Location
  • Brazil
Length
4 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
18
Housing
Guesthouse
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
240
Price Details
Volunteers at IPBio are required to pay 1400 reais per week (please check up-to-date exchange rate in your currency) for the specific dates agreed upon. This fee covers the volunteer’s coordinators, airport pick-up (not drop off), accommodation, internet access and project costs. A volunteer only confirms their placement once their payment is made and it is only valid for the specific dates agreed upon. Once a volunteer makes their payment there is no refund if they decide to cancel for whatever reason.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Meals Travel Insurance Visa
Jan 20, 2025
Apr 07, 2025
11 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

IPBio – Biodiversity Research Institute is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology as well as on the behavior of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems.

Volunteer conduct long term inventories essential for understanding trend in wildlife patterns and monitoring the effects of climate change.

Projects All Volunteers Will Participate In:
- Forest Inventory and Flora Survey
- Bird Inventory
- Fish Inventory
- Search for Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Organism
- Mushroom Inventory
- Camera Traps for Mammals

We also want to recruit people who can capture nature and our projects through photography and video-editing.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Help conservation in the Amazon
  • Learn about Amazonian culture and wildlife
  • Develop friendships for life
  • This experience can be used for internship credits

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.85 Rating
based on 26 reviews
  • 5 rating 84.62%
  • 4 rating 15.38%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.65
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 26 reviews
Default avatar
Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A meaningful experience shaped by nature, people, and purpose

My experience at IPBio was absolutely wonderful and enriching. The program was very well-organized, from the detailed pre-arrival information to the orientation and support upon arrival. The diverse range of activities, including bird and fish inventories, reforestation, and searching for bioluminescent organisms, allowed me to gain hands-on experience and learn so much about the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon.

The staff was extremely supportive, open to feedback, and fostered a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. The coordinators were approachable and easy to connect with, which made working together enjoyable. On weekends, we occasionally went out together, for example to eat, which added a nice social aspect to the experience.

One of the highlights was exploring partially new areas with exceptional biodiversity. I had the chance to see sloths, monkeys, a wide variety of birds, enormous trees, and so much more.

The accommodation was comfortable, and its location near Alter do Chão provided a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture while enjoying the beauty of the Amazon River.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the opportunity to actively contribute to environmental protection. Whether through reforestation projects or the general mission of the volunteer program, I felt that my work was part of a broader effort to preserve the rainforest and support sustainable practices.

Overall, this program is perfect for anyone passionate about biodiversity and looking for a meaningful volunteer experience that also makes a real difference for the environment.

What was your funniest moment?
One evening, while we were sitting together at our accommodation with the other volunteers, a group of monkeys suddenly appeared and started hopping along the surrounding walls. They curiously watched us, as if we were the ones on display—it was such a funny and unexpected moment that had us all captivated.

But now of the most funny moments was during a trip deep into the rainforest. A troop of monkeys began following us and got incredibly close. Some even jumped onto our shoulders or backpacks without hesitation. It was wild, funny, and a little surreal—like we were temporary members of their troop.
Pros
  • Diverse and Impactful Activities: The program offered a wide range of meaningful activities, such as bird and fish inventories, reforestation projects, and bioluminescent organism searches, allowing hands-on engagement with Amazon biodiversity.
  • Strong Support System: The staff and coordinators were very supportive, approachable, and open to feedback, creating a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.
  • Unique Cultural Experiences: The program's location near Alter do Chão provided opportunities to connect with local culture and explore the Amazon’s natural beauty.
Cons
  • Challenging Weather Conditions: Working in the intense midday heat, especially during reforestation projects, was physically demanding and required significant resilience.
  • Limited Scientific Depth in Some Activities: Certain tasks, such as tree inventories, could benefit from a stronger focus on species identification and ecological discussions.
  • Minimal Cultural Integration Activities: While the program provided ample leisure opportunities, more structured cultural exchanges, such as workshops or cooking classes, would enhance the experience.
8 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alice
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good learning experience and very interactive

During my experience with IpBio, I had the opportunity to learn about the importance of tree, bird, and mushroom inventory, as well as reforestation. I was able to have a hands-on role and the activities were well lead which made it efficient.

