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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer on a Rainforest Restoration program in Brazil? Our Travel Roots rainforest program offers you the rare chance to actively contribute to the reforestation of the precious and endangered Atlantic Rainforest—one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
As a volunteer, you'll be immersed in a wide range of exciting and meaningful conservation tasks that go far beyond planting trees. This program combines hands-on ecological restoration with community engagement and education, allowing you to see firsthand how grassroots action can transform both landscapes and lives.
Key Activities Include:
Seed Collection and Nursery Work: Collect native seeds and assist in the nursery by filling bags, organizing seedlings by category, and ensuring they are healthy enough to be planted.
Tree Planting: Participate in planting native and productive tree species in water catchment areas and on deforested hillsides, primarily during the rainy season (November to March).
Soil Preparation: Prepare planting sites by digging holes and adding organic potting mixtures to enhance seedling survival rates.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Visit farms to monitor previously planted trees, assess their growth, and provide necessary maintenance to ensure their continued development.
Trail and Fence Maintenance: Help maintain forest trails and fences, keeping them clean and ensuring proper signage for researchers, schoolchildren, volunteers, and visitors.
Water Sampling: Take water samples to measure water quality and assess the impact of reforestation efforts on local water sources.
GIS Mapping: Collect data for mapping new reforestation trial areas and marking out trial plots, contributing to the ongoing development of effective reforestation strategies.
Whether you're planting the first seedling of a future forest or educating local youth about sustainability, every moment here is part of a bigger movement toward regeneration and harmony between people and nature.
By volunteering on our Rainforest Restoration program in Brazil, you will:
Play an active role in restoring one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems—the Atlantic Rainforest
Learn first-hand about sustainable reforestation practices, including seed collection, nursery work, and soil regeneration
Work in close proximity to diverse wildlife and observe the impact of your reforestation work on local biodiversity
Develop practical conservation skills such as GIS mapping, trail maintenance, and ecosystem monitoring
Engage with the local community and participate in environmental education, awareness campaigns, and restoration initiatives
Contribute to improving local water quality by planting native trees around critical water sources
Gain deep insight into grassroots conservation and the tangible effects of environmental activism
Build transferable skills in teamwork, ecological fieldwork, and cross-cultural collaboration
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Rainforest Restoration Volunteer in Brazil
Every day in the Atlantic Forest is a fresh opportunity to get your hands dirty, contribute to meaningful restoration, and connect with nature in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
As a volunteer, your day will typically begin around 8:00 AM, after a hearty breakfast in the shared dining area at the Iracambi Research Center. You’ll join a small, international team of staff, researchers, and fellow volunteers to review the daily assignments. These tasks vary based on the season, current needs, and your skillset, but often include:
Example Daily Schedule:
7:00 AM – Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Forest House
8:00 AM – Morning briefing and task assignments
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Fieldwork: nursery care, trail work, seed collection, or tree planting
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – Lunch and rest
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Continue with afternoon tasks or environmental data entry
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Optional activities: workshops, forest walks, language exchange or personal projects
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Free time to relax, shower, or take a dip in the nearby stream
7:00 PM – Dinner with the group followed by social time, games, or a conservation documentaryThis schedule may vary depending on the season, weather, or your own project focus, but rest assured that no two days will feel the same — and you’ll leave every day knowing you made a tangible difference.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
By volunteering on our Rainforest Restoration Program in Brazil, you will be contributing directly to the recovery and preservation of one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems—The Atlantic Forest.
Your hands-on work in seed collection, nursery management, and reforestation will help rebuild vital wildlife corridors and restore biodiversity across the region. Every tree planted is part of a larger vision to connect fragmented habitats, support endangered species, and reverse deforestation trends.
Beyond the trees, your involvement also supports:
Local environmental education by serving as a role model and sharing your passion for conservation with school children and community members.
Sustainable development by helping build the capacity of rural communities to protect and manage their natural resources responsibly.
Community resilience by promoting agroforestry techniques and sustainable land use practices that empower local families to thrive without destroying the forest.
At Iracambi, you’re not just planting trees — you’re planting hope, opportunity, and lasting change.
Your Home in The Atlantic Rainforest
During your time on the Rainforest Restoration Program in Brazil, you’ll stay at the heart of the Research and Conservation Center — nestled in the lush Atlantic Forest.
You’ll be living either in the main Center building or in one of the five rustic yet comfortable cabins spread throughout the reserve. The Center itself is a 75-year-old house with four bedrooms (shared, two per room), a cozy living room, a library, and two bathrooms. The cabins also accommodate two people per room, and each includes a shared bathroom and living room space.
Facilities include:
Hot showers and electricity
24/7 Wi-Fi access
Communal living and study areas
Beautiful surroundings teeming with wildlife and rainforest views
All meals are provided on-site at the Center’s restaurant. You’ll enjoy three freshly prepared meals each day, blending local Brazilian flavours with nutritious, home-cooked comfort. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with notice.
