Things to see and do at the Maras Salt Mines in Peru
Maras Salt Mines, Peru: The Stunning Terraces of the Sacred Valley
Hidden in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just outside Cusco, Peru, the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras) are one of the country’s most striking and photogenic sites. Thousands of dazzling white salt pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a mosaic of color and texture that looks almost otherworldly. Visiting the Maras Salt Mines is a must for anyone exploring Peru’s ancient landscapes and Inca heritage.
On 10/19/2025, we viewed the salt mines in the mountains from the highway. Later, in Maras, we has the opportunity to taste the salt from the mines.
A Living Tradition in the Sacred Valley
The Maras Salt Mines date back to pre-Inca times, believed to have been developed by local communities long before the rise of the Inca Empire. The site consists of more than 3,000 salt evaporation ponds, each owned and maintained by local families who continue to harvest salt using centuries-old methods.
A natural underground saltwater spring flows from the mountains into the terraced pools. As the sun evaporates the water, pure white crystals form on the surface and are collected by hand. This sustainable, traditional process has remained unchanged for generations, making Maras a living example of ancient Andean ingenuity.
Visiting the Maras Salt Mines
Located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Cusco and just a short drive from the town of Urubamba, the Salineras de Maras can easily be visited as a day trip from Cusco or as part of a Sacred Valley tour that includes Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
As you approach, the view of the terraced salt pans glistening in the sunlight is unforgettable. The site sits in a dramatic mountain setting, with the Andes rising sharply in the background. Visitors can walk along designated viewing paths to take in the breathtaking scenery and learn about the salt-harvesting process.
What Makes Maras Salt Special
The salt produced here—known as “Sal de Maras”—is prized for its pinkish hue and rich mineral content. It’s often sold in local markets and exported around the world. You’ll find it packaged in all forms, from coarse grains for cooking to fine salts used in spa treatments.
Many visitors like to buy small bags of Maras salt as souvenirs or gifts—authentic, locally made, and supporting the families who maintain the mines.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Maras Salt Mines
- Getting There: From Cusco, you can hire a taxi, take a private tour, or join a group tour that includes Maras and Moray.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season) for clear skies and bright sunlight, perfect for photography.
- Entry Fee: Around 10 soles ($4.00) per person.
- Accessibility: Walking paths are uneven—wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen.
Experience the Beauty of Maras, Peru
The Maras Salt Mines in Peru are more than just a scenic stop—they’re a window into a centuries-old way of life that still thrives in the Andes. Blending natural beauty with cultural heritage, the Salineras de Maras capture the spirit of the Sacred Valley, where the past continues to shape the present.
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View towards the Maras Salt Mines from the Sacred Valley highway and rail line.
The dazzling white salt pools cascade down the mountainside
The site consists of more than 3,000 salt evaporation ponds
Sampling the salt produced here—known as “Sal de Maras” in Maras