Price for the hike
$15
Duration for the hike
2 - 2.5 hrs.
Level of the hike
Beginner - Intermediate
Starting time for the hike
Morning or early afternoon
Price with mountain bike
N/A - Only hike
Duration with mountain bike
N/A - Only hike
Level with mountain bike
N/A - Only hike
Starting Time with mountain bike
N/A - Only hike
Description
A short walk up the hill behind Salineras Ranch is the stunning Salineras de Maras (Salt mines of Maras), after which we named our ranch. These mines are ancient and quite unlike any usual mine, for they are terraces of pools of highly saline water perched above the canyon.
It is still uncertain where exactly the salt comes from, but the saline water bubbles out from a spring and workers divert the water into the pools to dry in the sun. Once the water has evaporated the remaining salt can be dug up, completing a process that has been going on since pre-Incan times.
Salineras is a truly impressive sight, and you will get to see it from a unique perspective as we will take you along the path from Pinchingoto (30-45 minute walk) to get a birds eye view of the sprawling pools. Then, we will take a walk around the pools and learn about the harvesting process, and you will have an opportunity to buy some of the famous salt. Its unprocessed taste is quite unlike anything you can buy, and the premium top layer of sun bleached pink salt is one of the secrets that make Peruvian cuisine so delectable. Finally, we will return to the ranch to enjoy a local fruit juice.
Profits of the hide go back to the local salt pool owners, making the whole experience more rewarding.
Altitude
Salineras Ranch: 2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,924 feet
Salineras Mines: 2,970 m.a.s.l. / 9,745 feet
Distance
3 km - 1.8 miles
Group size
Minimum 2 - Maximum 10
Options
For a better experience, we recommend adding lunch or dinner.
- Daily Menu: lunch OR dinner – add $25 per person (special promotion)
- 4-Course Meal: lunch OR dinner – add $60 per person (special promotion )
Sweet Break: Chocolate or banana cake served with ice cream, Peruvian fruit, and coffee or tea – add $13 per person (special promotion).
Sandwich: Cheese, avocado, or chicken sandwich on sourdough bread, with side salad from our organic garden – add $15 per person (special promotion).
This hike can also be combined with any of the horseback rides and workshops we offer at the Ranch for a full-day experience: Chocolate Workshop, Coffee Workshop, Chicha Workshop and/or Adobe Workshop.
Included
Ticket for Salineras de Maras
English-speaking guide
Not included
Gratuities for the guide
What to bring
Sunblock and Sunglasses
Long-sleeved shirt, preferably in light color (for sun protection)
Wide-brimmed hat or sun shield ball cap
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Rain jacket and a mid-layer fleece
Pants suitable for exercise
