We are 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 behaviour of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems.
Volunteers can participate as Biodiversity Research Assistant and help us conduct long term inventories essential for understanding trend in wildlife patterns and monitoring the effects of climate change. These activities are done in a group and are field research activities where repetitive data collection is required to understand trends over long periods. This role is for volunteers who like to be outside and enjoy physical activity.
Projects all volunteers will participate in:
- Forest Inventory and Flora Survey
- Bird Inventory
- Fish Inventory
- Search for Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Organisms
- Mushroom Inventory
- Camera Traps for Mammals
We conducted weekly schedules of research activities (if weather conditions permit). A daily example for bird inventory would be:
Ilha do Amor: the postcard of Alter do Chão is the Ilha do Amor, love island, beach. Nestled between the Lago Verde and Tapajos river emerges a small island where locals set up palm huts which make wonderful food and drinks. Canoe and (in the dry season can walk across).
Morro Piraoca: if you are feeling more adventurous hike up the mountain to see a stunning 360 degree view of the region.
Curimbo: is a movement that began in 2010 to value the richness of Amazonian music, in particular Santarena. On Thursday, near the centre on Alter do Chão after 10 pm you can pay a small fee to enter and listen to this wonderful music and see the Amazonian dances where, generally, the women dress is colour long skirts with lots of bracelets, necklaces and flowers in their hair and move their hips to invite someone to dance. Men are also known to clap to ask for permission to dance.
Canal do Jari: If you want to see wildlife then this is the trip to do. There is a trail or canoe trip (depending on the season you visit) where it is common to see squirrel monkeys and sloths. In addition, you might get lucky and see owls or the very well camouflaged potoo bird and even might catch a glimpse of a boa constrictor if you are lucky! Moreover, throughout the tour, many species of birds and iguanas can be seen. You will also visit the famous Amazonian water lily, known as Victoria Amazonica, which can grow up to 2.5 meters in diameter. There is also a lady who discovered its edible quality and offers a unique culinary experience.
Flona: Although the hike is long, it is not steep and the rewards are enormous. At the top, you get to see the gigantic amazonian Sumaúma tree, also known as the kapok tree, which can grow up to 65 meters tall and its roots mean that it can take 26 people holding hands to get around the base of the tree.
Ponta do Cururu: Usually included in other tours but can be done independently also, ponta do cururu is the perfect place to see sunset. In the dry period, the beach extends far out so you can relax on a thin strip of sand and watch the red and purple sun go down.
Arapiuns: is known for its never-ending stunning beaches in the summer dry period. You can also visit the community of Coroca which preserve a turtles and bees.
Fish Market: Many birds hover around to pick up leftovers and pink river dolphins swim just off the side which you can see during the rainy season when the water is high.
ZOONAMA: is a zoo and rehabilitation center which is in partnership with UNAMA university. You can visit the zoo and also enter their rehabilitation zone for manatees.
Volunteers at IPBio are required to pay 1000 reais per week (please check up-to-date exchange rate in your currency) for the specific dates agreed upon. This does not include the VolunteerWorld commission which you will pay directly to VolunteerWorld via their site.
The fee covers the volunteer’s coordinators, airport pick-up, 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. We will provide you with specific payment details via paypal by email.
Volunteers are also
responsible for paying for any extra costs such as travel costs, food, visa
costs, tourism etc. The currency in Brazil is the Real. There is an ATM machine
in Alter do Chão which accepts Visa Credit/Debit cards.
We will ask for your booking details so we can set up airport pick up. Details of flights should be discussed before purchase to make sure they are compatible the program.
Volunteers will stay at the Casa da Lagartixa, situated 3km from Alter do Chão which accommodates 6 people comfortably and 8 during transition of old and new volunteers. The house has two rooms which are suites. The house has two super king beds and two bunk beds but there is the possibility of placing two more mattresses during those transitions. All rooms are air conditioned. The property has three bathrooms and two with hot showers. Room distribution and bed allocation is decided by IPBio for the most comfort for the whole group. The house is equipped with a washing machine and has a fully equipped kitchen where volunteers can cook. Moreover, there is a swimming pool at the house as well as an amazing poolside BBQ.
Volunteers are fully responsible for maintaining the house clean on a regular basis, however, we do provide a cleaner once a week to clean public areas like bathrooms and will provide fresh bed linen. However, it volunteer’s responsibility to maintain and clean the house; we take this very seriously. Volunteers work from 9am to 3 - 4pm during week days with an hour lunch break (some days you will be required to organize a pack lunch). Shops are located in the town of Alter do Chão 3km away from the house, which you can walk to or get a taxi, where there are various shops with all you will need.
IPBio offers airport pick-up, transport to research sites but social activities and shopping will be done by the volunteers themselves.
IPBio Amazon Volunteer Program is only open from 1st of June to the 15th of December due to local weather conditions which do not permit projects to be conducted all year long. Remember here in the Amazon the water level can change up to 5 meters so it is completely impossible to do certain projects when the water is high as areas become flooded, fish disperse and various other limiting factors.
You can arrive on any weekday and we will pick you up at the airport. Minimum stay is 4 weeks but applicants who apply for more extended periods are more likely to be selected.
Amazon Research Assistant
Conduct inventories on Amazonian wildlife in the field: mushrooms, birds, mammals, fish, bioluminescent and fluorescent organisms as well as flora.
$220/week
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