Find out the cheapest and easiest way to discover Salineras de Maras or Salineras Salt Mines from Cusco, Pissac, Ollantaytambo y Urubamba.
How to get to the start of the hike? From Cusco? From Pissac? From Ollantaytambo? From Urubamba?
How much does it cost to visit Salineras salt mines in autonomy?
How to leave your backpack in a safe place when hiking The Salineras Salt Mines?
Best places to stay next to Salineras Salt Mines for small and large budgets?
Best places to eat next to Salineras Salt Mines for small and large budgets?
The story behind the Salineras Salt Mines. Where does the salt come from?
The Salineras Salt Mines were the center of the Inca Empire but where does the salt come from?
Geologists believe that millions of years ago, an ocean covered much of central Peru. During the Andean orogeny, the ongoing mountain-building event that started in early Jurasic - 200-145 mya, age of the reptiles, these ocean waters were trapped inland, and through evaporation, formed halite deposits that are now the source of the hypersaline spring water. There was also volcanic activity in this area. The volcano(es) erupted and earthquakes happened to result in different salt layers covered by sediments and volcanic rock. Open your eyes and you will be able to see different layers of salt and sediment on the entire Maras territory.
The Salineras Salt Mines deserve a guide because it was the most important center of the Inca Empire, responsible for augmenting the life experience from 20 to 35 years. There are no records of the origins of the exploitation of salt in Maras since the inhabitants of the region did not have a formal written language (including the Incas.) But, it is safe to say that the existence of the salt ponds dates back 2,000 or 3,000 years or earlier. Scientists believe that the salt extraction pools existed since pre-Inca times and that the Incas continued to exploit this precious resource. For the Incas, salt happened to be of great commercial value, and people came from all parts of the empire to exchange products and acquire the much-prized salt. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, 600 years ago, there were no supermarkets or money. The barter system was used to exchange goods. If you want to learn more, ask us when you come to visit us at the ranch, or book a hike with our professional and passionate guide!
How to get to the start of the hike? From Cusco? From Pissac? From Ollantaytambo? From Urubamba?
The Salineras Salt Mines are located above the Pinchingoto community next to Urubamba. It is easy to get there if you know the way. The path is clear until reaching the Salineras Salt Mines. If you feel like visiting the Salineras Salt Mines in autonomy, we recommend starting from the Pinchingoto community and then hiking uphill for 20 minutes until reaching the Ancient Inca Trading Center.
How to get to Salineras Salt Mines from Cusco?
If you are staying in Cusco, you first need to get a collectivo or private taxi until Urubamba. From 6 am to 8 pm, you can hop on a bus or shared taxi at this address: F2FC+JQ6, Miguel Grau, Cusco 08007, Peru. We recommend taking a shared taxi rather than a big bus because it may cost 4 soles less but the drive is much longer. The ride is 1h45 long and costs between 6 and 10 soles (equivalent to $1.5 to $2.5). If you wish to take a private taxi (see our prices as a reference) it will last 1h30. On the way, you can ask to stop at the Hyapo Laguna, a beautiful lake with views of snowy mountains. If you chose the collectivo option, you will arrive at Urubamba Bus Terminal. From there you have 2 options.
You can take another collectivo in the direction of Ollantaytambo and ask to stop at Pinchingotto it will cost you 1.5 soles - $0.4. You will then have to walk 10 minutes across the Pinchingoto community and its adobe-made houses until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. The path from the beginning of the road is very well indicated.
You can take a moto-taxi from Urubamba, they look like tiny cars and they cost you 6 soles - $1.5 until the entrance of Pinchingoto or 10 soles - $2.5 until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. If you want the moto taxi to leave you at the bottom of Salineras Salt Mines you have to explain that the moto-taxi can cross the Pinchingoto blue bridge.
How to get to Salineras de Maras from Pissac ?
If you are staying in Pissac, you first need to get a collectivo or private taxi until Urubamba (see our prices as a reference). From 6 am to 8 pm you can hop on a bus from the main road in Pissac. People will tell you where to stand to wait for the collectivo. You have to hover with your hand for the collectivo to stop and it will cost you around 4.5 soles - $1.15. The drive is 45 minutes long and you will arrive at Urubamba Bus Terminal. From there you have 2 options.
You can take another collectivo in the direction of Ollantaytambo and ask to stop at Pinchingotto it will cost you 1.5 soles - $0.4. You will then have to walk 10 minutes across the Pinchingoto community and its adobe-made houses until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. The path from the beginning of the road is very well indicated.
You can take a moto-taxi, they look like tiny cars and they cost you 6 soles - $1.5 until the entrance of Pinchingoto or 10 soles - $2.5 until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. If you want the moto taxi to leave you at the bottom of Salineras Salt Mines you have to explain that the moto taxi can cross the Pinchingoto blue bridge.
