updated  

Help me to create a magical space near the head of the Serra do Mar, SP, Brazil

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    85 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    7 Apr 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    100.0 %

    Usually responds within 2 days

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    2

  • Email verified

    Email verified

Country info

If you are are planning to visit Brazil to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

Badges (2)

Email verified
Give the gift of Workaway
read more

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello! I'm Renato, 54 years old, Brazilian from São Paulo. A freelance professional, I started at age 16 providing services to architects, supporting the design and construction of sets for large events, fashion shows, concerts, theaters... throughout the country. ... At the same time, I started as a "hiker," a climber of structures in warehouses, gyms, antennas, buildings, also for events and other services. I have also worked as a salesman, snack bar manager, valet, photographer, set designer, "sailor," pilot of tourist boats for fishing, diving, and leisure.

    Whenever possible, I invested part of my remuneration in activities that bring me more pleasure, such as: socio-environmental actions, structural and equipment projects, sports activities at sea, in the mountains, and in forests...
    Gradually, and after several courses in the areas of engineering, environment, architecture, construction... and one for the administration of conservation units / Ranger.

    In 1998, I began providing services to tourism and adventure ventures and natural parks. With the development of projects and implementation of structures for public use "tourist visitation" and teaching courses.
    I specialized in low-impact constructions and high-rise structures, so I was able to move away from commercial/urban events in large capitals and began working with nature and with services that I believe are in line with what I like and believe is good for humans and less harmful to nature.

    In this trajectory, I had the opportunity to be a pioneer in:

    Building structures on living trees "arborism/canopy tour" for tourist visitation.

    And carrying out 4 long canyoning expeditions (7 and 10 days) inside rivers in the southeastern region of the Serra do Mar. Activity documented as part of the studies of the voluntary internship for the São Paulo Forestry Institute.

    In addition to some new techniques and solutions for that time in this country.

    Yes, well, those are past events and it's been a long time! I notice that as the years go by, the number of lived experiences tends to increase.

    Contemplating the world, creating, cooking, philosophizing, enjoying the silence... these are pleasures that remain present along the way.

    Currently, the priority is the construction and maintenance projects of this small 250m² space where I built a cabin with reforestation wood, used materials, and materials from construction waste in São Paulo.
    There is still much to build, test, renovate, invent, organize, learn, and interact with this space.

    The planting on the land, which was a bus parking lot with only grass, was done with native and exotic plants, and sometimes I let the wild "weeds" that grow on their own grow to provide food for crickets, bees, birds, and to fulfill their function. Sometimes fast-growing plants like corn, pumpkin, and potatoes grow organically and are managed until they bear fruit. The amount of pruning and biomass produced in a yard that doesn't have space to absorb it and generates interference with wires and neighbors... is part of the experience.

    Although the lot is in an urban area. The surrounding area is a water source preservation zone, and for this reason and personal desire, I try to promote low-impact interventions ("bio-construction") and manage native species.
    I live alone with about 3 frogs and a few lizards. The daily visitors are birds, opossums, and insects. Family and friends appear less frequently and at the moment.

    I plan to open the space to students soon and perhaps tourists or clients in the future.

    Volunteering has been part of my journey, both in providing services as a volunteer and also in receiving and coordinating volunteers for services in the parks. However, this model of receiving volunteers at my home via a Workway platform is still new and in the testing phase.

    Thank you for your attention, I am available for your questions.

    I hope you have a good experience in Brazil.

    ==========

    Ola! eu sou Renato, 54 anos, Brasileiro de São Paulo. Profissional "freelance" inicie aos 16 anos a prestar serviços para arquitetas no apoio aos projetos e construções de cenografias para grandes eventos, desfiles de moda, shows, teatros... pelo pais. ... na mesma época comecei como "higuer" alpinista de estruturas em galpões, ginásios, antenas, prédios também para eventos e outros serviços .Também ja trabalhei de vendedor, gerente de lanchonete, manobrista, fotografo, cenógrafo, "marinheiro" piloto de embarcação turísticas para pesca, mergulho e lazer.
    Sempre que possível eu investia parte da minha remuneração para atividade que me trazem mais prazer, tipo: ações socioambientais, projetos estruturais e de equipamentos, atividades esportivas no mar, montanhas e florestas...
    Gradativamente e após diversos cursos nas áreas de engenharia, meio ambiente, arquitetura, construção... e um para a administração de unidades de conservação / Ranger.
    98 comecei a prestar serviços para empreendimentos de turismo e aventura e parques naturais. Com a elaboração de projetos e implantações estruturas para uso publico "visitação turística" e ministrar cursos.
    Me especializei em construções de baixo impacto e estruturas em altura logo consegui me afastar dos eventos comerciais/urbanos nas grandes capitais e passei a trabalhar junto a natureza e com serviços que acredito serem em acordo com o que gosto e acredito seja bom para os humanos e menos nocivo a natureza.

