How to Volunteer in Rio de Janeiro and Live Like a Local

Rio de Janeiro is one of those destinations that needs no introduction, right? Iconic beaches, breathtaking views, a vibrant culture, and that laid-back lifestyle that captivates travelers from all over the world (and made me choose to call this city home). After visiting several times as a tourist, I decided to live the local routine and discovered many charms beyond the obvious. That’s why choosing to volunteer in Rio can be such a great idea.

Traveling through Worldpackers, a platform that connects travelers with hosts worldwide, allows you to exchange a few hours of work for accommodation, and sometimes extra perks like meals and tours. It’s an affordable way to get to know the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City, as it is known) more deeply, while also experiencing life as a local. You’ll immerse yourself in the daily rhythm, make friends, and save money at the same time.

In this article, I’ll tell you why I think it’s worth volunteering in Rio de Janeiro, how Worldpackers works, what types of positions are available in the city, and will also share tips to help you choose the right opportunity. That way, you can experience Rio in a more authentic, safe, and fun way, while also having a positive impact on the destination.

You might also like to read:

Volunteer in Brazil: A complete guide
Brazil travel tips: Insider advice from a local nomad
How to travel for free: A practical guide

Why volunteer in Rio de Janeiro with Worldpackers

Traveling to Rio de Janeiro is already a lot of fun anyway. But if you choose to volunteer during your stay, your trip can take on a whole new dimension. Instead of just visiting tourist spots, you can build connections, learn more about the local culture, and make a positive contribution to the places you visit.

Worldpackers makes this possible by offering exchange opportunities that transform both your trip and your relationship with the city. I’ve traveled this way to different places in Brazil (like Paraty, in the state of Rio) and abroad. Without a doubt, those experiences are among the best trips of my life.

A different way to live the city

Visiting Rio de Janeiro is a dream for many people, but as a foreigner it might be hard to truly dive into the local lifestyle, connect with residents, and discover hidden gems beyond the usual itineraries. Volunteering, or doing a so-called “work exchange”, is a way to experience the city from the inside out.

Saving money

Beyond cultural immersion, volunteering is also an affordable way to travel. In exchange for helping with simple tasks, such as reception work in hostels, supporting social projects, or assisting with cultural activities, you get free accommodation (or, in the case of NGOs, pay a fair amount to cover costs and support the project).

Many opportunities also include extras like meals or tours, as I mentioned above. Plus, by learning how the city really works and getting insider tips from locals, you’ll avoid tourist traps and cut your travel expenses significantly.

Cultural exchange

By volunteering in Rio, you’ll not only get a deeper understanding of everyday life here, but you’ll likely meet other volunteers from different parts of Brazil and the world. It’s a chance to learn from people with diverse backgrounds, share your own culture, and create friendships that may last a lifetime.

I speak from experience: in 2017, during my second Worldpackers exchange in Budapest, I built a “family” with other volunteers, and among them was an Indian traveler who’s still one of my best friends today. I’m so glad I didn’t just go there as a backpacker!

Safety and the support of a global community

It’s normal to have questions about volunteering in a big city like Rio, but Worldpackers offers plenty of support to make your experience smoother. The platform includes verified hosts, real reviews from other travelers, and assistance in case anything unexpected happens.

On top of that, you become part of a global community of travelers who share tips and stories on the platform’s blog, and you can even message other volunteers who’ve already been to the places you’re interested in.

How Worldpackers works

As I’ve already mentioned, Worldpackers connects travelers with hosts around the world, from hostels and guesthouses to NGOs and ecological projects. The idea is simple: you dedicate a few hours of help per day to specific tasks, and in return you get accommodation and other benefits that vary depending on the opportunity.

The purpose of Worldpackers is to make travel more affordable, collaborative, and transformative. Instead of being just a guest, you become part of the place, joining the local routine and building connections you probably wouldn’t have on a regular trip.

How to apply for volunteer positions

After creating your profile on the platform, you can explore the opportunities available at your desired destination. Beyond Rio de Janeiro, there are amazing volunteer programs all over Brazil and in many other countries worldwide. Since this is originally a Brazilian platform, though, you’ll likely find the most interesting positions there, in comparison to its competitors.

