IPBio - Biodiversity Research Institute Reviews

Hey, I'm Cristina and after I discovered the IPBio program through https://www.volunteerlatinamerica.com/ had an online interview with Imran, the manager of the Amazon program, who shared all the details about the volunteer opportunity I had chosen.

What followed were five intense and unforgettable weeks, full of discoveries from the animal and plant world. I became part of the daily life of the community, explored Santarém and Alter do Chão (the “Caribbean Paradise”), and embraced the volunteer lifestyle—between bird, frog, and arthropod monitoring, relaxing by the pool, and witnessing for the first time the magic of bioluminescent mycelium and fluorescent spiders. I also experienced the vibrant Sairé festival and the pure joy of dancing carimbó, a traditional rhythm, every Thursday night.

I’m truly happy I chose IPBio—and grateful that they chose me too!

The experience with IPBio was amazing. It is a beautiful place where you can feel nature in its purest form. The field research activities have been very stimulating, encouraging you to focus on the environment, pay attention to small details and enjoy every minute. The way of working is very organised, which makes it easy and motivating, and the staff take care to teach and accompany each volunteer during their stay.

On the other hand, the village and its surroundings offer many things to do. The local community is very friendly and it was fun to join their cultural events; they made me feel at home. There are also countless tours and activities to do on the weekends.

It has been a very valuable experience that has undoubtedly helped me to get to know myself better and to know what I need in my life.

Hello, my name is Tom. I am 19 years old and was a volunteer for 10 weeks in the Amazon.

IPBio is a wonderful organisation. Wonderful experiences you can make, wonderful people/culture you get to know and a wonderful team you can become part of. I only met super friendly and welcoming people and a serious but also interesting work atmosphere. Through weekly presentations and general updates, you don't forget what you are doing this work for, and you get to know you're part of a big work. It was the perfect organisation for my first volunteering and I would recommend IPBio to everyone who has an interest in biology, biodiversity, or nature in general.

I am Jil , 19 years old . I was a volunteer for about 10 weeks at IPBio. My partner and I did it first as a gap thing because we wanted to do something between finishing high school and starting university. For us, it was clear that we needed to go to the Amazon.

Through out our stay, we learned so incredibly much about biodiversity and how life in the forest works. But this is way more than just biodiversity; it’s about how to live with other people, how to interact with the locals, and getting to know team dynamics. IPBio brought me out of my comfort zone. What I really liked was that you are getting easily a routine easily because of the weekly schedule, but on the other hand, you get enough free time to explore your surroundings by yourself. Working with locals / local communities gets you really in touch with their daily life and their culture. I loved the weekly presentations because there you could really see what your work affects and also the whole processes behind the scenes before something gets published. I hope this organization grows more and more so everybody can experience this way of nature and culture.

I'm Luca, I'm from Italy. I decided to join the volunteer program in IPBio because I really wanted to have a taste of the Amazon Forest, to know the biom and how it feels to live for a few weeks in the broadest tropical forest of the world. I wasn't disappointed. It was really an amazing experience, that made me grow in different ways. The volunteer house is not far from the city, so I had enough commodities. The activities during the program really allow to get closer to different aspects about biodiversity, so I had the opportunity to learn different skills. It is really good that I got to work in a team and get know a lot of people from all around the world. Getting to know the local community and to dive in the tradition of the people was incredible as well. You have to go and dance Carimbo!

I am glad that I had this opportunity an I think that it is really nice for people that like nature conservation.

During my two-month volunteer placement at IPBio in the Brazilian Amazon, I gained some of the most rewarding fieldwork experience of my life. What initially drew me to the program was the unique opportunity to get hands-on involvement with biodiversity research in one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, and it did not disappoint!

Day-to-day work was incredibly varied. One day I would be conducting fish or amphibian inventories, and the next I’d be identifying birds, fungi, or even bioluminescent species at night. Another project was contributing to reforestation initiatives. Everything from managing a seedling nursery to planting trees and restoring habitat alongside other volunteers.

The program wasn’t just about science; it was also about collaboration. I worked closely with researchers, local landowners, and volunteers from around the world, which made the experience both educational and culturally enriching. Living and working in remote and harsh weather conditions can be difficult at times, but it has also hugely strengthened my adaptability. This is very important for people wanting to pursue a career in this field.

I would highly recommend IPBio to anyone with a passion for conservation, research, or simply experiencing the Amazon in a meaningful way. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I left with skills, friendships, and memories I’ll carry with me forever.

Coming from a background in environmental engineering and biodiversity conservation, I was excited to join IPBio and contribute to their important mission in the Amazon. My time there exceeded all expectations. I took part in biodiversity surveys, learned about different species, and experienced first-hand the dedication it takes to protect such a unique ecosystem.

Every day felt like a new chapter of discovery, whether trekking through lush forests, collecting data, or sharing stories with volunteers from all over the world. I especially valued how the staff encouraged curiosity and made space for everyone’s contributions, no matter their skills or experience level.

IPBio is a place where science, teamwork, and cultural exchange come together. I leave with new knowledge, lasting friendships, and deep respect for the passion and commitment of the team. This adventure will stay with me forever, and I’m proud to have been a small part of it.

Volunteering with IPBio in the Amazon was both a deeply meaningful and educational experience. I had the chance to take part in impactful fieldwork — from reforestation and tree planting to biodiversity monitoring and species inventory. Knowing that each task contributed to the protection of such a unique ecosystem made the experience feel especially meaningful. Beyond the work itself, what truly made this experience unforgettable was the people. The team at IPBio is warm, funny, and always willing to help and teach. Their passion is contagious, and their support made every day on-site both productive and enjoyable. I met incredible individuals from all over the world — coworkers who quickly became friends. I’m proud to have contributed to IPBio’s essential mission, proud to have helped preserve the Amazon, and proud to have been part of an organization whose work truly matters.

After graduating from Biology around a year ago it was cool to be back out in the field. It was clear the guys had really prepared for all of the volunteer days and had thought a lot about our experience at the house and in our free time too. Over my month at Alter do chao, the structure of the programme ensures you not only start to understand the environments you are in when doing field research but allows you to explore the local region of Alter do chao in your free time. Imran, Marleen, and Martha couldn’t have been more helpful. They helped the group and provided quick solutions to any problems we encountered. I made great friends during my time and it was truly a month to remember.

Volunteering at IPBio Amazon was an amazing experience! I really enjoyed the peaceful lifestyle in Alter do Chão and the kindness of the local people as well as everyone we interacted with. The team at IPBio was fantastic – supportive, welcoming, and passionate about their work. One of the highlights for me was meeting people from all around the world and getting to know different cultures. I’ll always remember the Thursday night Carimbó – such a fun and vibrant tradition! The work itself was diverse, although we focused mainly on inventory tasks, every day brought a new location and a different kind of environment, which kept things interesting and exciting. Afternoons were always free, giving us plenty of time to do sport, chill or explore the beautiful surroundings. Overall, it was a truly enriching and memorable experience.