Live in a Benedictine monastery and practise rural and ecological living in the Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil

Details

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  Description

  We are a working rural property in the Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil, based in what was once a Benedictine Monastery. Today, the space is being developed as a place of simple living, ecological work and community experience.
  This is not a passive or touristic stay. Daily life here involves physical work, shared responsibilities and participation in the maintenance and development of the space.
  Activities may include agroforestry, gardening, animal care, basic construction and repairs, cleaning, cooking support and general organization. Flexibility and willingness to contribute are essential.
  We produce milk and dairy products, honey and other natural foods, and are gradually developing ecological systems connected to the land.
  Accommodation is simple. Volunteers may stay in monastic cells, designed for communal living. Comfort is basic, but the environment is rich in nature and silence.
  We value responsibility, respect, and coexistence. Meals are shared, and daily life is collective. This is a place where people participate, not just observe.
  This experience is best suited for those who are willing to work, live simply and engage with a different rhythm of life. It is not recommended for those looking for comfort, entertainment or a purely social experience.
  
  If you are interested in contributing to a living project connected to land, community and inner development, you are welcome.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Farming

  

  Events & social

  

  Videography

  

  Self development

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Camping

  

  Hiking

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Gardening

  

  Blogging

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Photography

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Plant care

  

  Art & design

  

  Architecture
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  What You Can Gain From This Experience
  
  – Experience a historic Benedictine environment
  Live in a former monastery and engage with a space shaped by silence, discipline and simplicity.
  
  – Practical knowledge of rural and ecological living
  Gain hands-on experience with agroforestry, food production, animal care and land-based work.
  
  – Understanding of simple and communal living
  Participate in a shared routine, collective meals and daily responsibilities within a small community.
  
  – Connection with nature
  Live surrounded by forests, mountains and natural landscapes, with direct contact through daily work.
  
  – Cultural exchange
  Interact with people from different backgrounds and experience aspects of rural Brazilian life.
  
  This is not a structured course or retreat. Learning happens through participation, observation and daily practice.

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  Help

  We are looking for proactive and responsible volunteers willing to engage in physical work and daily responsibilities. Tasks are assigned based on the needs of the project — flexibility is essential.
  Main areas of work include:
  1. Land and Ecological Work (core activities)
  – Planting and maintaining agroforestry systems and vegetable gardens
  – Reforestation with native species
  – Composting and waste management
  – Supporting water systems and natural resource maintenance
  2. Farm and Animal Care (daily responsibility)
  – Feeding and caring for animals
  – Milking cows and assisting with dairy production
  – Supporting beekeeping activities (training provided)
  – General cleaning and upkeep of farm areas
  3. Maintenance and Physical Work
  – Cleaning and maintaining shared spaces
  – Basic construction, repairs and painting
  – Trail and land maintenance
  4. Community Life (secondary, but expected)
  – Participating in shared meals and daily routines
  – Respecting collective organization and responsibilities
  – Contributing to a healthy living environment
  
  Cultural exchange happens naturally, but the priority here is participation and contribution to the project.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation and Meals
  Volunteers stay in the former монаstic cells of the monastery. Accommodation is simple and shared, respecting the original structure of the place. This is not a comfort-oriented stay, but an experience of living in a historic and functional environment.
  All food is provided by us. Meals are prepared collectively by the volunteers in a shared kitchen. The diet is primarily vegetarian, based on simple and natural ingredients.
  Cooking, cleaning and kitchen organization are part of the daily responsibilities.
  Work Structure
  The type of work depends on the moment of the project:
  – During events (usually weekends and holidays): work is focused on kitchen support, cleaning and organization of shared spaces. These days can be more dynamic and require more energy and teamwork.
  – Outside events: work involves farm maintenance, land work, and development of new structures.
  Tasks are assigned by the hosts based on priority, and flexibility is essential.
  Work Schedule
  Volunteers are expected to contribute around 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
  Days off are not fixed. Since events usually take place on weekends and holidays, rest days are scheduled during the week to ensure the total workload does not exceed 5 working days.
  This experience is best suited for people who are willing to work, live simply and adapt to a structured routine. It is not recommended for those looking for comfort, entertainment or a purely social experience.
  If you are interested in contributing to a living project connected to land, community and inner development, you are welcome.

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  What else ...

  Free Time, Local Area and Community Guidelines
  During your days off, there are opportunities to explore the natural environment and local culture.
  
  1. Explore the Surroundings
  – Hiking & Trails: There are trails on the property leading to waterfalls, a natural lake and viewpoints with wide views of the valley. For those with good physical condition, it is possible to organize hikes to Pico dos Marins, a well-known and challenging mountain in the region.
  – Nature Walks: Walk through the surrounding forests and observe native flora and fauna typical of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
  – Swimming & Rest: The natural lake and nearby waterfalls can be used for swimming and rest, depending on weather and conditions.
  
  2. Local Sights & Nearby Towns
  – Delfim Moreira (18 km): small rural town with basic services, local shops and traditional food.
  – Itajubá (22 km): larger town with more complete infrastructure, markets and transport connections.
  – Regional Culture: The area includes traditional farms and small rural communities that reflect the culture of Minas Gerais.
  
  3. Transport and Access
  – The nearest bus station is in Itajubá, with connections to nearby cities such as Pouso Alegre and São Lourenço.
  – Taxis and ride apps are available in the region. We can assist with transport when necessary, but mobility is limited and requires planning.
  
  4. Learning and Rest
  – Cultural Exchange: Free time can be used to interact with other volunteers, share skills and experiences.
  – Rest and Silence: The environment supports quiet activities such as reading, reflection or personal practices. This is not an entertainment-oriented setting.
  5. Events and Local Culture
  
  Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to experience local religious events, cultural gatherings and regional festivals. These are not organized by us and depend on the local calendar.
  
  6. Personal Projects
  Free time can be used for personal activities such as reading, writing, photography or creative work. In some cases, volunteers may contribute to documentation or communication of the project.
  
  Rules and Community Living Guidelines
  To maintain a functional and respectful environment, all volunteers are expected to follow these guidelines:
  
  1. Respect and Cooperation
  – Treat all people — volunteers, hosts and local community — with respect.
  – Work requires cooperation. A collaborative attitude is expected.
  2. Schedule and Responsibility
  – Punctuality is required for all work periods.
  – Tasks are assigned and must be completed with responsibility.
  – If there are difficulties, communication is expected — not avoidance.
  3. Shared Living
  – Silence: This is a quiet environment. Respect silence, especially in the evenings and shared spaces.
  – Common Areas: Kitchen, bathrooms and shared spaces must be kept clean after use.
  – Privacy: Do not enter restricted or private areas without permission.
  4. Sustainability Practices
  – Water and energy use should be conscious and minimal.
  – Waste must be separated correctly according to instructions.
  5. Safety and Health
  – A basic first aid kit is available. For more serious situations, external medical support will be required.
  – When exploring the land, follow safety guidance and respect natural limits.
  6. Smoking and Alcohol
  – Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
  – Alcohol is not allowed.
  7. Commitment
  – Volunteers are expected to respect the agreed duration of stay.
  – Any changes must be communicated in advance.
  – Leaving earlier without notice affects the operation and should be avoided.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  we have internet acess via wi-fi.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  we have internet acess via wi-fi.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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