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Excellent 4.84rating (18)
  • Climate Action
  • Life On Land

Amazon Research Group Trip x Garden of Ganyah

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn field biology inventory techniques in the most biosiverse ecosystem on earth!
  • Discover all about the Brazilian biodiversity from up close!
  • Taste regional food, learn the local dances and immerse yourself in indigenous culture and ways of living!

Highlights

  • Learn field biology inventory techniques in the most biosiverse ecosystem on earth!
  • Discover all about the Brazilian biodiversity from up close!
  • Taste regional food, learn the local dances and immerse yourself in indigenous culture and ways of living!
  • Explore the Amazon on weekend during our amazing boat tours!
  • See stunning landscapes the Amazon has to offer!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Explore Amazonian Wildlife, Culture, and Natural Wonders through a Scientific Lens on a group trip hosted by wildlife biologist and content creator Garden of Ganyah.

    Dates: Tuesday, 1 Dec - Wednesday, 16 Dec

    Join a 2-week group expedition in the Brazilian Amazon, hosted by Volunteer World, Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) and wildlife biologist & creator Ganyah. This unique trip invites you to actively contribute to real biodiversity research while ...

    About the program

    Dates: Tuesday, 1 Dec - Wednesday, 16 Dec

    Join a 2-week group expedition in the Brazilian Amazon, hosted by Volunteer World, Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) and wildlife biologist & creator Ganyah. This unique trip invites you to actively contribute to real biodiversity research while exploring one of the most fascinating ecosystems on Earth.

    The Amazon is under growing pressure: climate change is altering rainfall patterns which affect amphibians ability to breed, habitat destruction is causing animal populations to decline and trees are dying as droughts and extreme weather events become more frequent. These changes make reforestation all the more critical. Protecting this ecosystem depends on consistent field research, reliable data and people on the ground who are ready to be part of the solution.

    What to expect

    During the trip, you’ll take on exactly that role. From setting camera traps and analyzing wildlife footage to conducting bird, fish, mushroom, arthropod and mammal inventories, you’ll work alongside experts and gain hands-on insight into conservation science in action. You’ll also learn about reforestation, habitat monitoring and modern research techniques, while building meaningful connections with like-minded travelers.

    You’ll be guided by Ganyah, a wildlife biologist and content creator behind Garden of Ganyah, who focuses on making conservation and biodiversity more accessible to a global audience. Through her work, she combines field research with storytelling to raise awareness about conservation challenges and inspire more people to care about the natural world. This trip is a reflection of that mission: bringing people directly into the field to experience conservation firsthand, understand the challenges and become part of the story. 

    Participants don’t need prior scientific experience, but should bring curiosity, adaptability and a genuine interest in conservation. You’ll be expected to actively take part in daily activities, work as a team and be comfortable in a remote, nature-based setting. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience, new perspectives and a deeper understanding of one of the most important ecosystems on our planet.

    Beyond the research

    This trip is more than fieldwork. Picture sunrise boat rides through jungle waterways, swimming in rivers, spotting sloths on forest trails, hiking among Samaúma trees and experiencing local culture through music, dance and community visits. Designed for curious and adventurous minds, this trip blends impact, education and unforgettable moments. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience the Amazon in a deeper, more meaningful way.

    About the location

    The project is based in Alter do Chão, a small riverside town in northern Brazil, often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Amazon” due to its white-sand fresh water beaches. Located near the city of Santarém in the state of Pará, the area sits deep within the Amazon region, surrounded by rainforest, rivers and protected areas. Life is abundant with monkeys climbing in the trees and toucans flying overhead; here you are truly connected to nature. It offers a unique setting far from typical tourist routes, yet rich in biodiversity and local culture.


    ‼️ This Group trip is limited to 7 participants. First come, first served. 

    Typical day

    Tuesday, 1st of December 

    • Airport Pick Up RESTRICTED between 8am and 16pm and then rest from long travel

    Wednesday, 2nd of December

    • Ice-Breakers to Get to Know Everyone and Introduction to the Volunteer House 

    • 9:00am - 12am Introduction Presentation:

      • IPBio – Biodiversity Research Institute and the ...

    Typical day

    Tuesday, 1st of December 

    • Airport Pick Up RESTRICTED between 8am and 16pm and then rest from long travel

    Wednesday, 2nd of December

    • Ice-Breakers to Get to Know Everyone and Introduction to the Volunteer House 

    • 9:00am - 12am Introduction Presentation:

      • IPBio – Biodiversity Research Institute and the work conducted in the realms of biological field research, conservation and education.