    tive a oportunidade de ser pioneiro em:
    construir estruturas sobre as arvores vivas "arborismo/canopy tour" para visitação turística.
    e executar 4 longas expedições de canyoning (7 e 10dias) por dentro de rios da serra do mar. Atividade documentada como parte dos estudos do estagio voluntario para o instituto florestal de são Paulo.
    além de algumas técnicas e soluções novas para aquela época neste pais.
    É, pois é são feitos passados e ja faz tempo! noto que com o passar dos anos o numero de histórias vividas tende a aumentar.
    Contemplar o mundo, criar, cozinhar, filosofar, desfrutar o silencio... são prazeres que continuam presentes no caminho.

    Atualmente a prioridade são os projetos de construções e manutenção deste pequeno espaço de 250mtrs a onde e construí uma cabana com madeira de reflorestamento, materiais usados e provenientes do descarte de obras de sp.
    Ainda ha muito para construir, testar, reformar, inventar, organizar e aprender e interagir com este espaço.
    O plantio no terreno que era um estacionamento para ônibus só com capim. foi feito com plantas nativas e exóticas e as vezes deixo o silvestre "mato" que nasce sozinho crescer para favorecer os alimentos para a vida dos grilos, abelhas, pássaros, e exercer sua função e as vezes umas de crescimento rápido como milho, abobora, batatas nascem no orgânico e manejo até que frutifiquem, a quantidade de podas e massa que produz em um quintal que não tem espaço para absorver e gera interferência nos fios, vizinhos.... faz parte da experiências.
    embora o lote esteja em zona urbana. a região do entorno é de preservação de mananciais e por este motivo e vontade pessoal tento promover interferências de baixo impacto "bio construção" e manejar espécies nativas.
    moro sozinho com uns 3 sapos e umas tantas lagartixas. e os visitantes diários são os pássaros, gambas, insetos. a família e amigos aparecem com menos frequência e no momento.
    penso em breve abrir o espaço para alunos e talvez no futuro turistas ou clientes.

    O voluntariado fez parte de meu caminho tanto em prestar serviços como um e tambem receber e coordenar voluntários para serviços nos parques. No entanto este modelo para receber em minha casa via uma plataforma workway ainda é novidade e em faze de teste .

    Agradeço pela sua atenção, estou a disposição para suas duvidas.
    Que você tenha uma boa experiencia no Brasil.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
  • Interests

    Interests

    Sustainability
    Culture
    Movies & TV
    Self development
    History
    Gardening
    Drawing & painting
    Photography
    Carpentry
    Astronomy
    Animals
    Cooking & food
    Art & design
    Architecture
    Water sports
    Mountain
    Sailing / Boating
    Nature
    Camping
    Hiking
    Beach
    Adventure sports
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    What I can offer is hospitality and good conversations related to the topics mentioned. If you are interested in topics from my professional area, we can delve deeper into the subject.

    I can provide guidance and contact information for tour guides.

    I have an old bicycle that you can use.

    And if possible, we can schedule hikes together, or perhaps a more distant trip.

    I know nothing about football, TV series, rock bands, F1, concerts, cars, AI, actors... and I think it's unlikely I'll ever like them.
    ==========

    O que posso oferecer é a hospitalidade, boas conversas. relacionada as temas mencionados. e se tiver interesse em temas da minha área profissional podemos aprofundar o tema.
    passar orientações e contatos de guias para passeios.
    tenho uma bicicleta velha que voce pode usar.
    e se possível agendamos juntos caminhadas ao quem sabe um passeios mais distante .
    Nada sei sobre futebol, series de tv, bandas de rok, F1, shows, carros, ia, atores... e acho difícil que ainda venha a gostar.

