Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Maras Salt Mines in Peru offer a striking contrast of white salt terraces carved into red Andean slopes. These ancient salt pans, still in use today, represent one of the most fascinating cultural and geological landmarks in South America.
Introduction to the Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines, also known as Salineras de Maras, are an awe-inspiring network of over 3,000 shallow pools used to extract natural salt. Located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, these ancient salt pans have been in use since pre-Incan times and are still operated by local families.
What makes these mines truly unique is that they are fed by a natural subterranean saltwater spring, emerging from the Qaqawiñay mountain and channelled through intricate terraced pools that shimmer under the Andean sun.
Where Are the Maras Salt Mines?
📍 Location and Access
The Maras Salt Mines Peru are located about 40 kilometers northwest of Cusco and only 7 kilometers from the small town of Maras. They lie close to major Inca ruins, including Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
- Region: Urubamba Province, Sacred Valley
- Distance from Cusco: ~1.5 hours by car
- Nearest Town: Maras
This central location makes them a popular stop for travelers exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
History of the Maras Salt Mines
🏺 Ancient Origins and Indigenous Ingenuity
The Maras Salt Mines history dates back to before the Inca Empire. While the exact origin is unknown, it’s believed that the Wari culture may have first developed the salt pans, with the Incas later expanding the system.
Each salt pond is family-owned and passed down through generations. For centuries, the same traditional methods have been used—no industrial machinery, only gravity-fed aqueducts and human hands.
Highlights of Historical Significance:
- Operated since pre-Inca times
- Still owned by over 600 local families
- Traditional harvesting methods preserved
Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour
🗺️ Exploring Moray and Maras Together
Many visitors opt for a Moray Maras & Salt Mines tour—a combination that pairs the salt flats with the nearby agricultural site of Moray.
Moray features circular terraces believed to be an Incan agricultural laboratory, used to simulate various altitudes. Together, the two sites offer a perfect blend of cultural, agricultural, and natural marvels.
Why Take the Combined Tour?
- Maximize your day in the Sacred Valley
- Experience Inca engineering at Moray
- Marvel at the white terraces of Maras
- Ideal for half-day excursions from Cusco
Maras Salt Mines from Ollantaytambo
🚗 Getting There from a Key Inca Town
The route to the Maras Salt Mines from Ollantaytambo is a favorite among tourists and trekkers alike. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes by car, making it an easy side trip before or after visiting Machu Picchu.
- Travel Time: ~45 minutes by road
- Popular Transport Options:
- Taxi or private car
- Group tours
- ATV or mountain biking for the adventurous
The drive itself is a scenic ride through rolling Andean hills, offering panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley.
The Unique Landscape: Maras Salt Flats Peru
🏞️ Nature Meets Culture
Often referred to as the Maras Salt Flats Peru, the site covers a sprawling hillside with terraced ponds that gleam white under the sun. Depending on the time of year, the salt may appear pinkish, golden, or brilliant white—creating a surreal mosaic.
Geological Features:
- Fed by a subterranean saline spring
- Over 3,000 individual pans
- Terraced structure built into the hillside
- Evaporation process powered by sun and wind
No two ponds are exactly the same in size or mineral composition, giving the site a uniquely organic, hand-crafted appearance.
Maras Salt Mines Altitude and Geography
🏔️ High Above Sea Level
One crucial factor for travelers is the Maras Salt Mines altitude, which sits at approximately 3,380 meters (11,089 feet) above sea level. The high elevation enhances the evaporation process, making salt extraction more efficient.
Altitude Info:
- Elevation: ~3,380 m (11,089 ft)
- Terrain: Andean slopes with sharp drop-offs
- Climate: Dry season from April to October ideal for visits
Altitude tips:
- Acclimatize in Cusco before visiting
- Stay hydrated
- Take it slow when walking the terraces
Maras Salt Benefits: More Than Just Flavor
🧂 Healing Properties and Culinary Uses
The salt from Maras is more than a cooking ingredient—it’s packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which makes it prized for both health and culinary benefits.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in essential trace minerals
- Believed to aid digestion and detox
- Used in therapeutic salt scrubs and baths
Culinary Uses:
- Enhances flavor without excessive sodium
- Used by top chefs for gourmet dishes
- Pink or beige tint due to mineral content
Interesting Note: Some locals use Maras salt to preserve food, just as the Incas did centuries ago.
How the Salt is Harvested
🧺 A Community Effort
Salt harvesting at Maras is a family-based tradition. Each family manages a set of ponds and works them during the dry season, from May to October.
Harvesting Process:
- Divert saltwater from the spring into shallow pans
- Allow water to evaporate under the sun
- Rake up salt crystals over several days
- Collect and bag the salt for drying and sale
It’s a slow, manual process that emphasizes sustainability and community livelihood.
Interesting and Unusual Facts
🔍 What Makes the Maras Salt Mines Special?
- Ancient Technology: The system is almost entirely gravity-based.
- Spring of Mystery: No one has fully mapped the underground saltwater source.
- Changing Colors: The ponds change color depending on season and mineral levels.
- Pink Salt: Maras salt is naturally pink due to iron oxide and trace elements.
- Used by the Incas: Historical evidence suggests Inca rulers used Maras salt for preservation and ceremonial offerings.
Planning Your Maras Salt Mines Tour
✈️ Practical Travel Tips
To make the most of your visit, keep the following in mind when booking a Maras Salt Mines tour:
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry Season (April to October): Clear skies and vibrant salt color
- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Best lighting for photos
What to Bring:
- Sunblock and hat (high UV exposure)
- Good walking shoes (slippery surfaces)
- Camera or drone (spectacular aerial views!)
- Local cash (for entry and purchasing artisanal salt)
Tour Options:
- Private taxi with guide
- Group tours from Cusco or Urubamba
- Moray–Maras combo tours
- ATV or hiking tours for adventure travelers
Conclusion: A Salted Slice of Living History
Visiting the Maras Salt Mines Peru is more than a sightseeing experience—it’s a journey into ancient traditions, natural wonder, and local resilience. Whether you’re a history buff, photographer, or food lover, Maras delivers something unforgettable.
From its unusual pink salt and stunning terrace views to its deeply rooted communal heritage, Maras is one of Peru’s most compelling hidden gems. Don’t just pass through the Sacred Valley—immerse yourself in its flavors, landscapes, and stories.