Each position includes detailed information about tasks, schedules, benefits, and requirements. When you find one that feels like a good match, you simply apply, explaining what drew you to that opportunity and how you can help, and wait for the host’s response. Communication is direct, so you can align expectations before arriving.

Anyone can browse opportunities on the website for free. Once you create a profile, you can even save your favorites (I’ve spent hours doing this myself!).

To actually apply, you need to sign up for Worldpackers, paying a membership fee that gives you access to volunteer in Rio or anywhere else in the world, as many times as you’d like for one year. The price (currently USD 59) is more than worth it, considering how much you’ll save on accommodation and the richness of the experience.

And here’s some good news: I got a discount code for you. By clicking here or entering JANELASABERTAS before checkout, you’ll save USD 10 on any plan. There are also membership options for couples or friends traveling together, and for those who want access to dozens of online courses about travel and digital nomadism in the WP Academy (I teach a course there, by the way!).

Click here for more information on how to use the Worldpackers promo code.

Extra benefits: support, insurance, reviews, and community

By becoming a Worldpackers member, you get access to support of their team (actual humans) in case of unforeseen events, an insurance that covers emergency accommodation if your experience doesn’t go as planned, and real reviews left by previous travelers.

This gives you more confidence when choosing where to volunteer. Not to mention the platform’s global community, where you can read hundreds of travel articles and exchange messages with other travelers.

Main types of volunteer opportunities in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a big, diverse city full of possibilities. On the Worldpackers website or app, you’ll find different types of opportunities that suit a variety of traveler profiles, whether you want to make a social impact, meet people from all over the world, or enjoy an experience closer to nature.

It’s easy to use the filters to search for exactly what you’re looking for. You can filter by type of host, trip duration, tasks required, benefits offered, and more.

Hostels and guesthouses

The most common positions are in hostels and guesthouses located in strategic neighborhoods of Rio, such as Copacabana, Lapa, or Santa Teresa. Typical tasks include reception, organizing activities for guests, helping with cleaning, or creating content for social media.

This is a great option if you love interacting with people from all over the world and want to enjoy the city’s vibrant energy without spending on accommodation.

On the Worldpackers platform, most of these positions are listed under “Work Exchange,” since they’re opportunities in for-profit businesses.

Social and community projects

Another possibility is collaborating with NGOs and local initiatives in Rio’s low-income communities. This type of volunteering might include teaching classes, helping with cultural workshops, supporting sports activities, or assisting with administrative tasks, among other tasks.

In these cases, it’s possible that the host will ask for a small daily or weekly fee (in addition to the Worldpackers membership) to cover your accommodation costs and support the project. Still, it’s usually much cheaper than traditional lodging, and definitely more accessible than conventional voluntourism programs. Plus, it’s only fair to contribute to those in need without creating extra expenses for them, right?

As a reward, you get the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives while learning about the reality of Rio’s communities. It’s important to keep in mind that in volunteering experiences with a social purpose, the community’s needs always come first.

Interested? Check out the available opportunities to volunteer in Rio in social projects.

Ecological projects

For those seeking a closer connection with nature, there are also ecological volunteering opportunities in and around the city, from eco-villages to holistic centers. These hosts usually need help with gardens, permaculture, sustainable construction, or animal care.

It’s a chance to be in a calmer environment, learn sustainable practices, and discover a less obvious side of the city. Click here to see what’s available now.

For more information, read my articles about Worldpackers:

Worldpackers jobs: a guide to the different volunteer roles
How to do a work exchange: all you need to know
Is Worldpackers safe? Safety tips

How to choose a volunteer opportunity in Rio de Janeiro

With so many options to volunteer in Rio available on Worldpackers (as I write this article, there are 89 positions listed), it can be tricky to decide which one to apply for. Choosing the right placement makes all the difference for a positive experience.

All of my volunteer experiences have been incredible, and I don’t think it was just luck. I chose opportunities that matched my goals and had solid reviews, and I suggest you do the same.

