Be a sheperd in Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve

United States

5

This experience is definitely something I think everyone should have. The hosts are dedicated to maintaining a way of life that people have lived in for centuries. It is a great test of endurance to see what you are capable of handling. The lack of wifi and cell service was perfect for detoxing. The work hours were long and the facilities were very rustic, but the environment, the wildlife, the sounds, and the food, were all reward enough. I'm planning on returning one day, and I will always be grateful to have had this experience which has given me a whole new way to see the world.

about 4 years ago

Netherlands

4

My expectations were to work with the goats. Although the tasks were a bit different I had an amazing time: The people, the natural place, the food and not to forget the animals. Marta and Fernando made a beautiful way of living which inspired me. Muito obrigada!

almost 4 years ago

Argentina

5

Fantastic and awesome experience! the place is fantastic to explore and enjoy in nature. Definetively recomended. I will miss the people there and of course, the goats!

about 6 years ago

Ireland

5

This was a truly enriching experience which gave me a valuable insight into living on a traditional Portuguese farm. I am so grateful for all that i learnt here about building, animal husbandry, the local flora and fauna, Portuguese food and the language. I would love to return to the Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve someday to visit this beautiful land and see the family and the animals again. Thank you Marta, Fernando, Francisco and Daniela :-)

over 6 years ago

Canada

5

Marta and Fernando are absolutely wonderful. I learned a lot while there, Fernando and Marta were very willing to share their knowledge and insights on a number of topics and it was a great experience for me. They are upfront with their expectations which was nice. I worked as a shepherd, and while it was a bit of a shock at first, but an open mind and willingness to learn is all you need. The position said 5h/day when I applied, but I worked over 6 on average. It really wasn't a problem for me, because I loved it, but note that your day depends on the goats. I highly recommend going here!

about 8 years ago

Portugal

2

I was there from the 21 to 31 of October. The things I would love to had known where, that there is no self-phone service, no warm water, and had the possibility to have no running water (drought). I left because of 2 things, working more that we agreed on (goat days), and the feeling I didn't belong (/feeling judge). At the end discussion, they ended up calling me a liar, and being to proud, because of the way I travel, and how I approached people about it. The things I loved/miss are the goats, Libra, did I already said goats? Can't elaborate much as there is a limit, feel free to contact me

over 7 years ago

Colombia

5

Es un lugar muy hermoso, muy acogedor claro está es rústico ya que es el campo. Fue un mes maravilloso dónde me conecte más con la naturaleza, frío pero bueno, fui en invierno y es lo que hay, la comida es deliciosa, el trabajo de arrear el ganado para mí fue muy edificante ya que lo veía como una analogía de vida ya que nada en la vida es fácil, de todo lo que hagas en la vida te enseña y te edifica; y de ser posible me encantaría regresar por el amor al campo, el amor a lo animales y el gran aprecio que le tome a Fernando, Martha, Daniel, Duarte y violeta.

over 1 year ago

Fernando replied

Muchas grazias Juan!

Colombia

5

La experiencia en la quinta es unica e inolvidable! Quizas por sus hermosos paisajes, quizas por los animales y las flores, quizas por la buena compañia de otros voluntarios, quizas por las conversaciones agradables con la familia, quizas fue por las mañanas de trabajo arduo, quizas fue la lectura de libros que se mezclaban con los atardeceres, quizas fue por su cielo estrellado... Quizas fue todo eso junto!! Agradezco la oportunidad me voy mas fuerte de mente, cuerpo y espiritu!!

over 2 years ago

Brazil

5

Adorei os momentos que tive nessa quinta, estar em contato com os animais foi uma experiência incrível, e também tive a sorte de ter ótimos colegas na experiência, obrigado ao Fernando pela oportunidade e espero poder voltar um dia, um abraço nos meninos por mim! :)

about 3 years ago

Argentina

4

Fue una hermosa experiencia, rodeado de buenas personas y nuevas aventuras cada día, la granja se encuentra a unos 10 kilómetros de Penamacor que es el pueblo mas cercano, es solo un dato a tener en cuenta, el lugar es sin igual, en medio de montañas, pura naturaleza, un rió limpio costea la granja y cada 50 metros caminados cambia la vista del lugar, recomiendo la experiencia para aquel que busca respirar aire limpio y aprender a valorar los pequeños detalles de la vida cotidiana que damos por hechos, rica comida y buen abrigo a la hora de descansar, saludos y buen viaje !

over 5 years ago

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