Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts. While tourists explore popular destinations such as Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana beach, many of the city’s 6 million residents live below the poverty line. Since living space is scarce, most of these communities are pushed to higher elevations against the mountains in slums called favelas. Here, disease is rampant, and health risks stem from pollution, overcrowding, and inadequate waste disposal systems. Volunteers can participate in activities in Rio that benefit these communities, assisting local teams and other volunteers through events and initiatives. .
Tasks include (but are not limited to) restoration projects, arts projects, health education and awareness, environmental development, technology, and gardening. Volunteers will also benefit from the program by gaining community development experience, practicing their Portuguese, developing their communication skills, and immersing themselves in Brazilian culture.
In their free time, volunteers can explore the city, visiting famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, relaxing at the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, climbing Corcovado Mountain, and visiting the historic downtown, home to many restaurants, shops, and cafes. There are also opportunities to explore beyond the city, including wildlife spotting in the Pantanal wetlands, visiting Iguazú Falls, and trekking through the Amazon rainforest.
This is a minimum 3-week and maximum 24-week trip that costs $945 for one week, led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.