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Excellent 4.89rating (123)
  • Climate Action
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities
  • Reduced Inequalities

Short Term - Bioconstruction and Natural Building

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 14 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn natural building techniques while helping construct extraordinary bioconstruction houses with your own hands.
  • Live and collaborate with an international community of volunteers from different parts of the world.
  • Many volunteers describe Eco Caminhos as a life-changing experience focused on personal growth, connection, and learning.

Highlights

  • Learn natural building techniques while helping construct extraordinary bioconstruction houses with your own hands.
  • Live and collaborate with an international community of volunteers from different parts of the world.
  • Many volunteers describe Eco Caminhos as a life-changing experience focused on personal growth, connection, and learning.
  • Gain practical experience in organic farming, permaculture, and agroforestry.
  • Enjoy community activities such as hikes, camping weekends, movie nights, campfires, karaoke, swimming trips, games, and more.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 14+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Build some of the most advanced bioconstruction houses in South America and learn natural building techniques from day one.

    If you are looking to learn natural building techniques through real projects while living close to nature and experiencing sustainable community life, this experience is for you.

    About

    Eco Caminhos is a self-sustaining Eco Farm and international community located in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro. ..

    About the program

    If you are looking to learn natural building techniques through real projects while living close to nature and experiencing sustainable community life, this experience is for you.

    About

    Eco Caminhos is a self-sustaining Eco Farm and international community located in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro. Our mission is to create a more sustainable and regenerative way of living through Bioconstruction, Permaculture, Agroforestry and Community Living.

    Bioconstruction & Natural Building Experience

    This program is focused on hands-on natural building and sustainable construction techniques, offering volunteers the opportunity to participate directly in large-scale bioconstruction projects.

    One of the main projects is Ecolibrium, a growing 1200 m² bioconstruction compound designed to become a future regional reference center for permaculture, sustainability and education.

    The project integrates different natural building techniques and sustainable systems, including cob walls, bamboo, wood structures, ecological design, solar panels, water from natural springs and regenerative infrastructure.

    Location

    Located near Nova Friburgo, Eco Caminhos is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, rivers and the Atlantic Forest.

    The peaceful environment creates the perfect setting to learn, build and reconnect with nature while living in community.

    What You'll Be Doing

    Volunteers participate directly in bioconstruction projects, learning through practical experience and collaboration with coordinators and other volunteers.

    Activities may include:

    • Cob wall building

    • Bamboo construction

    • Foundations and structures

    • Natural finishes

    • Material preparation

    • Maintenance and organization of construction areas

    Volunteers participate around 24 hours per week, usually organized across 3 working days.

    They also participate in other areas of the farm, such as Agroforestry, creating a more complete experience.

    The specific activities and projects may vary depending on the period of the year, the current construction phase and the ongoing needs of the farm and community.

    Community & Learning

    This experience combines practical building skills, sustainability and community life. Volunteers also have the opportunity to exchange knowledge with people from different cultures while living inside the bioconstruction spaces themselves.

    Outside working hours, participants can enjoy waterfalls, mountain hikes, workshops, campfires and community activities.

    This program is ideal for people interested in natural building, regenerative architecture, sustainability and hands-on learning.

    Typical day

    Short-term volunteers participate in a variety of activities, with 3 work days per week dedicated to the farm’s projects and the remaining days free to relax, explore the region or join community activities. Each volunteer schedule is organized according to personal interests and the needs of ...

    Typical day

    Short-term volunteers participate in a variety of activities, with 3 work days per week dedicated to the farm’s projects and the remaining days free to relax, explore the region or join community activities. Each volunteer schedule is organized according to personal interests and the needs of the farm.

    A typical work day usually looks like this:

    • 6:00 AM – Wake up & breakfast
    • 7:00 AM – Work in Bioconstruction, Organic Farming or Agroforestry
    • 9:30 AM – Coffee break
    • 9:45 AM – Continue activities on the farm
    • 12:00 PM – Lunch & rest
    • 1:00 PM – Afternoon activities and projects
    • 4:00 PM – Finish work and return to the volunteer house
    • 5:00 PM – Portuguese lesson with a native speaker (when available)
    • 7:00 PM – Dinner
    • 8:00 PM – Free time, bonfires, games or community activities (if scheduled)
    • 10:00 PM – Rest

    Free-time activities

    Eco Caminhos is located on the edge of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, within the Atlantic Forest ecosystem. The region is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, forests, and beautiful landscapes, offering many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, and ...

    Free-time activities

    Eco Caminhos is located on the edge of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, within the Atlantic Forest ecosystem. The region is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, forests, and beautiful landscapes, offering many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, and nature exploration.

    During the week, we often organize community activities such as movie nights, game nights, campfires, shared dinners, and volunteer gatherings. These moments are a great way to relax, connect with others, and enjoy the community experience outside of work activities. From time to time, we also organize camping weekends and special group outings.

    Volunteers are free to spend their free time as they wish. Some activities organized by the community are free, while others with external costs, such as horseback riding or certain trips, require personal payment.

    You can also visit Nova Friburgo, the nearest city, either alone or with other volunteers. It is a calm and friendly mountain city with good infrastructure, shops, restaurants, markets, and cafés. A local bus stop is located about 500 meters from the farm, with buses running to the city several times a day.

    On weekends, many volunteers also choose to travel to Rio de Janeiro, which is approximately a 3-hour bus ride away, to explore beaches, cultural attractions, music, nightlife, and everything the city has to offer.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 14 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 14 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Copy of Passport or Travel ID

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Nature lovers Highly motivated people Willingness to learn Collaborative attitude

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Training & Hands-on Workshops: 
      You will receive practical guidance and support from our project leaders throughout your stay. Volunteers actively participate in activities related to bioconstruction, organic farming, and agroforestry, gaining valuable practical skills and hands-on experience that can be applied long after the program.

    • Food & Shared Cooking: 
      Ingredients for all meals are included. As part of the community experience, volunteers also participate in the shared cooking schedule and may help prepare some meals together.

    • Portuguese Lessons: 
      We believe cultural integration is an important part of the experience. For this reason, we offer one hour of free Portuguese lessons per week with native speakers. Additional lessons may also be available upon request.

    • Community Activities:
      We regularly organize community activities such as campfires, movie nights, workshops, shared dinners, games and cultural exchange evenings.

    • Nature & Regional Activities:
      Volunteers also have opportunities to join hikes, waterfall visits, camping weekends, local tours and visits to parks or nearby attractions. Some external activities may require additional personal expenses.

    • Accommodation Options: 
      Volunteers can choose between staying at the volunteer compound with other participants or selecting private accommodation options (different pricing applies depending on the option chosen).

    • Wi-Fi: 
      Internet access is available at the volunteer houses.


      • NOT INCLUDED:

      • Airport Transfer: Airport transfer is not included in the program fee. However, we can connect you with our trusted local driver, who can pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to Eco Caminhos. Approximate cost: R$1000 per trip (around €170), depending on the airport and number of passengers.

    Accommodation

    • Volunteers may stay in shared or private rooms, depending on the accommodation arrangement and availability.
    • Accommodation may be in one of the volunteer houses, including one of our bioconstruction houses, depending on the period of the year and current availability.
    • The accommodations are simple but comfortable, designed to support community living, cultural exchange, and a closer connection with nature.
    • Common areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces are shared with other participants.
    • Facilities include hot showers, equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi access, potable water, and basic living infrastructure.
    • Some buildings are part of ongoing bioconstruction and sustainability projects, so occasional construction or improvement work may be happening nearby.
    • The accommodations are immersed in the mountains and Atlantic Forest environment, offering a peaceful and nature-oriented living experience.

    Food & Beverages

    • We provide volunteers with the ingredients and shared groceries for their daily meals.
    • Volunteers participate in the cooking schedule and prepare meals together. We find this is a great way to bond with fellow volunteers and experience Brazilian cuisine and community life.
    • A homemade buffet-style lunch is served from Monday to Friday during working days.
    • Farm products such as eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits may also be available depending on the season and availability.
    • The provided food covers basic shared meals and ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Personal items or additional products outside the collective groceries are at the volunteer’s own expense.
    • Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or specific food needs.

    Internet Access

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

    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

    Thanks to the tropical climate of Brazil, Eco Caminhos welcomes volunteers all year round, depending on room availability and open positions in the community.

    If you are interested in joining us, we can schedule an online interview to get to know each other better, answer your questions and help you understand if this experience is the right fit for you.

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

    Program Fees

    $334 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 14 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 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
    4.9
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Nova Friburgo

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bart
    123
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    2014
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Dutch, Portuguese, German, Spanish
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Construction in Brazil
    Contact Bart
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    English, Dutch, Portuguese, German, Spanish

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