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Salineras de Maras: Visiting the Maras Salt Mines

December 18, 2023 by Rachel

Salineras de Maras are an amazing patchwork of salt ponds that climb up the steep hillside. Since pre-Inca times, locals have been mining salt from the local, mineral-rich stream. Maras is a unique and picturesque addition to any trip to Peru. Learn more about the site’s history and how to visit below.

*Cover photo by Liz Sperling for Inca Expert Travel.

Table of Contents

History of Salineras de Maras

The Salineras de Maras, or Maras salt mines, date back to pre-Inca times. They are also the largest prehispanic salt mines in Peru.

Historians know little about exactly who created the mines and when. However, archeologists have found evidence of civilizations in Maras since around 700 BCE. Of course, when the Inca came to power, they oversaw the area’s salt production.  

Surprisingly, though, the Spanish conquerors never took over the local salt production. Even after the Conquista, locals continued to maintain the Maras salt ponds. In fact, since their creation, salt mining has never paused at Maras.

A local man tends to his family’s salt pond. Photo by Ana Castañeda for Inca Expert Travel.

To this day, only locals of the communities of Maras and Pichingoto control the salt mines. Individual ponds belong to families living in these communities. They are then passed down from generation to generation. Also, when someone marries into the community, a new pond is created for the new couple.

The Marasal S.A. company oversees the commercialization of Maras’ salt. The profits are then divided among the 400 or so local families that own the ponds.

UNESCO is currently considering Maras as a possible World Heritage Site.

How the Maras Salt Mines Work

There are approximately 4,500 salt ponds stacked on the hill next to the town of Maras, all owned by local families. Each pond measures about 13 square feet (4 square meters) made with stone and mud mortar walls. 

Pre-Inca communities discovered a naturally salty underground stream. They then developed channels to direct the stream into the ponds. To this day, locals use channels to fill thousands of ponds with salty water.

To produce salt, the salt miners fill their ponds a couple of inches (about 5 centimeters). They then let the water evaporate for about three days. They repeat this again and again for about a month. By then they will have 3–4 inches (7–10 centimeters) of salt.  Each well can produce 330–440 pounds (150–200 kilos) of salt per month.

As the water evaporates from the pond, it leaves behind salt and other minerals. Photo by Alicia Gonzalez for Inca Expert Travel.

The majority of salt production takes place during the dry season from May to October. This is when the water from the ponds evaporates the fastest. It is also when the best quality salt is produced.

Types of Peruvian Salt

Maras salt, or sal de maras, comes in three varieties: pink, white and brown. When the evaporation process is complete, the salt appears in these three layers.

The pink Peruvian salt is the top layer. It is the highest quality salt and destined for gourmet kitchen use. As the name suggests, it comes in a light pink shade. Its richness in minerals from the local stream gives it a tasty flavor.

The second layer is white salt. This so-called “bulk salt” is also destined for kitchen use. It is also rich in minerals but is not quite as distinct in flavor as the pink salt.

The third and final layer is brown salt. This type is exclusively used for agricultural and industrial use. During the rainy season from November to April, the majority of the salt produced is brown salt.

Shops next to the Maras salt mines sells all kinds of salt, including Peruvian pink salt and special mixes with herbs and spices. Photo by Ana Castañeda for Inca Expert Travel.

How to get to Salineras de Maras

The Salineras de Maras are located at 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) in the Sacred Valley, 32 miles (52 kilometers) from Cusco. The main road leaving Cusco in the direction of Chincheros will take you close to Maras. However, the last few miles to the site are through poorly marked roads.

It’s possible to visit Maras on your own by renting a car or navigating public transportation. But it’s much more convenient to visit with a tour.

Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance ticket: 10 soles (about US $2.75)

Sacred Valley Tours:

Salineras de Maras Tours

Classic Maras and Moray Tour

Because of their proximity, it’s easy to combine a visit to Maras with the Moray Inca terraces. After pick-up at your Cusco hotel (or Sacred Valley) head to the Maras salt pans. Look at the patchwork of wells as your guide explains their history and function.

Afterward, head to Moray. The Incas once used these intriguing concentric terraces for agricultural experiments. After your visit, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.

A private Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo Tour is included in all of our Machu Picchu specials!

Hiking to Maras

There are a few local hiking trails that lead to Maras (and also onwards to Moray). The best starting point is from Urubamba, less than ten miles (15 kilometers) away. 

It is possible to hike there without a guide. In fact, you can ask your hotel reception or concierge for directions to the site. However, for extra assurance that you won’t get lost, you can hire a guide to go with you.

Maras Mountain Biking

The same hiking trails can also be explored by bike. Some Sacred Valley hotels offer mountain bikes for rent that you can then take to Maras. Otherwise, you can book a mountain biking tour with professional guides and equipment.

There is also a mountain biking trail that connects Maras and Moray. It’s a pretty steep and rocky downhill so make sure you are wearing protective gear!

Maras Horseback Riding

Saddle up and explore the Sacred Valley landscape on horseback. Most tours will take you to both Maras and Moray. The bridle path to Maras is fairly steep so remember to lean forward in your saddle.

A horseback riding tour is a fun way to visit Salineras de Maras and the Moray ruins. Photo by Daniella Beccaria for Inca Expert Travel.
Maras ATV Tour

For those looking for an adventurous but less strenuous way to visit Maras, an ATV tour is perfect. Like the horseback riding tour, ATV excursions will usually take you to both Maras and Moray.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Salineras de Maras

The best time to visit the Salineras de Maras is during the dry season from May to October. Not only will you have sunny skies, but you’ll also see the salt ponds at different stages of production.

The dry season is when most of the salt production takes place since the water evaporates faster. You’ll also be able to see a variety of colors in the ponds, including pink, white and brown.

The shoulder season months, April and November, are good alternatives if you can’t travel during the dry season. Although you may have a slightly higher chance of rain, you’ll still have great views of the salt mines.

During the rainy season, December to March, there’s a high chance of rain during your tour. Moreover, the ponds may be completely filled with water from the rains. This is especially likely during the peak rainy months, January and February. 

Whenever you are able to visit, though, you can still buy all types of salt at any time of year.

Visiting Maras in the spring will give you wonderfully green scenery. Photo by Ana Castañeda for Inca Expert Travel.

Maras is definitely a must-see when exploring the Sacred Valley. This historic and cultural monument has stood the test of time. There are so many ways to visit and enjoy the Salineras de Maras. Just don’t forget to pick up some Inca salt while you’re there!

Ask our expert Travel Advisors to include Maras in your customized travel package.

About the author
Rachel

Family trips abroad gave Rachel an insatiable taste for foreign languages and cultures.


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