Empowering communities to stand on their own feet

Your full donation goes to the project, Ventura covers all costs

What VSocial Foundation stands for

VSocial empowers communities worldwide through responsible, community-based tourism. Rather than charity, the foundation promotes autonomy, fair participation, and dignified income. Every supported initiative is built on local leadership, cultural preservation, and sustainable development driven by the people who live the traditions they share.

Experience the impact of VSocial

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Explore VSocial in your language

Main website is in english
Head over to our French website

German translation
Head over to our German website

French translation
Head over to our French website

From Early Vision to Global Social Impact

VSocial Foundation began as viSozial, created even before Ventura TRAVEL welcomed its first traveler in 2002. Its early projects, such as co-financing a school near Arequipa and providing clean water access on Peru’s Capachica peninsula, set the tone for long-term community collaboration. Built on solidarity and empowerment, VSocial has grown into a global foundation supporting community-based tourism initiatives that foster autonomy, cultural strength, and economic opportunity.

Meet the Foundation Director

Marie Witzel leads the VSocial Foundation with a deep commitment to social impact, community empowerment and fair tourism. With years of experience working across Latin America and beyond, she brings a grounded understanding of local realities and long-term development needs. Her leadership ensures that every project is community-led, culturally respectful and designed to create sustainable, dignified income for the people who host travelers.

Responsible, Inclusive, and Locally-Led

Enabling communities to host, lead, and benefit

Guaranteed Departures

Trips run even with small groups so you can plan with confidence and enjoy your South America journey without last minute cancellations.

Expert South America Team

Guides and specialists share deep knowledge, personal stories and regional context that bring the continent and its people closer.

Max 12 Travelers

Small groups keep travel flexible and personal and make it easier to connect with locals, landscapes and fellow travelers.

No Hidden Costs

Transparent pricing includes key services and activities so you know what is covered and avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.

Exclusive Local Access

Meet families, community projects and local experts that typical tours rarely reach and gain insight into real everyday life.

Handpicked Stays

Sleep in characterful lodges, guesthouses and small hotels selected for atmosphere, location and strong ties to their communities.

Project Overview

La Boquilla

Afro-Colombian culture among the mangroves

Santa-Lucia

In the middle of the cloud forest with a staggering amount of birds and orchids

Llangahua

Experience a pristine paramo landscape

Amupakin

Help preserve traditional indigenous practices with at this homestay in the Amazon rainforest

Shandia

Discover ancestral traditions on the banks of a jungle river

Chocolate tour Talamanca

Sweet dreams on a Costa Rican family farm

Calshi

Experience the daily live in an indigenous community

Puruha Muskuy

Unforgettable multi-day experience to dive into the culture of the Puruhá in the Chimborazo region

Mucuyche women

Diving into local Yucatan culture

Parchese a los Populares

The other history of Bogota

Ecomapu

Help regenerate Valparaíso’s oldest district with a community tour

NCC

Experience the true Kiwcha culture in the Yasuní cloud forest