      • Safety Presentation & signing of paperwork including volunteer contract and liability waiver

      • Reading research Protocols

    • 13:30 – 14:30 – Presentation on “IPBio and the Use of Cameratraps for Mammal Inventories”, explain consistent mammal inventory throughout their trip

    • 14:30 - 15:00 – Set Up Camera Trap on Reserve with Bait 

    • 15:00 – 17:30 – Visit Alter to Chão walking and optional swimming of Island

    • 18:30 - Dinner Provided

    Thursday, 3rd December

    • 7.30am - 12am – Reforestation on the Island “Ilha do Amor”

    • 12:00 – 13:30 - Lunch 

    • 13:30 – 14:30 – Presentation and Group Discussion about the Importance of Reforestation and History of Carimbó Dance

    • 18:30 – Dinner

    • Optional: 21pm every Thursday there is a live music where locals dance Carimbó

    Friday, 4th December

    • 7.30am - 11am – Bird Inventory by Boat to Canal do Jari

    • 11am to 12am – Visit Sloth trail

    • 12:00 – 14:30 - Lunch on the beach and swim in the river

    • 15.30 - Return to the Volunteer house

    • 18.30 – Dinner

    Saturday, 5th December

    • Tour of Flona National Park - Hike to see enormous Samauma trees (kapok tree) and learn about native flora as well as the rubber trade and history of Henry Ford in the Amazon

    • Boat Tour and lunch at local community

    Sunday, 6th December

    • Day OFF

    • Optional: Lunch at Restaurante do Lago where the lake has 3-meter arapaima fish and large turtles

    Monday, 7th December

    • 7:30 – 12:00 – Mushroom and Arthropod Inventory

    • 12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch

    • 13.30 – until done – Data processing for Bird/Mushroom/Arthropod Inventory

    • 18:00 – Dinner

    • 19:00 – 21.30 - Nocturnal Activity - research amphibians, arthropods, bioluminescence and fluorescence

    Tuesday, 8th December

    • 7:30 – 12:00 – Fish Inventory

    • 12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch

    • 13:30 – until finished Fish Inventory & Nocturnal data input

    • Dinner

    Wednesday, 9th December

    • 7:30 – 12:00 – Habitat Monitoring

    • 12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch

    • 13:30 – OFF

    • Dinner

    Thursday, 10th December

    • 7:30 – 12:00 – Seedling preparation for reforestation

    • 12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch

    • No data Input – Afternoon Off

    • Dinner

    Friday, 11th December

    • 7.30am - 12am – Bird Inventory at Carlos Site

    • 12:00 – 13:30 - Lunch 

    • 13.30 – until finished Bird Data Input

    • Dinner

    Saturday, 12th December

    • HALF DAY: Visit Santarem City Fish, Local Vegetable and Oil Market

    • Visit the Manatee Rehab Center

    Sunday, 13th December

    • Visit Beaches of Arapiuns; Trails for Wildlife Watching; Visit Comunidade de Coroca Bee Production/Artisanal Handicrafts/Turtle Conservation

    • Boat Tour and lunch at local community

    Monday, 14th December

    • 7:30 – 12:00 – Mushroom and Arthropod Inventory

    • 12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch

    • 13.30 – 16.30 – Data processing for Mushroom/Arthropod Inventory

    • 18:00 - Dinner

    • 19:00 – 21.30 - Nocturnal Activity - research amphibians, arthropods, bioluminescence and fluorescence

    Tuesday, 15th December

    • 7:30 to 10:00 – Collect Cameratrap and Volunteer Sort Through Cameratrap footage 

    • 10:00 - 12:00 Recap Data Presentation and Roundtable Discussion

    • 12:00 – 13:30 – Lunch

    • 13:30 to 15:00 - Nocturnal data input

    • 15.00 – 20.00 – Closing Ceremony BBQ on the beach at sunset

    Wednesday, 16th December

    • Airport Drop-Off

    Free-time activities

    Make the most of your time in the Amazon with a mix of nature, culture and unforgettable moments beyond the research activities:

    • Explore the laid-back charm of Alter do Chão, wander through the village and take a refreshing swim at its famous river beaches.

    • On Thursday nights, experience local ...

