Projeto Biodiversidade is a turtle conservation project in Santa Maria. During the season, daily nest excavations take place at 4:30 pm. Free, honest and deeply impactful. This is not a show, but a real lesson in nature and human responsibility.

Pachamama Eco Park is a small botanical garden with rescued animals near Santa Maria. Calm, green and well kept, it’s ideal with kids or for a quiet break. Not spectacular, but pleasant and honest. Decent coffee helps.

OSPA Rehoming Centre is a dog shelter in Santa Maria run by volunteers. You can visit, walk dogs or donate supplies. It’s not touristy or pretty, but it’s honest and genuinely useful. Ideal if you want to help without performance.