Living at Iracambi is about shared experiences, cultural exchange, and embracing the rhythms of the rainforest — where the natural world becomes your backyard and your fellow volunteers become like family.
History
Our trusted partner in Brazil has been operating for over two decades, rooted in the Serra do Brigadeiro mountains within the Atlantic Forest—one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots. What began as a local conservation initiative has grown into a respected international NGO with a registered presence in both Brazil and the US. Over the past 21 years, they have:
Planted over 165,000 native trees
Established the region’s first environmental education programs
Created thousands of acres of protected forest
Hosted over 2,000 students, volunteers, and researchers from 67 countries
Implemented the first web-based GIS system in the region
Their research and conservation centre now features accommodation for 28 guests, a field laboratory, computer lab, forest nursery, extensive trail systems, and classrooms—all within a rainforest setting that invites immersive, hands-on learning.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is simple but powerful: "Saving Forests and Changing Lives." They aim to restore the Atlantic Forest while uplifting the communities who live within and around it. Through programs focused on natural resource management, reforestation, biodiversity research, and community education, they seek to create a harmonious balance between environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
They believe that true conservation starts with people. By involving local communities, young leaders, and global volunteers in their work, they cultivate a new generation of environmental stewards committed to restoring degraded landscapes, protecting native species, and promoting socio-environmental justice. Their long-term vision is to see a flourishing Atlantic Forest landscape, rich in biodiversity and opportunity, where humans and nature thrive together.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Fee (EUR)
1 week €208
2 weeks €416
3 weeks €624
4 weeks €792
6 weeks €1,188
8 weeks €1,584
10 weeks €1,980
12 weeks €2,376
What’s Included ✅
✅ Accommodation at the Research and Conservation Center
✅ Three freshly cooked meals per day
✅ Airport pick-up and return transfer (from designated locations)
✅ Project training and orientation
✅ Expert guidance from experienced field professionals
✅ 24/7 on ground support
✅ Wi-Fi access and workspace
✅ Access to on-site facilities including forest trails and laboratories
✅ Welcome pack full of useful information
✅ Certificate of Completion at the end of your placement
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreYour Investment in the Forest — and Yourself
Your program fee is more than just a payment — it’s an investment in both reforestation and your personal journey. By joining this program, you’ll gain:
Transferable skills in ecosystem restoration, conservation, and sustainable development
Deeper environmental awareness and leadership experience
Confidence, resilience, and intercultural communication abilities
A chance to be part of a global network of changemakers
The unforgettable reward of knowing you’ve helped restore the lungs of the planet
Where You'll Be: Atlantic Forest, Minas Gerais – Brazil
Your volunteer experience will take place in the heart of the Atlantic Forest in the mountainous region of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. This lush and ecologically rich environment is one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, home to thousands of endemic plant and animal species. The landscape features dramatic hills, tropical vegetation, clear streams, and endless birdsong—a paradise for nature lovers and conservationists.
This region is both remote and vibrant. Though it feels a world away from the fast pace of urban life, volunteers live within a welcoming local community who are deeply connected to the forest. The nearest town is Rosário da Limeira, and the nearest city is Muriae. Volunteers often take weekend trips to explore nearby areas, including waterfalls, traditional farms, and local artisan markets.
About Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and offers a vast array of landscapes, cultures, and natural wonders. While known for iconic destinations like the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls, Brazil’s lesser-known Atlantic Forest is equally spectacular—though far more endangered.
Cultural Richness: A diverse mix of Indigenous, African, and Portuguese heritage shines through Brazil’s music, food, and language.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The Atlantic Forest is home to jaguars, monkeys, toucans, and an astonishing number of endemic plants and insects.
Climate: Expect tropical to subtropical conditions—hot during the day, cooler in the evenings, and wetter from November to March (prime reforestation season).
Language: Portuguese is the national language, but you’ll pick up helpful phrases during your stay. Local staff speak English and will help bridge the gap.
This is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a meaningful opportunity to support conservation efforts in one of the most ecologically threatened regions on the planet.
Volunteering offers not only meaningful conservation work but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest during your free time. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the surrounding area provides a variety of activities to enhance your experience.
Nature Exploration
Embark on hikes through lush forest trails, climb local mountains for breathtaking views, or swim in crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls. These activities allow you to connect deeply with the diverse ecosystems of the Atlantic Rainforest.
Cultural Immersion
Engage with the local community by attending traditional festivals, especially during the winter months of June and July. Participate in communal dinners, bonfires, or barbecues to experience the warmth and hospitality of Brazilian culture.
Wellness and Relaxation
Find tranquility by practicing yoga or meditation in serene natural settings. Alternatively, relax in a hammock with a good book, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the rainforest.
Weekend Excursions
Plan trips to nearby attractions such as the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, known for its rich biodiversity, or visit historic towns like Ouro Preto and Mariana to explore colonial architecture and local history.
These activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing you to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the diverse offerings of the Atlantic Rainforest.
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