Santa Cruz Eco Lodge

Omar Portal Fernández May 2026

For work, I found myself in the Yungay and Caraz area, and taking advantage of the May Day long weekend, I decided to visit some hot springs that had been recommended to me. From the initial arrangements via WhatsApp, the hotel manager, Oliver Álvarez, was very attentive and kind in providing the necessary information to get there. It wasn't easy, as the road is somewhat dangerous, but the views are truly breathtaking. If you take the necessary precautions, nothing will happen. Upon arrival, we received a warm welcome and they helped us leave our luggage in our rooms. On the road, we saw the stunning views of the mountain landscape in all its splendor—views that are truly picture-perfect. The most impressive aspect of the experience—and that's precisely what it is—is the dedication and care the staff has for their work. They maintain a strong connection to the local area, as they live in it, and they are very attentive and value ensuring that guests are always satisfied with their stay. The place features a reflecting pool and has been designed so that the sound of the water can be heard from anywhere on the property, its sole purpose being to relax those of us staying there—an excellent design by the architect, by the way. We arrived thinking we'd find somewhere to have lunch along the way, but we didn't find anything and thought we'd have to leave until nightfall. However, when Oliver saw we were hungry, he offered us a delicious lunch consisting of fried trout, olluco stew, beets, and a delicious fresh salad, all harvested directly from his garden. During lunch, he told us a bit about the history of the "Santa Cruz Lodge." Its creation was initially intended to foster culinary research, as the owner, Mr. José Duarte, a prominent figure in Peruvian cuisine abroad, had the vision to establish a culinary research center for other chefs. This would allow them to unleash their creativity with local ingredients and develop wonderful recipes. Given the pandemic, the lodge was transformed into a boutique hotel, providing local young people with the opportunity to work there and earn a living in the area. It's also worth noting that this Peruvian chef offers scholarships to talented young people, providing them with culinary training so they can later apply their skills in the hotel's kitchen. Returning to the lodging, Mr. River appears in the afternoon to help guests light the fireplaces in their rooms to warm them up. River is also the man who makes the dough, bread, and pizzas in the evenings. The kitchen is led by Roxana, assisted by Doris, and of course, the hosts Cris and Oliver lend a hand. I couldn't help but notice some of the rustic wooden details. I was curious who had added those wonderful touches, and it turned out that when the place was being built, Mr. Marín learned the art of woodworking from the artisans and carpenters. Let me congratulate him on that. He's also in charge of the organic garden and maintains the entire garden system, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. He tends to the beautiful garden with such care and affection. In short, I must say that I had one of the best times I've had in the mountains of my country, in a place so thoughtfully designed that it allows you to disconnect from daily life and truly rest. I invite you to discover this wonderful place and take a break, surrounded by the beautiful scenery, warmed by an outdoor campfire, and enjoying the bounty of Mother Nature with the hospitality of this great team who love their work.

Emmanuel Cruz Mar 2026

Few experiences in the world offer such a radical disconnection from the modern grind and a recalibration to the roots of the human condition. Santa Cruz Lodge (SCL) is not merely a luxury hotel; it is an invitation to rediscover the power of community and groundedness in nature, all while nestled in a refined, thoughtful stay. The mission of SCL is grander than one might expect, driven by the vision of Chef Jose Duarte. A stay here offers countless customizable experiences centered on three core tenets: living within nature, co-existing with a traditional community, and enjoying life-giving food grown and harvested right outside your door. During my stay, I chose a three-day trek into the Santa Cruz mountains, rustic walks near the lodge, and hours of quiet reflection against a stunning mountainside backdrop. Beyond the physical delights of the lodge, there is a gentle, reciprocal pull: as you take in the goodness of the land, you feel moved to give back. Many who travel here bring specialized knowledge in medicine, engineering, or education. While the local community is thriving, it faces its own set of challenges. This environment encourages a unique cycle of healing: you appreciate your own skills, shed your professional stress, and then naturally find ways to share those skills with those around you. As a physician, this meant evaluating a community member’s chronic distal radius fracture and suggesting a rehabilitation routine. For you, the future guest of Santa Cruz Lodge, the opportunity to give back will inevitably present itself—and you will be grateful for it. SCL holds many secrets that must be experienced firsthand. Prepare to be surprised by the healing power of ancient traditions, culinary mastery, and the ingenious hospitality of Chef Duarte and the lodge’s executive director, Oliver Alvarez Garcia.

Ricardo Coronel Zegarra Nov 2025

An incredible place surrounded by nature. The facilities, the food, and the hospitality of Oliver, Cristhian, and the rest of the team make a visit to Santa Cruz Lodge an unforgettable experience. 200% recommended.