Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Charazani
POP 9161 / ELEV 3250M (10,662FT)
Charazani is the administrative and commercial center and transportation axis of Bautista
Saavedra province, and by far the largest town in the area. You can hike from here to the
trailhead for the Lagunillas- Agua Blanca trek. Services in Charazani have increased ex-
ponentially in recent years, and several NGOs are working in the area on sustainable de-
velopment projects, including solar power, textile production and the promotion of re-
sponsible tourism. It's a relaxed spot to visit, and weary hikers will enjoy the hot springs.
Two fiestas are held in Charazani; the biggest takes place around July 16 and the smal-
ler one around August 6. There's also a wonderful children's dance festival (around
November 16) in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, an invocation of the Virgin Mary.
Sights & Activities
HOT SPRINGS
Termas de Charazani Phutina
(admission B$5; 7am-9pm, closed Mon to 2pm for cleaning)
Along the river, about 10
minutes' walk upstream from town, you'll pass the Termas de Charazani Phutina, a hot-
springs complex where you can bathe and enjoy a hot shower. Other natural
thermal
baths
, complete with a steaming hot waterfall, can be found a two-hour hike away. Head
down the valley from Charazani along the Apolo road alongside the Río Kamata. It's a
lovely spot.
Chari
The traditional Kallawaya village of Chari, 1½ hours' walk from Charazani, is a blend of
terraces, flowers and vegetable gardens. A German anthropologist started the Tuwans tex-
tile project, which is designed to market the local hand-dyed weavings. The town is also
home to a
Kallawaya cultural museum
, a stone and thatch structure with exhibits per-
taining to medicinal plants and textile arts.
VILLAGE
Pre-Incan Ruins
About an hour's walk outside Chari are some pre-Incan ruins, reached by walking through
town and turning left at the enormous boulder that creates a small cave. Follow this path
to the cemetery, keep left until you gain the ridge, then continue 200m up to the ruins. To
avoid suspicion it's best to advise locals where you're headed before setting off.
RUINS
