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Description
I'm a 60 year-old Brazilian born and raised, who is now a retired nurse and has returned home to Brazil after living in Canada for 34 years.
My Husband and I just purchased a piece of the Atlantic Rainforest on the Mantiqueira Mountains in Engenheiro Passos, Resende-RJ.
Our purpose is to create some sustainable businesses with reforestation using Agroforestry and Agroecology approaches.
We're also building Partnerships and implementing living experiences in the jungle with many adventures such as rapel, canyonism aquapark, eco-tourism, Forest School, Research Partnerships and a Canadian Ecovillage to share with minded like People from all over the world.
We use English as our first Language, so locals and people from non-speaking Countries may improve their English Language Conversational Skills and Cultural Awareness while having a true Jungle Living Experience in our beautiful Reserve!!!💚
Our main focus is the reforestation of pastures inside of the Atlantic Rainforest using the principles of agroforestry, creating and keeping our existing organic gardens and the general maintenance of our wild campgrounds, wild hostel, day use recreation area and tending to Visitors' requests.💚
Do your 3 hours of work x 5 days a week and go explore the Atlantic Rainforest!🌴 Boots, gloves, long pants, long sleeves, sun lotion, sunglasses, large hats, band aids and antihistamines (allergy meds) are all necessary to ensure your safety.
*** Since we all have diferent ways of doing things, we'll respect your work-style by giving each person a workload based on results of what my Husband and I usually manage with ease for 3 hours worth of our daily workloads.
Eg: It takes me 45 to clean the kennel, but my Husband takes 1hr.
We've had people staying there cleaning for 2 or more hours. Consequently, this person's working hours can be much longer than another person that we've also had, who did all her/his assigned chores in 2.5 hours and have more time to go exploring.🤷🏽♀️
You will be oriented by our park Ranger JC and must be able to fulfill your chores independently.
We'll be traveling alot from now on, so you must be able to do your chores, take safety very seriously, purchase and prepare your meals without supervision.
*Please be aware: Snakes, wild pigs, spiders, and many other venomous and/or dangerous creatures, lives in the forest! 🐍🦂🐗🕷🦟🐝🐸🐒🐊🦊🦔🦅🐅🕸🐆
We encourage our Volunteers to travel around Rio De Janeiro and other Places to explore our beautiful countryside on days off or longer and return at their will.
*Please bring your own tent, foods and drinks supplies.
There's plenty of food in the forest, but you'll have to learn about them with our forest rangers, go exploring and harvesting them and independently cook your meals in our community outdoor kitchen.
*You will cook your meals in our fully equipped community kitchen, which is also used by our private clients, such as Campers and renters. Please clean after yourself and maintain the community kitchen clean at all times.
*My family and I do drink water straight from our mountains' springs, but feel free to use a filtering system, if you prefer. We do have a 15 Lt. clay filter in the outdoor kitchen that must be kept full at all times.
*Social drinking is acceptable at your own expense. You will be considerate towards others at all times and participate in the daily maintenance of all shared spaces, such as general cleaning of your shared bathroom, buying and preparing your own meals, maintaining main areas such as kitchen, bathroom, verandas, kennel, chicken coup, sheep house, and entertainment areas.
*We take 1 week stayers, but will accept longer stayers if both sides are pleased. 🤝🏾
*We're also fully aware that life happens. Therefore, we are accommodating and fully understanding when people choose to leave earlier than first agreed. 🎯
*For your protection, please bring long-neck boots, sunglasses, gardening/construction gloves, hats, mosquito repellent, small or forehead flashlight, sunscreen, and a must-have, raincoat. We do plant trees and do other outdoor work even when it's raining or under scorching sun. 🔥
*Be aware that forest living offers many perks but can be dangerous as well. There are amphibians, insects, birds, and reptiles whose only home is inside the Atlantic Rain Forest. 🐍🐸🐆🕷
Private Health Insurance, is a must here.
If you don't have your own private insurance, you may join our Adventure Tourism Day Use Insurance for 1 USD a day.
