Eco Experience - Bioconstruction & Agroforestry

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Experience a self-sustainable life at our ecofarm
  • Learn about bioconstruction, agroforestry and organic farming
  • Practice Portuguese and English with people from all over the world

Highlights

  • Experience a self-sustainable life at our ecofarm
  • Learn about bioconstruction, agroforestry and organic farming
  • Practice Portuguese and English with people from all over the world
  • Enjoy the landscapes, waterfall and the life in a community
  • Explore Rio de Janeiro or enjoy the nature


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Experience life in a self-sustainable eco farm. We are an alternative community with a focus on natural building, permaculture, organic farming, and agroforestry

    The Eco Experience Volunteer program with EcoCaminhos is a combined experience, a perfect oportunity for people that want both to discover what it is to work with an environmental and sustainable iniciative and at the same time have a profund and intimate experience of a culture abroad. The program ...

    About the program

    The Eco Experience Volunteer program with EcoCaminhos is a combined experience, a perfect oportunity for people that want both to discover what it is to work with an environmental and sustainable iniciative and at the same time have a profund and intimate experience of a culture abroad. The program combines two things:

    • First, volunteers will be able to learn what it is to live in a and contribute to a self-sustainable Eco-Farm in Brazil in the middle of nature, they will form part of a small but dynamic international community of volunteers passionate about nature and the development of a more sustainable future. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in the Farm’s projects with Bioconstruction, Organic Farming, Agroforestry, Community Building and Permaculture in general, they will receive introductory presentations and mainly hands on experience in each of this areas or they can focus on the ones they prefer.
    • Our Eco Experience program also comes with the oportunity to discover the Brazilian culture directly and in a pretty intimate and unique way, by staying in the house of a local rural Brazilian family volunteers get a honest direct interaction, a chance to live the rural brazilian culture, customs, food and way of life. They are always well known trusted neighbors of Eco Caminhos so you can rest asure knowing you are gonna feel welcome, safe and it will be integrated with all the other aspects of the Eco Experience program. To complement this cultural aspect of the program other activities such as hikes, Horseback trips and city tours are also organized.
    What we Expect from Volunteers, and what would their role be?

    An Eco-farm such as Eco Caminhos has a lot to be done, although we have grown a lot we still consider we are just scratching the surface of what we believe we can turn into, there is still so much to do. Because of this our volunteers have to be highly motivated, commited to help the world through enviromental practices and very hard working. Our volunteers are nature lovers, open-minded, respectful,  inspired and willing to be part of a team of people with a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and personalities. 
    In Eco Caminhos we work hard, we follow our schedules and give our best because we belive our project is not just for us, it is not just for our enjoyment or confort in our own tiny corner of the world. We want to be an example to follow, a community that inspires, and hopefully a place from wich we can contribute with the healing of the natural world and society as one. 
    Volunteers can choose on what they want to focus on, depending on their skills and interests they can do more Bioconstruction or more Organic Farming and Agroforestry, or do both equally, but it is expected that from time to time we all work together on a single proyect when needed. Volunteers also do a wide variety of activities together and share a cooking schedule, but in Eco Caminhos we value more willingness to learn and try new things more than already having specific skills. 
    If you are willing to learn and participate it does not matter if you lack experience in any area, regardless if it is Bioconstruction or cooking, here you will learn, develop those abilities and get support from all other volunteers when needed, here we all want to grow and help others grow, and we hope for future volunteers to have the same attitude. 



    Location

    Eco Caminhos is located in the beautiful inner mountains of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in the outskirts of a small rural city called Nova Friburgo. This area of Brazil is well know for being one of the world’s ecosystems with the highest amounts of biodiversity in both flora and fauna called the Atlantic Forest Biome. Eco Caminhos has several waterfalls both inside and around it, pure drinkable rivers all in the middle of truly amazing and imposing mountains, get inmersed in the magic of South American nature and the calmness that comes from it’s deep light blue skies and stary nights. 


    Starting

    During your first week here the different project coordinators will give introductory presentations on the different sustainable practices we apply in Eco Caminhos, after which you will be able to join and participate in the different projects of the Eco Farm, on Bio-construction, Agroforestry and Organic Farming.

