At km 262 one finds the turn-off that begins the descent to the Charazani and Curva valley. This is a very deep cleft, bordered by pre-hispanic cultivation terraces still in use. Visiting the region from November onwards one can see lovely green scenery, but this period also guarantees frequent downpours. Charazani, Cari and Curva are part of the Andean traditional medicine enclave whose main practitioners are the Kallawaya, an ethnic groups well known for its healers who possess ancestral knowledge transmitted from one generation to the other from immemorial times. Visiting these clefts is to penetrate the magical Kallawaya world, and in fact, there are a series of tourist programs that allow reaching the area by trekking trails. Those visitors not prepared for such long treks may also traverse the route by car.

 

From the crossing to Charazani, one needs a bit over half an hour, traversing about 22 km, in a beautiful and dramatic descent. From Charazani, departing through the lower end of the town square, one follows a road that goes to thermal springs and continues, crossing to the opposite side of the valley, until one reaches Curva. After 20 km, which can be done in about 30 minutes, one reaches the Lagunillas community.

 

Lagunillas is an ideal place to begin the trekking to Pelechuco, offered by several specialized adventure tourism companies, and it could be an alternative for staying overnight while on a visit to the Charazani valley.