Please have all WHO's recommended immunization and health insurance for anyone traveling to Brazil, up to date. At this moment, the recommendations are yellow fever, tetanus, and Covid-19.
Please keep in mind that's the WHO recomendações, not ours necessarily.
It also might be a good idea to bring mosquito repellent, a hammock with mosquito net, topical antiseptic, band-aid and allergy ointments for cuts and bites, specially antihistamine meds, for we have bees and wasp in the forest, also, long neck Boots, long sleeves/pants and tops, old working clothing, broad edges hats, Raincoat, many pairs of gardening gloves.
*We are able to accommodate only those people who can bring their own tent or hammock, buy and prepare their own food.
*There are 2 bathroom with an electrical shower and 5 toilets around the campgrounds, and you will share them with other Campers.
*You may rent a bunkbed in one of our shared rooms, a treehouse or even a private room at a 50% discount, when available. 🏕🏡
Please pay for your accommodation at arrival. We accept payments via credit cards or cash.
* Your laundry will be done by hand.
*Please bring your own laundry soap.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn by experiencing alternative forest living daily, by exploring the surroundings, observing and safely interact with wildlife while hiking, guiding tourist and/or assisting with the many daily tasks required, to survive in the woods.
We have an ongoing reforestation of the Atlantic Rainforest, which requires collecting native seeds to grow new trees to warrant the perpetuation of the its species. Also, as they grow, we transplant them and must maintain the area around them free of weeds for their first 3 years.
Weekly forest shopping or foraging to harvest our daily food such as fruit, roots, vegetables and much more, is an incredible class in itself and keep your food bills low!!!🤑💚😋
You will be learning or sharpening your skills while sharing and exploring the very biodiverse Atlantic Rainforest's fauna and flora.
It's extremely important to be aware of daily precautions needed in order to safely live surrounded by dangerous enphibians, reptiles, wild animals, etc...
We encourage us all to constantly be reminded that we are in their home and that although it's true that the Forest belongs to everyone, not everyone belongs and are able to safely live in the forest.
You may also enjoy and take full advantage doing some serious self-care by immersing under our beautiful waterfalls and daily forest bathing!!!!
If you're a birding person, we have an abundance of birds species, butterflies and other wildlife! The Wilderness riches here is incredible!🙌🏾
Experience and learn about Agroforestry, forestry cuisine, (you must go forest shopping), Brazilian local cuisine in surrounding areas is about 10 km away, learn about our culture, costumes, language, organic farming, community living, making friends from different parts of the world and from Brazil as well, sharing, learning and teaching with and from our visitors and while taking care of our dogs, sheep, chicken, etc...
*We're a Campground and most visitors camp during weekends.
*Therefore, if you're the only Exchanger, we would appreciate it if you could take your 2 days off during weekdays only.
*Feel free to go traveling around our Agulhas Negras Region and further places for longer periods and return here at your convenience.🤗
Help
Native and fruit trees planting and/or transplanting, organic farming/gardening, building/maintaining watering system, opening and maintaining hiking trails, natural swimming pool daily maintainance and bi-weekly cleaning, manual sugar cane like grass cutting with machetes, carpentry work, DIY projects, host's house cleaning, general campgrounds maintenance.
*Please bring your own foods, drinks, tent, sleeping bag, hammock and laundry supplies.
Your laundry will be done by hand.
You may harvest and eat seasonally fruits, veggies, fungus, PANCs that the forest offers us, but you must be instructed by our authorized guides and also be able to go hiking to get them!🙏🏽💚
We'll be traveling. Therefore, you must be able to afford to buy and prepare your own food and all personal supplies.
There are many markets in the village where you can buy milk, cheese, eggs, coffee, butter, smoked meat directly from a neighboring farm, about 2 hour walk down the road. Be aware, it's unpasteurized milk.
There are plenty of grocery stores and bakery for you to purchase your food supplies in Engenheiro Passos Village.
