TRAVEL SHOULD GIVE BACK,

MORE THAN IT TAKES

At La Onza, we believe that travel should give back more than it takes. We feel incredibly lucky to live in Lobitos—and it’s this gratitude that inspires us to share our experience with like-minded, good-hearted travelers while ensuring that our impact strengthens, not erodes, the culture and environment that make this place so special.

Our mission is twofold: to give travelers a way to align their spending with their values, and to open the door for partnerships that fuel lasting change. That’s why we design our retreats and experiences to amplify local voices and create tangible pathways for impact. Guests are invited to connect directly with NGOs working in the region through our “Dolphin Tank” dinners, where organizations share their projects and present simple, actionable ways to support—from funding to expertise to network connections.

We also keep local prosperity at the heart of every experience. Some meals are intentionally enjoyed in family-run restaurants, sometimes the living rooms of local homes, where guests share authentic Peruvian cuisine and meaningful conversation. We also host night markets for artisans to sell handmade textiles, jewelry, and art—ensuring proceeds go directly into the hands of creators, while guests leave with lasting keepsakes and connections.

As Lobitos grows,

we’re commited

to protecting

what makes it unique

As Lobitos grows, we’re committed to  helping protect what makes it unique: its waves, its ecosystems, and its strong community values. From holding discussions about the importance of  sustainable building methods, to advocating for clean oceans and supporting youth development, we strive to understand the vision of our local NGOs and help ensure development happens in the right way.

We are always open to partnerships with service providers, brands, NGOs, and members of the global surf community who believe in the importance of sustaining local culture, and want to help make a difference. Together, we can preserve the essence of Lobitos while creating experiences that inspire, connect, and give back.

NOBODY UNDERSTANDS

THE NEEDS OF LOBITOS BETTER

THAN ITS LOCAL NGOs

In Lobitos, impact tourism comes to life through three inspiring NGOs—WAVES Lobitos, EcoSwell, and Coast2Coast Movement—each dedicated to protecting the ocean, uplifting local youth, and building a sustainable future.

WAVES Lobitos is a locally rooted nonprofit using surf and other activities to empower youth. Through educational surf and environmental programs—such as English classes, Skate, Jiu Jitsu and art —they create safe, supportive spaces where young people can grow in confidence and health. They also engage volunteer travelers to help with local needs like beach clean-ups and building community infrastructure.

Ecoswell works to strengthen Lobitos and nearby communities by aligning projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They lead initiatives across environmental restoration, public health, clean water access, community education, renewable energy, and sanitation. Through reforestation, they revive dry forest ecosystems and support ecotourism. They also train local women as community health workers and create solar-water distillers to ensure families have safe drinking water.

Coast2Coast Movement focuses on creative education and community-led development in small-scale fishing villages like Lobitos. They run workshops on photo, film, art, storytelling, and even surf, helping youth explore their culture, environment, and identity. Programs like ‘Mujeres y Agua’ bring together environmental education, emotional development, and surf therapy to foster leadership, conservation, and self-discovery among local girls.

MAKE AN impact TODAY

You can donate directly to our partner NGOs through their pages, or contribute here on our site. Every quarter, we pool La Onza community donations and split them evenly to support each organization’s work.

3% Cover the Fee

FAQ’S

  • Impact tourism is travel that gives back. It means your visit supports local people, protects the environment, and strengthens the community—so your trip has a positive effect long after you’ve gone home.

  • During retreats, you will get the chance to meet a leader from each NGO. They are always working on cool projects. Each one will have a specific Ask prepared, usually donation-based or networking related. You’ll have the chance to contribute quickly, and with the most optimal impact. In some cases, we’ll also get the chance to join some volunteering opportunities with the kids during skate or surf lessons.

  • Not at all—your time and good energy are valuable contributions. Any donation or networking will be available online for execution.

  • Not at all—these experiences are designed to fit seamlessly into the itinerary, so you can still catch waves, explore, and relax while giving back.

  • By choosing La Onza, we guarantee we are working with local guides, restaurants, and businesses—and partnering with NGOs. We ensure your spending directly supports the people who make Lobitos so special.