Travel that feels good

What responsible travel means to us

At Osaviva, we believe travel should enrich, not extract. Every destination we send our travelers is someone’s home, and and we’re committed to treating it with care.

That means planning responsibly, partnering locally, and making conscious choices that support the people and places at the heart of each journey. It’s our duty to help protect the cultures, communities, and landscapes that welcome us.

With this in mind, we’ve developed six core principles that shape everything we do. They ensure that our journeys leave a positive imprint and allow you to explore the world with purpose.

Amazon jaguar at the river edge Brazil Pantanal square
Aerial view of a river meandering through a dense forest Amazon rainforest aerial

Fueling growth through travel

Supporting local communities

One of the most powerful ways to travel responsibly is to spend where it matters. We guide you toward locally owned hotels, restaurants, and shops. These are places where your money stays in the community and helps protect its unique character.

That might mean staying at a boutique jungle lodge, dining at a family-run café, or buying handmade textiles from local artisans.

We also prioritize experiences that connect you with the people who call these places home. Whether you're joining a community-led cooking class, touring a small farm, or visiting a village school, these encounters foster deeper understanding and help support the livelihoods of those who welcome you.

Two women sitting on the grass with tools and materials, possibly for weaving or crafting indigenous weaving authentic Aymara cloth
Assorted tropical fruits including bananas, pineapples, and cacao pods displayed on shelves Ecuador local market

Trusted alliances

Partnering with integrity

Our commitment to sustainability shapes every partnership we choose. We work only with hotels and tour operators who show real dedication to conserving resources, protecting cultural heritage, and hiring local staff. Before recommending anyone, we review their environmental practices, community involvement, and any certifications they hold.

When you travel with us, you stay in properties that use renewable energy, manage waste thoughtfully, and support conservation efforts. Guides and drivers are trained professionals who take pride in their work and ensure your visit leaves no harm behind.

This careful approach means you enjoy meaningful, luxurious experiences that reflect your values.

Responsible travel local vendor Costa Rica
Treehouse with a green roof nestled in a dense forest overlooking water El Remanso Lodge Costa Rica Osa Peninsula

Honoring local expertise

Ensuring fair compensation

Ethical travel begins with fair pay. We ensure that guides, drivers, and other service providers earn a living wage for their skills and knowledge. Fair compensation supports local families, strengthens communities, and helps make tourism a respected, long-term career path.

We also invest in training and professional growth for local staff. When working with independent operators, we agree on rates that reflect the true value of their work. This fair and thoughtful approach builds trust, encourages excellence, and ensures you receive warm, attentive service rooted in local expertise.

Man in a green jacket and hat standing next to a horse and vehicle in a natural setting community partners responsible travel
ITMPHH excursions garden tour

Luxury with a light footprint

Minimizing environmental impact

Respect for the natural world is at the heart of how we travel. Our itineraries are designed to minimize emissions by using efficient transportation, planning direct flights, and incorporating train travel where available. We also encourage guests to reduce single-use plastics by bringing reusable bottles, utensils, and bags, and to pack light to lower their luggage weight.

On the ground, we work with lodges that conserve water, recycle, and rely on renewable energy. You will receive simple guidance on how to help, such as staying on marked trails, avoiding wildlife disturbance, and leaving natural objects untouched.

For any emissions that cannot be avoided, we calculate your footprint and invest in trusted carbon offset projects. The result is a journey that balances comfort with care for the planet.

Person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a lake with icebergs and mountains in the background Patagonia South America adventure
Two humpback whales swimming underwater in clear blue water calf

Embracing traditions with grace

Respecting culture and customs

Meaningful travel is about more than seeing the sights. It’s about showing respect for the traditions and beliefs of the communities you visit. Before your trip, we share guidance on local etiquette, dress, and social norms so you can engage with thoughtfulness and care. Learning a few phrases, knowing how to greet elders, or understanding when to put your camera away helps create deeper, more respectful connections.

While traveling, our guides help facilitate genuine cultural exchange. You might share a traditional meal, watch an artisan at work, or attend a ceremony with local hosts. These moments foster mutual understanding and ensure that communities feel seen, respected, and appreciated.

Jaguar Reef Garifuna indigenous cultural drumming Hopkins Belize
Three women in traditional colorful clothing standing in a doorway with greenery above, Titilaka children

Transforming journeys into legacies

Giving back and helping communities thrive

Responsible travel should leave something meaningful behind. A portion of each trip’s revenue supports local initiatives in education, conservation, and community development. We partner with trusted charities and non-profits to help fund reforestation efforts, protect wildlife, and provide scholarships for local youth.

When possible, we offer opportunities to witness this impact in person. You might plant native trees, assist with wildlife monitoring, or join a community-led workshop. We also encourage giving through vetted organizations rather than directly to children, so that support reaches those who need it most.

By sharing your journey when you return, you help spread awareness, inspire others, and extend the positive ripple of your travels even further.

Group of people in outdoor setting, possibly on a field trip or expedition Lapa Rios Costa Rica environmental program
Guatemala local Mayan woman holding corn responsible travel
Person swimming with a whale shark underwater blue water

Our pledge is simple

To curate extraordinary journeys that also uplift the people and environments we encounter. When you travel with us, you can indulge in the world’s beauty while knowing you are part of something bigger.