*You have access to all seasonal foods offered by our abundant Atlantic Rainforest, but you must learn about them with JC, our forest ranger and forest food expert and chef. He will take you foraging to harvest the food and he will also-ran a class on how to prepare forest food.
* Please inform us of any food, insects, animals or environmental allergies.
*Please identify your food supplies placed in the shared outdoor kitchen fridge.
*Keep the kitchen clean at all times.
*Alcohol is allowed, but only in moderation, please.
*Please be aware that ALL illegal drugs in Brazil are also prohibited in our space.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
Japanese and Mandarin
Accommodation
We're a Natural Aquapark Forestal Reserve with focus on Adventure and Jungle Tourism.
We run a Jungle Campgrounds inside of the Atlantic Rainforest, so please bring your own tent, sleeping bags, or bring a hammock with mosquito net to sleep, and general camping gear and enjoy some wild outdoor living!
*There's a keyed room where you may keep your backpack.
Most of our Guests stay during weekends. Please be aware that if you happen to be the only Exchanger, your 2 days off must be taken during weekdays.
Feel free to go forest foraging for wild food, such as bananas, fungus, jackfruit, roots, spinach, etc...
*Do not eat anything while on the forest and before we know for sure the food is safe to eat.
*There are many poisonous plants, fungus, etc... around.
*We use propane or wood stoves for cooking. It's imperative that we do our best to use our fuels wisely to avoid waste and to be as environmentally conscious as possible at all times.
*No baking, please.
It's your responsibility to know and let others know about food, bees, wasp, environmental, or any other ALLERGIES.
*Your ALLERGIES' infos must be documented on your profile.
We're an Adventure Tourism Park!!! Waterfalls Rapel, Canyonism, Extreme Hiking Expedition, Jungle Camping, Aquatrekking and much more!!!😱
All these activities are soecial events running sporadically by third-party companies and they do charge us the participation fee to take part in their adventure excursions.
*YOU MUST PROVE BY SHARING THE DETAILS OF YOUR PRIVATE INSURANCE WITH US, PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL IN THIS JUNGLE FROM NOW ON!!!
*If you do not have a private insurance, you must join our own Insurance for one USD a day (1), and you must be covered for your entire stay.
*The main house where Hosts reside, is our own private home. Do not enter, unless invited by the hosts.
*We do have rented rooms where paying guests stays in our home and they are not allowed to invite guests in.
You may rent a bunkbed, a treehouse or a private room at 50% discount when spaces are available.
*The lower parts of our reserve is for us to explore and forage for foods.
*Please let us know when you go exploring.
*NEVER GO TO THE FOREST ALONE.
We'll give you proper instructions prior to going forest shopping.
*Our organic gardens have a limited supply of veggies during the Winters' Season and early Spring, which are between May to mid October and is exclusively for supplying the hosts and their clients' needs primarily.
*When there's plenty of veggies or fruits, please feel free to enjoy them!!!
*For all your food supplies, personal items, and laundry supplies, there are supermarkets 10km away, in Engenheiro Passos Village.
It's about a 2.5 hrs walk down to the village. You may call an Uber for about $50 Reais each way.
In Engenheiro Passos you'll find a variety of foods, such as rice beans, pasta, flour, eggs, meat products nuts, milk, cheese, coffee, cereals, chips, chocolates, candies, wine, beer, laundry, basic personal hygiene items, restaurantes, pizza house, fastfoods and the likes.
There's an organic farming in the village as well.
*No waste of any form, will be tolerated.
Please arrive between 0900-1800 hrs.
Arrivals after Sunset or before Sunrise are NOT recommended, do to wild animals presence.
Day time pick up or drop-off from Engenheiro Passos, by us may be possible, but must be pre-booked at least 2 days in advance: From or to Engenheiro Passos: $50 Reais each way.
*To be picked up from near-by towns, we recommend that you get an Uber.
*There are many independent options for taxis, Uber and blablacar services in Engenheiro Passos, Itatiaia, downtown Resende e Queluz.
We will recommend some drivers and you may also order a ride independently.
What else ...