  • Help

    Help

    The main activities you can help with are those related to household chores: cooking, cleaning, gardening...

    Maintenance of household equipment and tools depends on your skills and the current theme.

    Activities related to construction, carpentry, renovation, and painting..

    If you are interested in coming here, tell me about your skills, interests, and what motivates you to make this choice.

    If you want to suggest an activity to do here during your stay, then suggest it, and we can evaluate it together.

    If you are interested in working less and spending more time exploring the surroundings, we can evaluate adjustments and alternatives.

    Choosing the menu and preparing meals, as well as keeping the kitchen clean, are important topics for us to discuss and adjust before your confirmation.

    Or if you feel that this is the region, environment, and host you would like to meet, then feel free to speak up, ask questions, express your doubts, interests, or proposals, and together we will evaluate whether this space, surroundings, and activities meet our interests and motivations.

    ==========

    As principais atividades que você pode ajudar são as ligadas ao funcionamento do lar. culinária, manutenção, jardinagem...
    As atividades de manutenção de equipamentos, ferramentas da casa dependem de suas habilidades e tema do momento.
    As atividades ligadas a construção, marcenaria, reforma e pintura... dependem do grau de risco e diretrizes workaway.

    SE Você tem interesses em vir pra cá. Me fale sobre suas habilidades, interesse e o que te motiva para esta escolha.
    Se você quer sugerir uma atividade para fazer aqui durante a sua estadia. Então sugira. e podemos avaliar juntos. ,
    Se você tem interesse de trabalhar pouco e passar mais tempo conhecendo o entorno. Podemos avaliar ajuste e alternativas.
    A escolha do menu/cardápio e o preparo das refeições assim como manter a cozinha limpa considero um tema importante para conversarmos e ajustarmos antes de sua confirmação.

    ou se você sente que esta é a região, ambiente e o anfitrião que você gostaria de conhecer, Então pode se manifestar, pergunte, exponha suas duvidas, seus interesses ou propostas e vamos avaliar juntos se este espaço, entorno e atividades atende aos nossos interesses e motivações.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Portuguese: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate
    English: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    estou disposto a experimentar alguma troca de conversa com a mistura de idiomas espanhol, inglês, italiano..

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for visitors is in a private room with bathroom and shower. The room is at the back of the neighbor's land but the entrance is through my house.
    The room is about 15 meters away along a path with plants, earth, grass "or clay if it rains" to the kitchen/hut.

    It has a bunk bed but today, June 26, only one free and the other with things, a wardrobe has space for your things, a bin of junk, a bookshelf but there is still space to move around, shower with hot water.
    In the photo, everything is messy, but if we agree on your stay without the bikes, I'll put things in order.

    The land is at the top of a residential hill and close to the village.
    Commercial activities in the village close around 10pm.

    In the backyard there is compost, a place for a fire pit, a cold shower, space for a tent,...
    The location is in the village of Taiaçupeba, close to the head of Serra do Mar and at the top of the hill, it favors a more constant breeze and colder and more humid temperatures than in the city.
    The view is towards the distant, green horizon towards the west.
    The village is 30 km from the city of Mogi das Cruzes SP, about 50 minutes by public bus takes you to an urban train station that connects with the city of São Paulo, which is about 70km from Mogi.
    There are only 10 bus schedules per day from the village to the city. There are fewer trips on weekends and the line stops working after 10:30 pm.
    The bus stop is about 50 meters from the house.
    There are neighbors who provide taxi/uber transport services to the city of Mogi.

    ==========

    A acomodação para os visitantes é em um quarto privativo com banheiro e chuveiro. O quarto fica nos fundos do terreno da vizinha mas a entrada é pela minha casa.
    O quarto esta a uns 15 mtrs por trilha com plantas ,terra, grama "ou barro se chove" até a cozinha/cabana.

