Casona Aedo, colonial mansion of Checacupe

Casona Aedo occupies a restored 18th-century colonial house in the village of Checacupe, on the road connecting Cusco to Puno via the Vilcanota valley. Located approximately 95 km southeast of Cusco, this accommodation serves as a refined stopover for travelers heading toward Raqchi, Puno, or Lake Titicaca, or those wishing to reach Palcoyo while avoiding the crowds that flock to Vinicunca.

Why stay here

The house stands out for its well-preserved heritage character: ancient walls, period furnishings, and artworks that echo the residence's history. Three main reasons drive the choice of this accommodation:

• A character-filled stopover on the Cusco–Puno route, far more authentic than a standard transit hotel;
• Direct access to the archaeological site of Raqchi and the seven-colored mountain of Palcoyo;
• An atmosphere of intimate Andean family living, on a human scale, far removed from mass tourism crowds.

Atmosphere

The soul of Casona Aedo lies in its inner courtyard, around which the living spaces are organized. The library and common lounge with fireplace invite peaceful evenings after a day of exploration—particularly welcome at this altitude where Andean nights quickly turn cold. The antique furniture and artworks are not merely decorative: they testify to the long history of the mansion and the region.

Rooms

All rooms feature a private bathroom and open onto the inner courtyard. They are furnished with period pieces in keeping with the house's architecture. Heating is provided, an essential feature given the cool nights typical of the Andes above 3,000 meters.

Services

• Breakfast included, served in the dining room or inner courtyard: chicha morada, homemade bread, local fruits;
• Library and common lounge with fireplace;
• Laundry service;
• Assistance organizing excursions in the region.

Location

Checacupe lies in the Vilcanota valley, south of Cusco, on the road to Sicuani and Puno. Plan approximately 2 hours by private vehicle from Cusco, slightly longer by regular bus. Its position proves valuable for breaking up a long journey between the Cusco region and Lake Titicaca, rather than as a base for an extended stay.

What to see and do nearby

Archaeological site of Raqchi

A short distance from Checacupe, Raqchi houses the temple of Wiracocha, the creator deity of the Inca pantheon, along with a collection of qolqas—circular granaries where freeze-dried potatoes (chuño) were stored. A section of the Qapaq Ñan, the UNESCO-listed Inca road network, still crosses the site and can be explored on foot.

Inca suspension bridge of Checacupe

Constructed from ichu, a woven plant fiber, this bridge spans the Vilcanota River and remains maintained using traditional techniques. It recalls, on a smaller scale, the famous Q'eswachaka, renewed each year.

Palcoyo, an alternative to Vinicunca

From Checacupe, Palcoyo lies within reach—another seven-colored mountain often presented as an alternative to Vinicunca. Access is shorter: vehicles approach to within approximately thirty minutes' walk of the viewpoint, and visitor numbers remain more moderate.

Checacupe market

The village market offers a tangible glimpse into daily Andean life, with its high-altitude produce, textile crafts, and stalls of popular cuisine.

Organizing your stay

Casona Aedo integrates seamlessly into an itinerary linking Cusco to Lake Titicaca, complemented by stopovers such as Suasi Island Lodge on Titicaca, Las Casitas del Colca in Colca Canyon, or Casa República Barranco in Lima. To craft a bespoke itinerary, explore our Pérou journeys.