. In addition, the staff are all very passionate about their work here and keen to get you involved in group activities, weekend trips and excursions! There are a great range of things to join in with at the weekends, with a personal favourite being the trip to see and get up close with wild dolphins. Overall, volunteering with IP Bio has been an unforgettable experience hidden away in a fantastic location, made even better by the friendly staff and incredible wildlife! I hope to come back very soon ...

The 60 hectare Betary Reserve near Iporanga is a beautiful setting for doing field work in the Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem that has so much still to be discovered... and is fast disappearing. Although lab conditions aren't ideal for certain projects, you can get involved in a lot of good in-the-field conservation work on a wide variety of flora and fauna there, from trees to amphibians and mushrooms to monkeys. You get to walk along/off amazing trails to get to your work site, can spend time swinging in the hammocks or swimming in the river (if the current isn't too strong!) and eat lunch a couple of metres away from several different species of hummingbirds. The forest is abundant, with several layers of plants growing or creatures living on any available surface. Lots of mosquitos too, so go prepared! Most of the staff love what they do, were very approachable and helpful, and open to new ideas; the founder and his wife were very kind and friendly whilst doing such great work with this vision, and the volunteers were fun and interesting to be with since they came from a wide variety of backgrounds and were willing to do crazy things like go and look for bioluminescent fungi in the dark whilst it was raining heavily! :-) It's a great place for direct contact with an amazing natural environment, I loved just being in the forest and also being able to contribute towards useful conservation projects or educational activities.

I really liked it being a volunteer at the institute, because I had the opportunity to learn many new things, such as the endemic species of the Atlantic forest, as well as the traditions of the people of the area. In general, I think working here has been an excellent experience.

As part of travelling South America, I decided to take part in the volunteer program offered at the Reserve Betary. I took a different path as a volunteer, given my professional experience and the needs at the reserve, and I had the opportunity to be involved in the overall coordination of various projects and also to help with some administrative planning within the organization. Arriving at Reserve Betary was a breeze, given the detailed volunteer package and the insightful coordination from the volunteer leads, Imran and Marleen, I felt comfortable and well versed on travelling to the reserve and what would be expected during my stay. At the Reserve I was able to take part in a number of different conservation projects, while both utilizing my skills and interests. Given the significant involvement of the staff at the reserve, they are able to place you in not only a wide range of projects but also in assignments of personal interest. The IPBio reserve is in a unique situation as it is not only situated at a remote location in the Atlantic rainforest, but also a short drive from the town of Iporanga. This offers a number of perks for the volunteers such as grabbing essentials in town (great for long-stay individuals), and also allowing for the coordination of a number of different activities outside of the research projects. This allows the volunteers to not only make the most of their free time, but also experience the natural beauty of the Atlantic Rainforest. My favourite of these were the Cave tours (Iporanga is home to the not only the most caves in the world but also some of the largest and most beautiful. These tours are led by experienced guides, and allow for experiences which would not be possible without my involvement with IPBio. Given the breadth of the projects ongoing at the Reserve, I would recommend volunteering at IPBio to not only those with a science background but also those hoping to have an impact and become involved in NGOs with a conservationist perspective.

As soon as you arrive to Betary Reserve, you immediately notice how all are mentioning Sergio, the founder. He is described as a Dreamer. And I would add that Sergio is one of those Dreamers who gets things done. All of his dream about this amazing conservation projects are happening not only because of his vision and passion, but also thanks to his eye in hiring and empowering people, from the gardener to the cleaning lady Adriana, who are just as committed as the biologists, with this DREAM that has COME TRUE. I really recommend volunteering at IPBIO. Everyone I met is totally committed with their projects, which are taken very seriously. All the biologists are totally focused on their research, and they impressed me with their passion, perseverance, love for all they do, and always with a smile. And a joke. I am really thankful for all that Ana, Isaias and Enrique taught me. Lou was on holiday, and I was very fortunate to meet her on one of our Caves trips. All projects are perfectly coordinated by the very efficient and fun Imrain and his beloved Marleen, whom is the closest you can get to a real version of Lara Croft. I have worked on Tree Inventory, Camera Traps maintenance and analysis. Tadpoles monitoring and Pitfalls. Besides learning and discovering some of the secrets this Atlantic Forest hides, and witness the commitment with Forest and Bio System recovery, I have especially enjoyed collaborating with my fellow Volunteers. The passion of the entire staff of IPBIO is so contagious that volunteers breath and live it. Whether it was on our daily missions, or our night strolls, looking for some amphibious, magical Fireflies and their larvae, whose lights mirror the Reserve beautiful starry night, and even on our fun Cave trips, volunteers are always taking pictures, asking for information and getting closer to this beautiful forest’s heart. I am always thrilled with the melting pot of cultures Volunteering offers. And this time. Again. I will have new friends to treasure. And, hopefully, meet again. Thank you, IPBIO.

As a biologist, I have volunteered all around the world, and I still learned so much at the Biodiversity Research Institute! Being in the heart of the Atlantic Forest itself is already an amazing experience, being surrounded by various species of fauna, flora and fungi! I was involved in the amphibian research, observing the presence of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in tadpoles; collecting and photographing mushrooms, to catalogue them; monitoring mammals through camera traps; and feeding of the fish, terrapins, toad and lizards, that are used for educational purposes. There’s also a lot of fun things to do on the weekends, like tubing, rappel, visiting caves and waterfalls, or just going for a swim in the river. It’s a great opportunity to learn and make amazing memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life, while helping a good cause!

Estive no Ipbio durante ótimas 3 semanas. A estrutura do instituto nos oferece tudo o que é necessário e a equipe todo o suporte. Como estudante de engenharia florestal foi uma experiência incrível pois pude auxiliar em uma lista de flora da reserva Betary, além de trabalhar com peixes, tartarugas e análise de desenvolvimento de girinos. Durante o tempo livre pude Visitar belos lugares da região, como cavernas e cachoeiras, e me divertir com novos amigos de diferentes lugares. Fui muito bem recebida por todos, que fizeram questão de me acolher desde o momento da aplicação até a minha volta. . Pude praticar diferentes idiomas, fotografar a região do Vale do Ribeira, onde existe a maior extensão de Mata Atlântica contínua preservada e conhecer mais sobre comunidades tradicionais da região. Sentirei saudades e voltaria com certeza!

I would suggest volunteering at IPBio to anyone interested in ecology. The staff at the reserve were great and always willing to teach and help. The area itself is very stunning with heavily forested hills and running streams.

I am undertaking a 5 month internship at IPBio studying the effects of forest successional stages on the abundance of mammals on the reserve. I use camera traps and so far I have caught: a fieldmouse, tayra, opossum, paca, racoon and a capuchin monkey. I also support with organizing mammal footage for a documentary IPBio will soon produce. The weekends are just as fun with activities such as buoy cross down the river, exploration of caves, hiking and swimming in waterfalls. I have enjoyed my time here and would really recommend this organization to other volunteers.

IPBio was a dream come true. I have been searching for over 3 years for an NGO whose mission I truly wish to support and finally I found it. I came to IPBio as a volunteer having had it recommended to me by various people. After speaking to the manager, Ana, we agreed that I would come to IPBio with 2 goals in mind: structure their volunteer program and fundraise for a environmental education program they we conceptualizing. As many trusted and experienced people had told me such great things about IPBio, I was worried that it wouldn't meet my expectations.. but in fact it surpassed them three-fold! Walking onto the reserve you pass a beautiful wooden bridge over the river and find a hidden state of the art research center in the middle of the forest. After meeting the staff and really discussing their future plans, I was already in love with IPBio and knew I wanted to stay. Over the next 3 months, I worked hard to organize the volunteer program, we managed to meet our fundraising goal for the education program and I wrote a grant which we won for bioacoustics equipment. Soon after, IPBio offered me a position and now I will be working at the organization as the volunteer and communication manager. This place is paradise and I am glad I found a way to stay. The region (forest, wildlife, caves, rivers, waterfalls) to the infrastructure (lab, greenhouse, aquarium) to the topics of research (bioluminescent mushrooms, mammals, amphibians) to the larger plan of creating various IPBio's across Brazil, this place captured my dream: to live in a remote area surrounded by nature which also sparked my intellectual curiosity and drive. IPBio is now home.