*We're focused on Eco, Adventure, Rural Tourism, self-care, self-healing and the likes. Therefore, our Jungle Campgrounds Space, is suitable for Adventure Lovers and for those in search of their own self-improvement and healing through nature, such as forest bathing, hiking, swimming, meditation, contemplation, silence therapy, etc... Without humans' interference!💚
*Please bring your own food, tent, sleeping bags, or a hammock with a mosquito net. 🏕
*You may choose to purchase a tent in Brazil for about 100 USD.
If you choose to buy your tent in Brazil, please do so where you arrive, either in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo Cities or at any big Towns. Our little village won't have it.
*Since we are inside the Atlantic Rainforest, please have your tetanus, yellow fever vaccine, Covid-19, and any other travel immunizations recommended for a safe forest living experience.
Bring a pair of long neck boots, hats, sunglasses, old long sleeves shirts and working pants, construction + gardening gloves, and plenty of mosquitoes repellent, sunscreen and a flashlight.
We work under rain and very hot sun. 🔥 ☔️
It's a good idea to do your chores early in the mornings and relax in the afternoons.
*Cleaning the host's home can also be part of your chores, specially on heavy rainy days with lightening.
*If house chores is not your cup of tea, please let us know and we'll respect and find a way to keep you busy on lightening storms days.
Our Ecovillage Reserve, is an Ecotourism paradise, with plenty of Wildlife, waterfalls and biodiversity for You, to be respectfully experienced, explored and shared, with all living creatures!!!💚
*10 km walks from Engenheiro Passos up the Mantiqueira Mountains.
*Please avoid night arrivals. It's a dirty road and taxis may refuse to bring you in.
*Uber service for the 10 km, from our district of Engenheiro Passos is available for about ~50 Reais each way.
Booking in advance is recommended.
Day time arrivals are highly recommended.
Ps- If you're in Brazil to party which is super understandable, especially during CARNAVAL SEASON, please take your post-partying rest somewhere else or rent a bed or a camping site from us at our campgrounds, hostel or private rooms on the day of your arrival.
You will initiate our exchange time as soon as we both agree you're safely ready to start our exchange stay and fulfill your duties as previously agreed during our video call "meet and greet" time.
Your time and efforts to exchange by assisting us in running and maintaining our reforestation project, campgrounds and jungle hostel are much appreciated.🙏🏽💚💪🏽
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Although we are inside of the Atlantic Forest and high on the Mantiqueira Mountains, we do have access to a fairly good unlimited internet access around the verandas of the main building, which is my private home. Please be aware, that during the Summer, which is our heavy raining season, (December to March), there are frequent blackouts lasting for as little as a few minutes, to as long as 4 hours or even to a full day.
Space for parking camper vans
We've got free parking space for the vehicle of the person who's exchanging with us. You may park your campervan and motorhome free of charge. For anyone else on the bus or van who is not volunteering, you must pay a daily camping fee.
Can possibly accept pets
Small and friendly dogs, quiet dogs, kept on a leash and sleeps with owners in their own tent. Not allowed in rental rooms or within the forest trails, but can enjoy the swimming pool on some weekdays when the day use area is quiet and there are no clients here.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
3 hrs X 5 days a week or 3 hours x 3 days and 1 day off for very short stayers or for those who prefer to have more frequent days off.
Feedback (39)
Álvaro encontrou minha horta orgânica em um desastre total e a transformou em uma linda horta!💚
Fez o mesmo com minha casa. Limpou profundamente e arranjou tudo. Trabalha até que tudo fique pronto. É incansável. Precisamos cuidar… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
Álvaro encontrou minha horta orgânica em um desastre total e a transformou em uma linda horta!💚
Fez o mesmo com minha casa. Limpou profundamente e arranjou tudo. Trabalha até que tudo fique pronto. É incansável. Precisamos cuidar… read more
She gardens, she cut tall grass, that resembles sugar cane, operating a machete like a pro, she loves animals and took exceptional care for them, keeping their living space impeccably clean. On top of it all, she was a pleasant company, with… read more
Lorne stayed with us for two weeks cutting grass, taking care of animals such as sheep, dogs and chickens.
