Piedade, Brazil
Bioconstruction journey: connect with nature & community in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest
Delve into your deeper self while learning about how to become more self-sufficient deep in the tropical rainforest in Brazil’s southeast. Join activities such as natural construction, and woodworking techniques, while enjoying moments of rest and sharing, circles of conversation, bonfire, music and celebration.
- Tais Gonçalves Ferreira
- Worldpackers host since Jun/2019
Available group trips
Dec 05, 2027 - Dec 11, 2027
Coming soonMore dates available soon
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
7:00 AM - 12:30 AM: Group’s arrival and breakfast!
Welcome to São Paulo! Meet your group over a fresh local breakfast and start the journey together.
Afternoon
12h30PM - 2h30PM: Lunch
Recharge with a wholesome local meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunch is a time to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow travelers before the afternoon session.
2h30PM - 3h30PM: Sharing circle
Gather as a group to share stories and expectations and bond through meaningful conversations.
3h30PM - 6h30PM: Bioconstruction activities
Dive into hands-on learning in sustainable building. Discover natural materials, clay and wood techniques, and how foundations are created using eco-friendly methods.
Evening
7:00PM - 9:00PM: Dinner
Gather again for a cozy evening meal. Enjoy flavorful local dishes and easy conversation as the group unwinds after a full day of learning and collaboration.
Day 2
Morning
7h00 AM - 8h00 AM: Breakfast
Start your morning with a nourishing meal to fuel up for the day.
8h00AM - 12h30AM: Bioconstruction Activities
Dive into hands-on learning in sustainable building. Discover natural materials, clay and wood techniques, and how foundations are created using eco-friendly methods.
Afternoon
12h30PM - 2h30PM: Lunch
Recharge with a wholesome local meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunch is a time to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow travelers before the afternoon session.
2h30PM - 3h30PM: Free time
Take a moment to relax or explore. Travelers can join spontaneous group plans like a short hike, swim at a nearby waterfall, or simply rest and journal surrounded by nature.
3h30PM - 6h30PM: Bioconstruction activities
Continue shaping, mixing, and building with natural materials. This session deepens your skills in clay work, woodworking, and sustainable design — bringing theory to life through teamwork.
Evening
7h00PM - 9h00PM: Dinner
Gather again for a cozy evening meal. Enjoy flavorful local dishes and easy conversation as the group unwinds after a full day of learning and collaboration.
Day 3
Morning
7h00 AM - 8h00 AM: Breakfast
Start your morning with a nourishing meal to fuel up for the day.
8h00AM - 12h30AM: Bioconstruction Activities
Dive into hands-on learning in sustainable building. Discover natural materials, clay and wood techniques, and how foundations are created using eco-friendly methods.
Afternoon
12h30PM - 2h30PM: Lunch
Recharge with a wholesome local meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunch is a time to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow travelers before the afternoon session.
2h30PM - 3h30PM: Free time
Take a moment to relax or explore. Travelers can join spontaneous group plans like a short hike, swim at a nearby waterfall, or simply rest and journal surrounded by nature.
3h30PM - 6h30PM: Bioconstruction activities
Continue shaping, mixing, and building with natural materials. This session deepens your skills in clay work, woodworking, and sustainable design — bringing theory to life through teamwork.
Evening
7h00PM - 8h00PM: Dinner
Gather again for a cozy evening meal. Enjoy flavorful local dishes and easy conversation as the group unwinds after a full day of learning and collaboration.
8h00PM - 9h00PM: Non-Violent Communication group
End the day with presence and empathy. This guided group session invites reflection, mindful dialogue, and the practice of compassionate listening — strengthening community bonds.
Day 4
Morning
7h00 AM - 8h00 AM: Breakfast
Start your morning with a nourishing meal to fuel up for the day.
8h00AM - 12h30AM: Bioconstruction Activities
Dive into hands-on learning in sustainable building. Discover natural materials, clay and wood techniques, and how foundations are created using eco-friendly methods.
Afternoon
12h30PM - 2h30PM: Lunch
Recharge with a wholesome local meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunch is a time to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow travelers before the afternoon session.
2h30PM - 3h30PM: Free time
Take a moment to relax or explore. Travelers can join spontaneous group plans like a short hike, swim at a nearby waterfall, or simply rest and journal surrounded by nature.
3h30PM - 6h30PM: Bioconstruction activities
Continue shaping, mixing, and building with natural materials. This session deepens your skills in clay work, woodworking, and sustainable design — bringing theory to life through teamwork.
