MARAS SALT MINES: THE WHITE BLANKET THAT SPRINGS FROM THE HEART OF THE ANDES
Imagine a landscape that defies all logic: thousands of small mirrors of white and pink salt covering the slope of a mountain in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. No, it’s not a mirage. It’s the Maras Salt Mines, a marvel of ancient engineering and one of the most photogenic destinations in all of Peru.
If you are planning a trip to Cusco, be sure to add this magical place to your list of must-see destinations. In this post, we will take you on a journey through this Andean salt sea and provide you with all the tips you need to make your visit unforgettable.
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What exactly are the Maras Salt Mines?
The Maras Salt Mines are a complex of approximately 3,000 shallow salt pools fed by a hypersaline underground spring that flows from the Qaqawiñay mountain. This system, believed to have existed since before the Inca Empire, is a living testament to Andean wisdom.
The process is as simple as it is brilliant:
- Channeling: The salt water is diverted through an intricate system of channels that fill each of the pools.
- Evaporation: The powerful Andean sun does its work, evaporating the spring water that floods the thousands of pools.
- Harvest: What remains is the famous Maras Salt, which crystallizes and is harvested by hand by local families, just as their ancestors have done for centuries.
The most incredible thing is that these salt pans do not belong to a company, but to the community of Maras. Each local family owns a number of pools, keeping alive a cooperative tradition that has endured over time.
3 reasons to fall in love with the Maras Salt Mines
- A Landscape from Another Planet: The contrast between the bright white of the salt and the ochre and green tones of the mountains is simply spectacular. It is every photographer’s dream and a place that will take your breath away.
- A Connection with Living Culture: Visiting Maras is not just about seeing a beautiful landscape. It is about witnessing an ancient tradition that continues to sustain an entire community. It is history and culture in its purest and most authentic form.
- The Perfect (and Healthy) Souvenir: Maras salt, with its characteristic pink color due to its high mineral content, is famous in the world of gastronomy. Here you can buy it directly from the producers. Take a little piece of the Andes home to your kitchen!
How to get to the Maras Salt Mines?
Maras is located about 50 km from Cusco. While you can try to get there on your own, the easiest and most recommended way is through a tour. An organized tour not only takes care of transportation, but also allows you to optimize your time and combine the visit with another fascinating place: the circular terraces of Moray.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from April to October, is ideal. The bright sun intensifies the whiteness of the pools, and this is when harvesting activity is at its peak. However, the place is impressive all year round.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable shoes with good traction.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The sun in the Andes is very strong.
- Water to stay hydrated.
- Cash (soles) to pay for your entrance fee and buy salt or souvenirs.
- Your camera! You won’t want to miss taking pictures.
IMPORTANT
For conservation reasons, walking between the pools is currently not permitted. The visit takes place from a specially equipped viewpoint that offers spectacular panoramic views and is safe for everyone.
The Perfect Pair: Maras and Moray
A few kilometers from the salt mines is the archaeological site of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with concentric circular terraces. Combining Maras (salt extraction) and Moray (agricultural experimentation) in a single day offers you a complete and fascinating insight into how the Incas mastered their environment.
Ready to discover the white treasure of the Andes (Salt Mines)?
The Maras Salt Mines are much more than a destination: they are an experience that connects landscape, history, and culture, demonstrating that the most incredible beauty is often found in the wisdom of simplicity.
Don’t miss out! Our tours to the Sacred Valley include a guided visit to this marvel. Let us take care of the logistics so that you can focus on enjoying yourself and capturing unforgettable memories.
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