He works independently and does his work with precision.
I would take Lorn back as an Exchanger, anytime.
My previous workaway was in a ski resort in Japan, and this was about the opposite you can get, both physically and culturally lol.
It was really interesting hearing about Connie's life experience, her views on Brazil, and… read more
This duo were pure gold while staying here for 3 weeks. They work hard, smartly and with amazing synchronization. Perfect partners in Good and I highly recommended them.
Digging holes are hard work and they went out there rain or shine and did it, maintaining an admirable… read more
Then more recently, I also host Rocio with Gustavo for one month and it continued to get even better, because between the two of them I've definitely, got the… read more
Johnny responsibly fed… read more
If you need a getaway from the city or if you just need some quiet time this is your spot. You will experience beautiful nature and can work in and around it (if the weather allows it).
Connie offers a variety of work, depending on what needs to be done, what you are capable of and again… read more
Aside from being a pleasant company, a caring animal lover and an Excellent Caretaker for my home and garden, he was also very attentive and sensitive to the needs of Everyone around him.
Rafa arrived when I needed assistance the most due to a knee injury and stayed at our Reserve for 2… read more
So, there was some struggles for the first week with his abilities to perform the agreed duties, but by the second week he caught up satisfactorily.
The last 2 weeks his skills improved exponentially. Therefore,… read more
She has a great property surrounded by lush nature. During my stay I made a door with reclaimed wood.
I had all the tools at my disposal including a table saw, I loved using it.
After my hours of work, we went to the village festival, did some shopping, harvested bananas in the forest... (Etc)
I was even… read more
Gracias a todos especialmente a Connie por tan grata experiencia.
Ready and willing to do whatever was the task and tackled it with gusto. Although I left after just one week after their arrival, I was certain they were and would continue to be collaborative with our projects to… read more
Foi minha primeira experiência de trabalho em troca de hospedagem e foi incrível.
Gostei de trabalhar com a Connie e também das nossas conversas. A propriedade oferece muita diversão em… read more
Conny is an amazing person, full… read more
Each visit was filled with amazing entertainment, laughter, positive energy and incredible work ethics.
This Young Man leaves nothing to be desired as a Volunteer or Guest and I look forward to hosting him again anytime.
Anyone who is lucky enough to host… read more
If you are in to nature and remote quiet locations away from the… read more
I highly recommend this pleasant young lady to whomever needs a gardener! Gratitude for always Flora.💚
He deligently care for the sheep, dogs, chickens, assisted with clearing trails, cutting grass, revamping the vegetable gardens, participated in our Atlantic Rainforest reforestation program and cooked delicious meals as well. He did… read more
No one has cleaned the Sheep and Dog's quarters so well!!! She cleaned everything as if she would be living there and it's a true testament of the type of person Carol is. I've had people who used the animals as therapist, but Carol was the Therapist for our animals!!! She sang and played and cared fr them in… read more
Thank you so much for all your very hard work transplanting tones of bananas trees in our agroforestry program, opening new trails inside of the forest so campers can better… read more
On top of working very hard and being very trustworthy, he was also so much fun to have around! He was very considerate towards me, my family, my animals, other Volunteers, friends and Clients.
Rick and I are forever grateful!
Spencer was always ready to assist, share knowledges, take… read more
I… read more
Cristina is very considerate, polite and trust worthy. I travelled for two weeks and she kept the entire farm running perfectly fine.
I have so much gratitude for the time she volunteered with us… read more
Waking up everyday in that place was a bless for me . Yes ,the work was hard But it was worth it! I'm so happy I got to spend some time there .Connie tried her best to make us feel home , and shared her vision of life with us , I can say… read more
Thank you very much and may the Forest always be with you!:deciduous_tree:
In the evening I cooked a meal for everybody and shared lots of information about our countries. Our group had six people from Brazil, Canada, Germany and… read more