Evening
7h00PM - 9h00PM: Dinner
Gather again for a cozy evening meal. Enjoy flavorful local dishes and easy conversation as the group unwinds after a full day of learning and collaboration.
Day 5
Morning
7h00 AM - 8h00 AM: Breakfast
Start your morning with a nourishing meal to fuel up for the day.
8h00AM - 12h30AM: Bioconstruction Activities
Dive into hands-on learning in sustainable building. Discover natural materials, clay and wood techniques, and how foundations are created using eco-friendly methods.
Afternoon
12h30PM - 2h30PM: Lunch
Recharge with a wholesome local meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunch is a time to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow travelers before the afternoon session.
2h30PM - 3h30PM: Free time
On this day, normally Fridays, it is recommended to use your free time to visit a local producers’ market and get to know their local products and culture.
3h30PM - 6h30PM: Bioconstruction activities
Continue shaping, mixing, and building with natural materials. This session deepens your skills in clay work, woodworking, and sustainable design — bringing theory to life through teamwork.
Evening
7h00PM - 9h00PM: Dinner
Gather again for a cozy evening meal. Enjoy flavorful local dishes and easy conversation as the group unwinds after a full day of learning and collaboration.
Day 6
Morning
7h00 AM - 8h00 AM: Breakfast
Start your morning with a nourishing meal to fuel up for the day.
Free day!
Take the day to relax, explore nearby nature spots, or join optional community and adventure activities.
Afternoon
12h30PM - 2h30PM: Lunch
Recharge with a wholesome local meal prepared with fresh ingredients. Lunch is a time to rest, reflect, and connect with fellow travelers before the afternoon session.
Free day!
Continue your free day in spontaneous activities and local experiences.
Evening
7h00PM - 9h00PM: Dinner
Gather for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 7
Morning
7h00 AM - 8h00 AM: Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast together, sharing memories and reflections from the journey before heading home.
8h00 AM: Departure time
Say heartfelt goodbyes as the group departs, carrying new friendships and purpose from your time in São Paulo.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Culinary experiences
Join collective cooking moments to prepare healthy vegan meals and learn new skills.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Events support
Help organize the pre-event space, reception, kitchen and guide participants.
Space maintenance
Keep communal areas beautiful and functional, ensuring shared spaces are welcoming and harmonious.
Bioconstruction
Learn sustainable building techniques using natural materials.
Social media
Feed Instagram with the generation of photos and videos for online content.
Woodworking
Learn the basics of crafting with wood — measuring, cutting, and assembling pieces.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Trails in the forest
Explore scenic forest paths surrounded by native trees and birds.
This is a free activity.
Meditation
Find peace in serene spots designed for reflection and mindfulness to make a meditation session.
This is a free activity.
Board games
Enjoy relaxed evenings with the group and connecti to them through simple, unplugged fun.
This is a free activity.
Ice cream parlor
Visit a charming local ice cream shop to taste handmade flavors.
Waterfall hikes
Take a hike into the forest to swim and relax by crystal-clear waterfalls just a short trip away.
This is a free activity.
Videos
Justine
France
I had a wonderful time at the Vila ! Victor and Tais , but also the team are really nice. They speak English very well so it’s easy to have a real conversation.
The tasks weren’t difficult at all, even if you don’t know how to do it, they will always explain it to you !
I felt really confortable there, everything is so well organised , it’s one of the thing I most appreciate.
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us 😁
4 months ago
Morgane
France
This was an incredible experience even in the Brazilian winter (that isn’t really one). Victor and the whole team are so nice and understanding, they made me feel very confortable. I liked the fact that everything was organised and clear, they were no surprises. I did many different things and learn’t so much, I was never bored. This week really allowed me to reconnect with nature and empty my mind. Thank you for everything, I will never forget this experience.
4 months ago
Oscar
United Kingdom
Victor and the team at Vila das Borboletas were some of the kindest, down to earth people I have had the privilege to meet during my travels. A truly unique, character-building, fun experience where you will learn lots about sustainability, bio-construction and environmentally friendly practice! The work can be physically tough but very rewarding. The project does an amazing job with its volunteers and gives them freedom to look after themselves and the space which I truly appreciated. Thank you Vila! I can recommend this to anyone looking to get in touch with nature and be educated.
