Permaculture volunteering in Brazil | HelpStay

Community Experience in Chapada Diamantina (Brazil)

Brazil

This long-established permaculture community is one of Brazil’s oldest alternative communities, with more than 30 years of experience promoting a simpler, sustainable way of life. It is located 7 kilometres from Vale do Capão, close to Chapada Diamantina National Park, with several waterfalls within walking distance, including Cachoeira da Fumaça, Águas Claras and Lago dos Patos.

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The community offers visitors the opportunity to experience communal living in close contact with nature. Its peaceful surroundings provide space for learning, self-discovery and a different approach to everyday life. Residents and long-term community members enjoy welcoming visitors as part of the community during their stay.

The community also has a library that is open to everyone. In their free time, residents and visitors may gather around a bonfire, play music and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Tasks & Roles

The community’s activities include agroforestry, gardening, growing herbs, reforestation, environmental conservation, bioconstruction and handmade soap production. It also runs a Waldorf-inspired school, reflecting the community’s strong emphasis on education and learning.

Helpers mainly work from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Some additional help may be requested, preferably between 6:30 am and 8:00 am, depending on the community’s needs. Much of the work is physical, so helpers should be comfortable with practical outdoor tasks.

People with an interest in agriculture, gardening and agroforestry are particularly welcome, although previous experience is not essential. The community is looking for people who are willing to learn, contribute to daily life and take part in a communal experience.

The aim is for visitors to gain practical knowledge of agriculture and permaculture, as well as a greater understanding of cooperation, community organisation and a simpler, more nature-focused lifestyle.

Living & Getting There

Accommodation varies according to availability and individual needs. Options may include a bed in a shared room or a private house with a double bed. Camping is also possible in the designated camping area. Clean bed linen and mosquito protection are provided.

The community uses solar electricity and gas-powered water heaters, although the accommodation has cold-water showers only. Wi-Fi is available in a designated area when needed. The community follows an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, with meals prepared using a wood-fired oven, and does not consume alcohol.

The closest international airport is Salvador Airport (SSA). From Salvador, the usual route is to take a bus from the main bus station to Palmeiras, followed by a van to Vale do Capão (Caeté-Açu). Once a stay has been confirmed, travel arrangements can be coordinated through HelpStay messaging.

What else

A stay of at least 14 days is preferred, although longer stays may be possible by arrangement. A contribution of R$50 per day is requested to cover food costs only.

Before confirming a stay, applicants should explain what they are looking for from the experience, what attracted them to the community and something about their travel plans. They should also describe any previous experience in rural environments, agriculture or permaculture, as well as any previous volunteering experience.

Applicants should be comfortable with physical work, cold-water showers and the community’s alcohol-free environment.

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