    Tem uma cama beliche mas hoje junho 26 apenas uma livre e a outra com coisas, guarda roupa tem espaço para suas coisas, caixote de tralhas, estante de livros mas ainda sobra espaço para transitar chuveiro é com agua quente.
    na foto ta tudo bagunçado mas caso entremos em acordo de sua estadia sem as bicicletas e ponho ordem.

    o terreno fica no alto de um moro residencial e próximo uns 100mtrs do da vila.
    As atividade comerciais na vila encerram por volta das 22horas.

    No quintal tem composto, local pra fogueira, ducha fria, espaço para barraca,...
    A localização é na vila de Taiaçupeba próximo a cabeceira de serra do mar e no alto do morro favorece a brisa mais constante e temperatura mais fria e úmida do que na cidade.
    A vista é voltada para o horizonte distante e verde rumo ao poente.
    A vila esta a 30 km da cidade de Mogi das Cruzes SP uns 50 minutos de ônibus publico te leva a uma estação de trens urbanos que liga com a cidade de São Paulo que esta a uns 70km de Mogi.
    tem apenas 10 horários de ônibus por dia da vila para a cidade. Nos finais de semana são menos viagens e a linha para de funcionar após as 22:30.
    o ponto de ônibus esta a uns 50 metros da casa.
    existe vizinhos que fazem serviços transporte "taxi/uber" até a cidade de Mogi.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    The main tourist attraction is 8km away; it's a natural park with a river, tourist facilities, camping, trails, and a viewpoint overlooking the sea. You need to book in advance and pay an entrance fee.

    On hikes of 6 to 15 km, you can access a dam, a quarry about 20 meters high on top of a hill, fishing spots, a golf club, inns, and most of the roads are dirt roads with forest and farms on the edges.

    I have an old bicycle that I can lend you.

    In the village there is a pharmacy, a bakery, a market, a pizzeria, and the bars, snack bars, small shops, and everything closes at 11 pm at the latest.

    Public transport is by bus that runs to the city of Mogi das Cruzes; in approximately 50 minutes you arrive at the urban train station that connects to the city of São Paulo.

    ==========

    O principal passeio turísticos esta a 8km é um parque natural com rio, estrutura de visitação turística, camping, trilhas mirante com vista para o mar. Precisa agendar e pagar ingresso.
    em caminhadas de 6 a 15 km tem acesso a represa, pedreira de uns 20mtros no alto de um morro, pesqueiros, club de golf, pousadas e a maioria das estradas são de terra com floresta e sítios nas margens.


    Na vila existe uma farmácia, uma padaria, um mercado uma pizzaria, e os bares, lanchonetes, lojinhas e tudo fecha no máximo as 23h.

    o transporte publico é ônibus que faz o percurso para a cidade de Mogi das Cruzes em aproximados 50mts chega na estação de trem urbano que liga com a cidade de são Paulo.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 124944716855

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (1)

Photos

An overgrown backyard with wooden structures, benches, and a workbench. Various tools and materials are scattered, with rustic sheds and a weather vane in the background.
A backyard with overgrown greenery, a gray house, brick walls, black netting, an old white bathtub, a hanging hose, and various plants, under cloudy skies.
This image shows a cluttered room with bunk beds, a bicycle, boxes, furniture, a turquoise lamp, and a window with greenery visible outside.
This image shows a cluttered storage room with wooden cabinets, a covered object, a bicycle, stacked items, a lamp, and scattered objects throughout the confined space.
The image depicts a serene landscape with a body of water, featuring a grassy area and trees, set against a clear sky, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image depicts a serene garden scene with a pond, lush greenery, and a small wooden shed, set against a cloudy sky backdrop.
The image depicts a group of people gathered in a yard, surrounded by wooden structures and a vibrant blue sky, with a few trees and plants scattered throughout.
The image depicts a landscape with a body of water, trees, and a road, featuring a mountain range in the background, with a clear sky above. The scene is serene and peaceful.
The image depicts a room with a table and chairs, featuring a large window and a doorway, with a white wall and a gray floor, providing a simple and clean atmosphere.
The image depicts a small room with a bed, table, and chair, featuring white walls, a concrete floor, and a window with a view of trees outside.
The image depicts a residential area with a house featuring a sloping roof and a large window, surrounded by a yard with a fence and a tree in the background.
The image is a black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a hat, standing in front of a tree and bushes, with a watermark in the center.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback

Help out on a bio-dynamic farm near Porto Alegre, Brazil