Salineras de Maras
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What people say
Deric Lima (Zuka)
Available for hire
"The Salt Mines of Maras, or Salineras de Maras in Spanish, is located near the charming town of Maras, near Urubamba. These ancient salt pans have been used since pre-Incan times, producing the gorgeous pink salt prized by gastronomists worldwide.
The site comprises over 3,000 shallow pools, where locals skillfully harvest salt using traditional methods passed down through generations. A visit to Maras is more than just a day hike; it's a great chance to observe the salt extraction process firsthand, engage with local families who operate the mines, and purchase some of the finest hand-harvested salt directly from the source.
The entrance fee for the Salt Mines is 20 PEN.
🏅 ACTIVITIES
The main activity in the area is to learn about the salt extraction process and how important it is for the country. The views of the surrounding mountains are great for photography, and the salt pool views are very picturesque.
🚶♀️HIKING
If you are up for a hiking adventure, you can start hiking from Urubamba to the Salt Mines and continue towards Moray, a very important archaeological site in the Cusco province. This adventure will result in a 14-kilometer hike. Make sure to start early in the morning because the sun exposure is high, and there are no shadows on the way to protect yourself.
Maras is not part of the special Boleto Turistico, so you are required to pay the 20 PEN entrance fee.
🚃 TRANSPORTATION
You can easily find a colectivo from Cusco to Urubamba near the Grau bridge. You need to take a small moto-taxi to the trailhead from the Urubamba bus terminal. The moto-taxi costs only 5 PEN.
After you finish the hike in Moray, you need to find transportation back to Cusco. There are no official buses on the site driving people to Cusco. I asked a local Peruvian to give me a ride, and he drove me to the town of Maras, where I could easily find transportation back to Cusco.
Another alternative is to ask drivers of private tours to give you a ride to Maras or Cusco for a fee. Everything is negotiable in Peru, so feel free to talk to them and ask for help. It is also a great way to interact with locals."
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Taylor Blair
Available for hire
"The Maras Salt Mines are a stunning sight, with thousands of terraced salt ponds creating a unique landscape. Each pond is filled with saltwater from a natural spring, and as the water evaporates, it leaves behind crystallized salt. Walking through the mines, I was struck by the contrast of the white salt against the backdrop of the Andes. The site also offers insight into traditional salt harvesting methods still in use today. Overall, it's a fascinating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that shouldn't be missed."
Tamara Knell
Available for hire
"These salt ponds are pre-Incan and believed to be built around 500-1100 AD by the Wari civilization. Today they are still in use and you can buy a bag of salt as a souvenir!
This can easily be combined with Moray as they are nearby each other. When you go there you just look at it and then leave which is why I say its skippable but I had the extra time so I enjoyed learning about it. "
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About Salineras de Maras
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