    Free-time activities

    Make the most of your time in the Amazon with a mix of nature, culture and unforgettable moments beyond the research activities:

    • Explore the laid-back charm of Alter do Chão, wander through the village and take a refreshing swim at its famous river beaches.

    • On Thursday nights, experience local culture firsthand at a live Carimbó dance event, where music and community come together.

    • Head out on scenic trails to spot sloths, relax with lunch on the beach, and swim in the river surrounded by rainforest.

    • Discover the region on a guided visit to Flona National Park, where you’ll hike among enormous Samaúma trees and learn about native flora and history, including the rubber trade and Henry Ford’s legacy.

    • Optional: Enjoy a meal at Restaurante do Lago, a lakeside restaurant, known for its 3-meter arapaima fish and large turtles.

    • Visit local fish, vegetable and oil markets in Santarém

    • Visit the Manatee Rehabilitation Center

    • Explore the remote Arapiuns region, with its beautiful beaches, wildlife trails and community visits focused on bee production, handicrafts and turtle conservation.

    • To wrap it all up, celebrate your experience with a sunset BBQ on the beach — the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey in the Amazon.

    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.

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    You don't need scientific experience, but should bring curiosity, adaptability and a genuine interest in conservation.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    This fee covers the volunteer’s accommodation, airport pickup, breakfast for 10 days, plus lunch and dinner for 9 days, internet access, project costs and free time activities listed in the Program Description (excluding optional activities).

    You will need to pay: £1799

    • £745 to reserve your spot (after your application has been confirmed)

    • 1st installment: R$6061 (approx. £877 or $1173) via PayPal directly to the Project until 1st of August

    • 2nd installment: R$1200 (approx. £177 or $232) in cash, which you can retrieve from the local ATM on your first day

    Airport Pickup at Santarem-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport

    Airport Pickup is on Tuesday, 1st of December:

    • Airport Pick Up RESTRICTED between 8am and 16pm.

    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the first day are not included as it will vary depending on people’s arrival but restaurants and home cooking options are available and more information can be provided.


    If a flight arrives before our restricted pick-up times, you must get a hotel for your first night. We can provide more information and recommendations on request but ideally all applicants should arrive between 8am and 16pm. Flights arriving after the 16pm on the 1st of December are not allowed.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will stay at Casa da Lagartixa, located just 3 km from Alter do Chão. The house accommodates up to 8 people across two shared rooms, creating a social and community-oriented living environment. All rooms are air-conditioned, and the house features three bathrooms, two of which have hot showers.

    The property is fully equipped for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen for preparing your own meals, a washing machine, and a relaxing outdoor area with a swimming pool and poolside BBQ. Just perfect for unwinding after a day in the field. Shower towels are provided and you’ll receive a packing list after applying.

    Volunteers are responsible for keeping the house tidy as part of shared living, but a cleaner comes once a week to take care of common areas and provide fresh bed linen.

    Within walking distance, you’ll find everything you need for daily life, including a kiosk, ATM, restaurants and fruit & vegetable stands.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast is included on 10 days, while lunch and dinner are provided on 9 days (including many of the scheduled activities and a BBQ dinner on the final day — see program description for details).

    Meals are simple, fresh and locally inspired. Examples include:

    • Breakfast: Fruit board, egg sandwich

    • Lunch: Amazonian fresh fish with rice, beans and salad / Vegetarian or vegan lasagna

    • Dinner: Beef stew with rice, cassava root, beans and salad / Vegetable loaded beans with rice and salad

    Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets can be accommodated.

    On days where meals are not included, participants are free to cook at the house or eat out. Shops, restaurants and markets are located in Alter do Chão (3 km away), easily reachable by foot or taxi, where you’ll find everything you need.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Santarem-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport (STM) in Santarem. 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

    You should arrive at Santarém Airport (Maestro Wilson Fonseca) on Tuesday, December 1st, between 08:00 AM and 16:00 PM local time. We will request your flight details to set up a pick up schedule and you will be collected directly at the airport arrivals.

    From there, you’ll transfer to the project site in Alter do Chão by vehicle. The journey takes around 40 minutes to the volunteer house and you will be offered a lift into town for some basic shopping if you need. Throughout the day all our participants will arrive at the volunteer house to settle in, get to know each other and start your Amazon adventure.

    You will be transfered back to the airport on December 16th.

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

    Program Fees

    $1,023 per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Alter do Chao

    Meet your project coordinator

    Imran
    18
    reviews
    4.84
    Excellent
    2014
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Brazil
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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