I was made to feel really welcomed and Marleen and Imran were super supportive and helpful!

I was able to learn a lot from this experience and I will definitely be able to take a lot away and put more practical steps into my own life to help the environment.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Seeing bioluminescent organisms was really fascinating and interesting.
Pros
  • Feeling welcomed and safe in the town
  • Learning about the biodiversity
  • Taking part in re forestation
Cons
  • Some activities could be split into a shorter time to increase the motivation for the task
  • -
  • -
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tatiana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing program with big variety of activities

I enjoyed my 4+ weeks of volunteering with IPbio, many thanks to great level of coordination and organization: all activities are well planned, with guidelines for each, coordinators are helpful to clarify everything and support in any issues! I liked the comfortable living conditions too. The number of species you are able to see as well as format of activities, depends much on the season (wet/dry), but even with the lowest water levels we could see a lot! Climate is hot but bearable, most of activities start early in the morning to balance the temperature

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It's better to have camera which can both zoom (for birds) and make macro (for mushrooms)
Pros
  • Everything is well organized
  • You have weekend for leisure and tours
  • A lot of new knowledge and different activities
Cons
  • Many tours depend on water levels
  • Logical,but there are insects
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Elisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great time in the Amazon forest

This great volunteering program is perfect for those who love outdoor activities! I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a genuine experience with wild nature. It offers the chance to explore and connect with the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, one of the world's most unique and vital ecosystems. By volunteering here, you'll play an important role in its conservation efforts. The Amazon deserves our protection, and this program allows you to contribute directly to its preservation and sustainability.

25 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Andy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

What a great experience.

As a first time overseas volunteer and wildlife researcher, I found this program an awesome experience on so many levels.

It was great to be part of a group that really cares about not only wildlife conservation but also providing the best for the local community.

I felt that the work we undertook really made a difference and this was such a good feeling.

The staff were awesome and very supportive.

I'm running out of space but all I will say is if you have chance ... Do it, you won't regret it

What was your funniest moment?
There were so many, hard to choose just one.
Pros
  • Interesting work / projects
  • Very supportive team
  • A great place with awesome wildlife and things to see
Cons
  • Sometimes the hot weather made it hard work
31 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Martha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best experiences

I had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge regarding the research and conservation methods for different aspects of nature. The work was harder some days than others, but super rewarding. The staff was very kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. We had the opportunity to interact with the local community on various occasions and even participate in some of their local celebrations. This deepened my appreciation for their culture and the work that IPBio is doing. Lastly, the town is beautiful and offers a variety of things to do from the beach, restaurants, dancing, different tours, water activities, and more. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in nature or conservation.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Try to learn some Portuguese beforehand. Most locals do not speak English or other languages.
Pros
  • Beautiful views from the rivers to the forest
  • Super unique wildlife and Biodiversity
  • Interact with the locals and people from all over the world
Cons
  • Can get very hot
  • You may get some bug bites and stings
35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Loïs
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience !!!

I am an engineering student specializing in agronomy, environmental science, and agri-food. I completed a 2-month internship at IPBio, and it has been the best internship I have had so far. Both the setting, which is exceptional and the diverse and interesting missions made it an outstanding experience. There is something for everyone. Regarding the staff, they were excellent, and everyone was very kind and attentive. What I enjoyed the most were the reforestation days we participated in, as they allowed us to contribute directly to environmental conservation and combat the massive deforestation of the Amazon.

37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

I greatly enjoyed my time volunteering at IPBIO. The program combines so much diversity in activity types and locations for biodiversity research. Coordinators are very responsible and open. Help is available at any moment, I felt very secure going to a new country. Group dynamics is amazing, I learned a lot from the people I met during the trip. Housing has all utilities that you can think of. The nature can not be fully described in words; The diversity of species you see during work and free time is breathtaking!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Read up about the nature and wildlife of the region before arriving at the location
Pros
  • Wildlife
  • Safety
  • Landmarks
Cons
  • Close to urban areas
43 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers