The Maras Salt Mines: Explore one of the best attractions of Salineras de Maras
Cusco and the Sacred Valley provide an abundance of activities beyond the well-known attractions like Machu Picchu. A thorough exploration of the valley should be undertaken before embarking on your journey to the Inca citadel. There are many historic sites and stunning views around here.
We created an overview about the maras salt mines or Salt Ponds. Salinas de Maras is an essential destination for those exploring the Sacred Valley.
These narrow streams, filled with salty water, are intentionally placed at the foot of a hill. These pools subsequently dry up and reveal the anticipated treasure in its crystalline form.
Uncover the key points about this amazing salt mines in Perú.
What are the salt mines or salt ponds?
The Maras salt mines comprise over 6,000 salt ponds created by the Incas. For over five centuries, local communities have managed the ski resorts located on the slopes of Qori Puyu Mountain within the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Cusco, Peru).
These appear to be a blanket of snowfall. The view is breathtaking, featuring pools displaying various shades, such as whites and earthy browns. The ancient ancestral cultures have bestowed upon us a precious Peruvian pink salt, which is regarded as one of their most valuable treasures.
Despite their human creation, the salt flats rely on a natural underground spring that delivers water to the pools. This hidden spring regularly and quietly delivers water, which fills the ponds with essential pink salt.
Salt Ponds location
Is located in the Maras district, part of the Urubamba Province within the Cusco Department. The salt ponds are situated on the slopes of Cori Pujiño Mountain, which is located in the sacred valley, at an elevation of over 3, 200 meters above sea level, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Cuscos capital.
These salt mines are located within the vicinity of the Chupayoq, Lully Mocco, Cruz Mocco, Qaqawiñay, and Qori Pujio mountain ranges. Two indigenous communities, Maras and Pichingoto, depend on these ponds for cultivating the famous pink salt.
History of the salt ponds.
It is widely believed to have been constructed by the Wari civilization, which predates the Inca civilization.
The Incas used these salt pools, which led them to extend the slopes of the Qaqawiñay and Qori Pujio mountains. In this way, the pools continued to produce salt.
Even during colonial times, the descendants of the Inca Tupac Inca Yupanqui continued to own a significant portion of the mines. In 1969, the Peruvian government founded the Public Salt Company (EMSAL) and began the process of nationalizing salt extraction, production, and administration across the nation.
In 1977, the communities of Maras and Pichincha submitted a letter to the Peruvian government, demanding the restoration of control over the salt mines of Maras. This request was fulfilled in 1980.
Marasal S.A (Social company)
Since 1980, the communities of Maras and Pichingoto have established the Marasa S. A. social company to extract, refine, value, and sell the salt produced in the pools. From this year to now, Marasal has been one of the few socially responsible companies in Peru that have achieved relative success. Therefore, acquiring a salt container and examining the trademark markings is reasonable.
To boost the local economy of Maras, consider buying the genuine Marasal brand salt. This ensures the products uniqueness and upholds traditional salt extraction methods. This helps local families gather salt for generations.
What is the mechanism behind it?
Salt is extracted from brine by separating it through the method of evaporation. This suggests that water with high salt content comes from an underground spring situated near the foothills of nearby hills. When water evaporates, local community workers use a wooden stick to break down the resulting layers of salt.
These low-slung lakes filled with seawater are carefully placed along the foot of a hill. Following the extraction process, workers carefully extract salt crystals from the surface of the land. After removing all the salt crystals, they refill the pools with brine and repeat the process. This technique predated the Incas and has been used for over five centuries.
Naturally, during the dry season, the salt mines produce more salt than during the rainy season. The cause? The extended duration of sunshine promoted the waters evaporation into salt.
Three partitions separate the salt. The first type is for gourmet and grilling salts, the second is for table salt, and the third is used industrially like fertilizers.
How are things going?
Today, this site is among the top tourist destinations for any guided tours in Cusco. Exploring the vast array of over 6, 000 pools is an immensely enjoyable activity within the sacred valley. Its essential to recall that the maras and Pichingoto communities have mining privileges over the Salinas.
Hundreds of local miners work diligently at the ponds, demonstrating traditional techniques and methods handed down from generation to generation. Local families contribute their daily produce to the official warehouse of the company Marasal S. A., which is a social enterprise established by the communities of Maras and Pichicoto.
Marasal is the entity tasked with promoting, packaging, distributing, and selling salt to various domestic and global markets. Marasal distributes the proceeds among its neighboring agricultural communities.
How to get there?
To access the maras salt mines, one must comprehend their approximate location about 45 minutes south of Cusco via automobile. Given this knowledge, you have two options for obtaining marble Salts mines:
By yourself.
This is the traditional method for doing it, with all the local residents of Maras and Pichingoto utilizing it daily.
- First, board a bus (or a taxi) from Pavitos Street to Urubamba. Numerous transportation companies offer services along the Cusco-Urubamba route, including passage through Maras. Prior to embarking on your journey, please inform the driver about your intention to make temporary stops at various locations.
- These minivans frequently travel to Urubamba, and the driver will notify you upon arrival at your destination. Upon exiting the town of Maras, you’ll come across taxis capable of transporting you to the salt mines. Alternatively, consider a one-hour hike to the mines starting from the main square of Maras, traveling north along the route.
- Finally, you might opt for renting a car or hiring a driver to have private transportation to your destination. This is an excellent choice if you wish to spend some time exploring different spots along the sacred valley route. This is the best approach for scheduling your pit stops. Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings if you come across a pleasant location during your journey.
Through a Excursion to Maras Salt Mines
The vast majority of travelers choose to embark on a guided tour to arrive at their desired location. Super Sacred valley Tour usually includes visits to Chinchero, Maras, and Moray tours.
- Half-day excursions offer an exploration of salt mines alongside the chance to appreciate the scenic beauty of nearby ruins. For an extended period, these tours have been offered in both group and private settings.
- During our private trips, well transport you from your accommodations to the sacred valley, allowing you to explore the Salineras de Maras. These excursions happen every day, featuring skilled guides who enthusiastically recount the history and captivating stories of each destination.
The optimal period to visit that place.
If you plan a trip to Peru, you’ll consider the best period for experiencing its ancient pools.
- The ideal time to explore Maras salt mines is during the dry season, from May through October. Enjoy pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine.
- Visitors can observe how water evaporates, revealing the snowy color of the salt wells.
- The dry season offers additional benefits such as horseback riding. In addition to ATV rides, exploring the site on foot allows for an immersive experience with stunning views.
- Fortunately, the same advice also applies to visitors hoping to explore Machu Picchu.
- During the rainy season from December to March, the pools at the salt mines of Maras turn brown and develop an earthier hue due to increased rainfall and lightning. Additionally, the pools often become muddy, complicating photography efforts.
What to bring for the tour of Maras Salt Mines
Visit the Salt Mines of Maras, an amazing concept. But you must prepare for the trip and the terrain. Here are some essentials to bring:
- Sun protection: Altitude and strong sunlight can be intense.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the suns rays.
- Comfortable footwear: Choose sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for stability on rough terrains.
- Water and snacks: Pack plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, particularly when climbing up high.
- Snacks such as energy bars or fruits can also be useful
- Layers of Clothing: Weather in the Andes can vary greatly from day to night.
- Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes throughout the day. Camera: Bring a camera to capture stunning moments and cherished memories. Cash: Carry some Peruvian Soles (local currency) for entry fees or minor shopping needs. Rain Gear: Consider bringing waterproof gear if rain is expected unexpectedly.
- A lightweight rain jacket or poncho might also be useful.
- Medication: If you frequently experience altitude sickness, bring some for prevention.
- Consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Small Backpack: To carry your essentials comfortably during your visit.
Furthermore, we offer a comprehensive list of activities suitable for your visit.
- Visit the Maras Salt Mines with a Qualified Guide. Youll learn about the extraordinary qualities of salt and why its regarded as among the finest globally.
- The artificial pools contain water naturally enriched with salt, sourced from mountain springs. You can buy your salt at local traditional vendors or browse for related salt items in nearby shops.
- Private and group tours provide numerous opportunities to explore the stunning Maras salt mines. You have choices between private and personalized experiences or group options. Your preference for the type of exploration will significantly influence which attraction to visit.
- You can choose to take your time exploring the ruins on foot or cover multiple sites in one day. You can tailor your tour experience by adding salt mines to your Machu Picchu itinerary, departing from Cusco.
Trekking: However, hiking in Maras is also possible. Walking across the valley and taking in its breathtaking views is an incredible experience.
A half-day hike that featured thrilling stops at archaeological sites like the Sacred Valley, Moray, and Maras. We offer both private and group services tailored to a diverse client base, including beginners through advanced divers, with options available for shallow and deep dives. With a variety of tourist attractions in Peru, youll never feel bored.
Horseback tours: This tour provides the opportunity to ride a horse. Otherwise, while appreciating the beauty of the Sacred Valleys landscapes and the scenic trail of the ancient natural salt mine at Maras. You can book this tour either privately or in a group. It includes one hour of equestrian training. The starting point is the town of Maras.
Biking: The bike tour provides cycling experiences as you explore the Sacred Valley and Maras.
About the Peruvian pink salt
The pink salt is 100% natural and made up of minerals. skilled workers carefully harvest the high-quality pink salt beds of the Peruvian Andes using traditional methods.
The pink salt exhibits an elegant, distinctive pale pink hue and a textured appearance characterized by its rough, irregular surface. It boasts a significantly smoother and more intricate taste compared to standard table salt. However, ensure not to mislead; this does not suggest incorporating additional content.
Its an ideal match for any dish. You can utilize it to enhance the taste of meats, vegetables, and even potatoes!
Schedules and prices to visit Maras Salt Mines.
The salt mines of Maras are accessible daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. To avoid large crowds, consider visiting them during their designated opening hours. Additionally, its typical for many groups to start gathering around 9 or 10 AM.
However, if youre looking for the perfect photograph, the afternoon might be the best time to visit as the light is perfectly balanced at this time, which is also an excellent opportunity to capture stunning images.Of course, everything occurs during the dry season.
The truth is that you will have an intriguing experience, regardless of when you choose to go. Additionally, you can always find serene locations away from the busy crowds. In terms of pricing, the distinct price for a ticket for both national and foreign individuals is $10.
Suggestions:
The weather and timing significantly influence the final result.
- The ideal time to explore these locations is during the dry season, which usually occurs from May through September. These favorable and arid weather conditions make for an easier and less stressful journey.
- Tour to the Salt Mines: Walking Tour: Spend 1-2 hours exploring the salt pools, learning about traditional salt extraction methods.
- Photography: Enjoy stunning landscapes with exceptional photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The customs and traditions of the region.
Interact with locals: Some families work in the salt ponds. You can gain insights into the local traditions and customs of the Andes and discover various activities to engage in while in Cusco.
Support local artisans: Look for locally handmade crafts using salt as souvenirs, promoting economic growth within the community.
Frequently asked questions
What were the features of the salt pans at Maras?
They evolved naturally thousands of years ago due to the evaporation of saltwater from an underground spring.
What is the historical significance of the salt mines of Maras?
Their history dates back to inca times. Ancient civilizations used them, and current local communities preserve them.
How is salt obtained in maras?
Workers laboriously extract salt from maras. They use salty water from deeper reservoirs to create flat platforms on hillsides, which dry up, forming layers of salt crystals that they harvest.
When is the most suitable time?
It includes numerous small terraces, each belonging to a local family involved in salt production.
When is the most suitable time?
The ideal time to explore Maras is during the dry season, which lasts from May through September. The weather during these months is more predictable, and the salt terraces appear most impressive.