Define your travel and learning goals

Before you start applying, think about what you expect from this experience. Do you want to connect with travelers from around the world and enjoy Rio’s urban lifestyle? Then a hostel might be your best option. Prefer to engage more with locals and contribute socially? A community project could be ideal. Or maybe you’d like to learn more about sustainability and live closer to nature? In that case, ecological projects are a perfect fit.

Consider your time, location, and tasks

Read the position descriptions carefully: how many hours per week are required, how many days off you’ll have, and the minimum stay duration.

Also, check where the host is located. After all, staying in a hostel in the city center will be a very different experience from an ecological project further away. Think about how much time you want to dedicate to volunteering and how much you’d like to leave for exploring Rio.

Make sure you also review the tasks expected by the host. Some positions require specific skills, such as speaking some Portuguese, cooking, or gardening. Others welcome beginners who are simply eager to learn.

It’s important to be honest about your skills, reflect on what you enjoy doing, and align expectations with your host. That way, you’ll avoid frustrations and make sure the exchange is fair for both sides.

Want to learn Brazilian Portuguese? Click here to see my learning tips or write to [email protected] for information on my classes.

Read reviews from other volunteers

One of the most valuable aspects of Worldpackers is that each listing includes reviews from travelers who have already been there. These reviews are usually very honest about the overall experience, the host’s hospitality, and the facilities provided.

This is a powerful tool for making safer decisions and choosing the opportunity that best matches your travel style. I recommend reading everything carefully. And if you’re still in doubt, you can always message past volunteers through the platform to ask for more details.

Tips to make the most of your experience in Rio

So, you’ve chosen a position, applied, and got accepted? Congratulations! Here are some tips to enjoy this experience to the fullest.

How to prepare before your trip

Before you travel, organize your stay carefully: confirm all details with your host, figure out the best way to get there, and prepare yourself for the agreed tasks. It’s also worth researching the neighborhood where you’ll be staying, including transportation, safety, and nearby services.

Carioca culture and lifestyle

Rio is famous for its informality, warm people, and outdoor lifestyle, and as someone who lives here, I can confirm it’s all true. It’s good to know that Cariocas often use a lot of slang (and swear words!), service can sometimes be a bit chaotic, and the city’s famous “malandragem” (street-smart attitude) is real. But people are usually cheerful, outgoing, and full of energy.

Be open to adapting to different routines and styles of communication, while always respecting the local culture.

Also, keep in mind that some areas of the city require extra attention when it comes to safety. Following the advice of your host and local residents will help a lot.

Things to do in your free time

Your time volunteering in Rio shouldn’t be just about work: use your free days to explore everything the city has to offer. From watching the sunset at Arpoador, hiking Pedra Bonita, and enjoying Lapa’s nightlife, to visiting museums in the historic center, there’s always something happening in the “Cidade Maravilhosa.”

Ask your host and locals for off-the-beaten-path tips too. That’s how you’ll find hidden street fairs, samba circles, or viewpoints that don’t make it into most travel guides.

And if you want a head start, check out some of the articles I’ve already written about Rio here on the blog:

41 free things to do in Rio de Janeiro
What to do in Rio when it rains
The best coworking spaces in Rio de Janeiro

Is it worth it to volunteer in Rio de Janeiro with Worldpackers?

I think by now it’s clear that my answer is yes, right? If you’re looking for a way to travel while spending less and, at the same time, have more authentic experiences, choosing to volunteer in Rio through Worldpackers can be an amazing option.

The city itself is already incredible, but when you truly connect with people and actively take part in local life, your trip takes on a whole new meaning.

Of course, volunteering comes with responsibilities: you’ll need to work a few hours per day, with some days off each week. But what you gain in learning, friendships, cultural exchange, and savings is absolutely worth it.

Want to take a look at the current positions? Click here to see all the opportunities available in Rio de Janeiro (city), or here to check out the options across the state of Rio.

Still have questions about what it’s like to volunteer in Rio de Janeiro? Send me a message on Instagram: @janelasabertas.