5 months ago
Kira
United Kingdom
My partner and I spent two weeks at Vila Das Borboletas, and we had the best time. Victor, Cate and Isa were so lovely and we really enjoyed our time with them. We learnt a lot about bio construction and sustainable living. When travelling, you are constantly moving around, so it was so great to just slow down and immerse ourselves in nature and a different lifestyle for a couple of weeks. We couldn’t have asked for better hosts and we would highly recommend this experience! Thank you Victor and the team for making our time at Vila so special. Best wishes for the future, you will be missed! X
5 months ago
Marlene
Germany
The stay at vila das borboletas was amazing!! Learned some Portuguese and a lot about sustainability, working with our hands in beautiful nature and eating a lot of delicious food. Everyone was very welcoming and we made great friends and met inspiring people there. muito obrigada!! :)
8 months ago
Attila
Slovakia
I felt welcomed from the first moment and now I look at everybody in the team as friends and family.
I would totally recommend this experience for everyone as the work is really varied, and you can learn a lot!
A lot of volunteers come and go, mostly from Brazil itself, but also many from outside of Brazil. You can meet a lot of friendly, lovely people here.
You will also learn portugese, and be immersed in the local culture, nature.
Obrigado Vila das Borboletas!
9 months ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Accommodation options
Private Trailer
Up for an outdoor living experience? Travelers can stay in a campsite trailer and immerse in nature. For two or three people, this accommodation opens up to stunning views of the surrounding landscape and features its own private bathroom.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
Shared Dorm
Experience the combination of comfort and new friendships in our shared rooms, where up to 4 people can relax and recharge. The mixed-gender dorm with bathroom and hot shower offers a welcoming atmosphere. Located just moments away from here the activities take place, both dorms ensure easy access to all the activities.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
Meals
Meals are rooted in sustainability and community. The group shares freshly prepared vegan and vegetarian meals using organic fruits, vegetables, and grains grown on-site or sourced from local farmers. Breakfast and lunch are prepared and enjoyed together, while dinner is flexible for individual or collective cooking. Meals nourish both body and environment with intention and care, prepared without the use of animal products or processed foods (however, you are welcome to bring your own non-vegan or processed options if desired.)
Arrival orientation
Travelers can arrive via São Paulo’s GRU Airport and take a train to the local bus station, followed by a short bus ride that stops 2 km from the project. Pick-up from the final stop is included, and direct pick-up from the airport can also be arranged in advance for an extra fee. The traveler will recognize the driver by a marked sign, and the journey continues straight to the ecological center. A short orientation upon arrival helps everyone settle in and connect with the group’s purpose.
Worry not: we will provide you with specific directions and transportation advice on your Program Guide so you can get to the project without a hustle!
About the project
This project is led by a collective of educators, builders, and environmentalists devoted to fostering human development through reconnection with nature. They have cultivated an environment where sustainability and emotional growth meet. Their team manages educational programs, bioconstruction, and agroforestry initiatives that empower both locals and travelers to co-create positive change in their communities.
Founded in 2018, the project has been awarded by Worldpackers as one with the Best Places to Collaborate 2019/2020. It also is certified by Petrobras - Planting Waters, Agroecology Center and Vila das Borboletas Institute.
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Top host
- This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
- Languages spoken in this project
- Dutch, English, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish
- How long does it exist
- 7 years
- Worldpackers host
- Since Jun/2019
About the destination
Located in the lush region of Piedade, in São Paulo state, this destination is surrounded by preserved Atlantic Forest, rivers, and small rural communities rooted in traditional Brazilian culture. The area offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and organic farms, making it a haven for those seeking peace, reflection, and reconnection with the earth. It’s the perfect backdrop for travelers eager to slow down and live in harmony with nature.
Sorocaba is the closest large city 40km (50min) away and São Paulo is 100km away (1h50). With a population of over 12 million people and the largest international airport in South America, São Paulo is the world's 5th largest city, where you can find everything you can imagine. With that in mind, our place is also a nature sanctuary just a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Impact & Purpose
This project is much more than just a space; it's a dedicated mission to environmental preservation and community awareness. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this project, fueling it with their energy, refreshing spirit, and transformative force. Since 2019, we've cherished the opportunity to learn from these human connections, finding that the overwhelming majority have brought beautiful and transformative experiences. Beyond the direct and indirect impact of our activities on community preservation and awareness, volunteers contribute to other projects during their stay. They renew hope within the local community, demonstrating the goodwill and commitment of individuals worldwide to creating positive change.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Life on land
Travelers help preserve 17 hectares of Atlantic Forest, maintaining natural springs and wildlife habitats while learning how small actions contribute to protecting life on Earth.
Responsible consumption and production
We're increasingly growing our sustainable production, in addition to encouraging the production and consumption of crafts and local foods.
Quality education
We're building an Eco Pedagogical Center, where we will welcome schools and universities for experiences in nature and socio-emotional development, after school hours.
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