    Plus

    Every week the volunteer coordinator will organize special activities for you, it can be things such as hikes, camping trips to the mountains, horseback riding, city tours among other options. Besides this special activities volunteers have their own weekly ones, such as movie nights, games nights and volunteer campfire nights. Of corse during your free time or weekends you are free to organize your own activities and plans.




    Typical day

    Volunteers in our Eco Experience programme usually choose to work approximately 24 hours 3 days a week. 

    A typical work day:

    • 6:00 AM / wake up and breakfast
    • 7:00 AM / Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry
    • 9:30 AM / Coffee break
    • 9:45 AM / Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers in our Eco Experience programme usually choose to work approximately 24 hours 3 days a week. 

    A typical work day:

    • 6:00 AM / wake up and breakfast
    • 7:00 AM / Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry
    • 9:30 AM / Coffee break
    • 9:45 AM / Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry
    • 12:00 PM / Lunch and Break
    • 13:00 PM / Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry
    • 16:00 PM / Free afternoon and night (extra volunteer activities if scheduled)


    Free-time activities

    Included with the Eco Experience Volunteer program the Eco Caminhos team will organize several extra activities for you, plus the normal every week activities you can join as well. 
    During your free time you will be able to spend time with the local host family and get a deep understanding of ...

    Free-time activities

    Included with the Eco Experience Volunteer program the Eco Caminhos team will organize several extra activities for you, plus the normal every week activities you can join as well. 
    During your free time you will be able to spend time with the local host family and get a deep understanding of Brazilian culture and customs. 

    Even though there are all this options you are still free to choose to use your free time as you please, Eco Caminhos is situated in the Região Serrano were you will be surrounded with beautiful mountains, forrests, reservations, wild life, rivers and waterfalls. Still you won't be isolated since just 6km from the farm you will find Nova Friburgo a well-structured city with 180.000 inhabitants. The region is far more secure than Rio de Janeiro. There is also a busstop 500 meters from the farm that goes every hour if you like to go into town. 

    And in case you want to go to Rio de Janeiro a 3 hour bus trip can get you there so that you can enjoy all the tourism activities of the city.



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Portuguese (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Passport or travel ID copy

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    All volunteers are expected to be highly motivated and willing to learn, work and share with others. Any experience with building, carpentry, farming, permaculture, social or environmental work are valued but not requiered.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 07:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Eco Caminhos

    INCLUDED

     

    • Homestay with Private Room
    • Full board: delicious typical local Brazilian dishes.
    • Theoretical introduction about the implementation of  Permaculture, Bioconstruction and Agroforestry on our farm.
    • Hands-on Experience on Bioconstruction, Agroforestry and Organic Farming at Eco Caminhos.
    • 1 activity per week, including Hikes, Horseback Riding, Campfires and Camping trips in the mountains*
    • 1 Portuguese class per week (more on request).
    • Participate in volunteer nights, including board games, cinema, and campfires.

    *You pay for your own transport, food and entrance fees (if applicable)

     NOT INCLUDED 

    • Airport Transfer: If requested we can put you in contact with our trusted driver Dutra, he can pick you up at the airport and leave you at Eco Caminhos doorstep. This however is not included, but Dutra charges only R$ 900 per leg (approx 170 Euros).

    Accommodation

    The Eco Experience Volunteer program is unique within Eco Caminhos since it integrates the volunteer work in the Eco Farm with the oportunity to experience the Brazilian culture directly by staying in the house of one of the selected families near the Eco Farm. The local Brazilian families are very welcoming and friendly, always willing to share their culture with others.

    Homestay with a local Brazilian family, neighbors of our farm. 

    • Experience local culture, customs and food with local host family  
    • Private Room
    • The cleaning of your room and the things you use are your own responsibility, not that of your host family

    Food & Beverages

    • Full Board, all meals (or a budget for this)
    • Please note that you will participate in the cooking schedule. We find this is a great way to bond with fellow volunteers and eat together in true Brazilian fashion.
    • When the host family is not home ingredients will be provided but prepared and cooked by the volunteer 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) in Rio De Janeiro. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The tropical weather at Eco Caminhos allows us to recieve volunteers all year long, only depending on the number of available rooms and required positions. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 951€
    2 weeks 1,526€
    3 weeks 1,902€
    4 weeks 2,278€
    5 weeks 3,052€
    6 weeks 3,597€
    7 weeks 4,143€
    8 weeks 4,658€
    9 weeks 5,174€
    10 weeks 5,660€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,602€
    Average fees 750€/week

    Program fees

    750€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Eco Caminhos during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Eco Caminhos

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (76 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2014

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Bart

    Spoken languages: Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, German

    About the project

    EcoCaminhos it’s an EcoFarm, a community, one that aims to become fully self sustainable and give back to nature and society following the principles of Permaculture.

    Meet your organization

    Since 2014 Eco Caminhos has worked as a international volunteer based community that strives to become a role model when it comes to environmental practices, healthy human development and self-sustainability. We are located in one of the ecosystems with the highest levels of biodiversity, the Atlantic Forest mountain Biome of Brazil.

    We believe the current way of doing things is coming into conflict with the world’s natural life sustaining cycles, besides we consider the out of balance and stressful  nature of it to be also the root cause for many of the social and individual problems we humans are dealing with today. We want to help build a more humane and sustainable option where both the environment and people can develop and grow in balance. 

    To turn this into a reality at EcoCaminhos we follow the Permaculture ideals, we focus on Organic Farming, Sustainable Bioconstruction, Agroforestry and we believe in working hard and together as a community. We also think that in order for society to take the next step in the right direction all this practices need to be supported by modern technologies but implemented in such a way that their impact is positive, with moderation and responsability.

    We are located away from the heptic lifestyle of moder society, in a rural area where we can focus on nature and developing our sustainable community, but still we want to have a positive impact in the life of others and society, and in order to do this we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, ecotourism experiences and even an apprenticeship programme for brazilian teenegers in need. We do this in order to both carry and expand our knowledge to others and to share the experience of what it is to live here with us to the world, it is not for personal or financial gain but instead to keep moving forward this community with which we truly believe we would be able to help heal the wound that we as a species have inflicted against the environment and hence against ourselves. 

    Our Volunteer Opportunities combine hands-on experience with introduction theoretical presentations on Organic Farming, Bioconstruction and Agroforestry. We also organize a variety of tourism experiences such as trips to the city, sightseeing,  hikes, horseback riding, movie nights and others. Volunteers can come for both short term and long term and we even organize Experiences for entire Groups

    At Eco Caminhos we want to make a difference and help to positively change the world and the life's of all the people and volunteers we come in contact with, both from our local community and abroad. 

    “If you assume that there is no hope, you guarantee that there will be no hope. If you assume that there is an instinct for freedom, that there are opportunities to change things, then there is a possibility that you can contribute to making a better world.”― Noam Chomsky

    76 reviews · rating4.9

    Spending 2 weeks at Eco Caminhos was an amazing experience. Their vision to regenerate the forest and develop a sustainable model for others to follow is inspiring. The setting is beautiful - we woke up to a view of the mountains and Atlantic Forest each day. The people are knowledgeable, ...
    Dammn, had such a meaningful experience at Eco Caminhos. Couldn't spend these two weeks anywhere better. Nice staff to work with, and a stunning landscape to work in. Besides working there is also some time to explore the beautiful region! I think it's a very promising project where there is also a ...
    I had the pleasure of enjoying a week-long stay here, and I truly wish I could have extended it. I want to extend my special thanks to Thales and Bart for their incredible support and the wealth of knowledge they shared. When I arrived, I had no idea what to expect, but I left with a heart full of ...
    I stayed for about a week at Eco Caminhos with my son to get to know the place a little (and see if it would be a good place for my son to volunteer in the future). It was great. A beautiful setting, nice people who really want to make a change. Very very interesting to learn more about agro ...
    Our experience at EcoCaminhos was extremely nourishing and eye opening. I visited with my wife and 6-year-old daughter. We have been studying agroecology, agroforestry, and bioconstruction for some time, mainly online, but also with some practical experiences. However, to experience the daily life ...
    I really enjoyed my stay at Eco Caminhos. I stayed there for a month. They have many activities on the schedule split between agroforestry, bioconstruction and fun events like hiking. I went there to learn more about agroforestry and have to say that I learned a lot in just a month. The practical ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Nova Friburgo

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    Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, German

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