How to get to Salineras de Maras from Ollantaytambo?
If you are staying in Ollantaytambo, you first need to get a collectivo or private taxi until Urubamba (see our prices as a reference). From 6am to 8pm you can hop on a bus from the main square/plaza in Ollantaytambo. People will tell you where to stand to wait for the collectivo. It will cost you around 3 soles - $0.75. The drive is 25 minutes long and you need to ask the driver to stop you at Pinchingoto community. From there, you will have to walk 10 minutes across the Pinchingoto community and its adobe-made houses until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. The path from the beginning of the road is very well indicated.
How to get to Salineras de Maras from Urubamba ?
If you are staying in Urubamba you have 2 options.
You can take a collectivo in the direction of Ollantaytambo and ask to stop at Pinchingotto it will cost you 1.5 soles - $0.4. You will then have to walk 10 minutes across the Pinchingoto community and its adobe-made houses until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. The path from the beginning of the road is very well indicated.
You can take a moto taxi, they look like tiny cars and they cost you 6 soles - $1.5 until the entrance of Pinchingoto or 10 soles - $2.5 until the beginning of the hike to Salineras de Maras. If you want the moto taxi to leave you at the bottom of Salineras Salt Mines you have to explain that the moto taxi can cross the Pinchingoto blue bridge.
How much does it cost to visit Salineras salt mines in autonomy?
Salineras Salt Mines are accessible only if you pay a small fee of 10 soles - US$ 2.5. It is the only cost that you can expect apart from transportation.
Total you should expect to spend if you only take collectivos:
From Cusco: 20.5 soles - US$ 5
From Pissac: 16 soles - US$ 4
From Ollantaytambo: 13 soles - US$ 3
From Urubamba: 11.5 soles - US$ 3
The total you should expect to spend if you decide to take moto-taxi:
From Cusco: 26 to 30 soles - US$ 6.5 to US$ 7.5
From Urubamba: 16 to 20 soles - US$ 4 to US$ 5
From Pissac: 20.5 to 24.5 soles - US$ 5 to US$ 6
Check our taxi prices to see how much it would cost to take a private taxi to our ranch - equivalent to the bottom of Salineras Salt Mines.
How long does it take to hike to the Salineras Salt Mines?
The distance to Salineras Salt Mines from the end of the Pinchingoto community is 1.93 km - 1.3 miles and it takes about 30 minutes to get there. You can then come down via the same path until Pinchingoto. This hike is easy and safe for families but the altitude minimum is 2.848 meters above sea level, equivalent to 1,76 miles above sea level. This is why we recommend you to acclimate to high altitudes before hiking anywhere in the Sacred Valley.
Our Wikiloc from Salineras Ranch to Salineras Salt Mines.
Is it safe to hike to Salineras salt mines?
Hiking in autonomy to Salineras Salt Mines is completely safe. It is the perfect hike to do with your family but you must take into consideration the altitude. You must rest for some days so that your body can adapt to the altitude. Don't hesitate to stay with us with your family or ask us to camp in our beautiful space.
If you like to hear stories and want to know more about the scientific or historical reasons behind the Salt Mines of Salineras, you may want to book a Salineras Family Hike with us. Don't hesitate to reach out for more information.
Can I visit Salineras Salt Mines horseriding?
As we always say here: the best views are from the saddles. Here at Salineras Ranch, our horses are mountain horses and they are used to walking uphill. You can if you want ask us to visit the Salineras Salt Mines on the back of our horses. You will also get a professional guide to explain to you everything you must know about the history and geology behind this beautiful salt trading center. After this ride, you are welcome to take a shower in our ranch, have lunch or dinner in our restaurant and even stay with us at night, in a cabana or in a tent.
How to leave your backpack in a safe place when hiking The Salineras Salt Mines?
If you are planning to hike to Salineras Salt Mines you may prefer to leave your large backpack in a safe place and only take the essentials. We recommend for this hike to bring:
- 1L of water
- a hat, solar cream
- sunglasses
- your camera
- jacket in case of rain
If you book any activity with us (campfire, workshop, lunch...) after your hike, you can leave your backpack for free and take a warm shower to feel fresh after your hike. Don't hesitate to contact us via our contact form to ask to leave your backpack at our ranch.
Best places to stay next to Salineras Salt Mines for small and large budgets?
$$$- Salineras Ranch Cabins
Feel free to spend some time to acclimate before or after your hike to Salineras at our ranch. You will be able to embrace the peace of Sacred Valley, spend some time with our horses that are wandering freely in the ranch, and maybe discover Peruvian culture with our workshops.
$ - Salineras Ranch Camping
We have a beautiful place where you can camp safely with your tent. If you wish to watch the Milky Way like a real backpacker we can rent you a tent but you should bring your own sleeping duvet. You will have access to a warm shower and a private bathroom. What about playing guitar around a campfire, eating burgers, and observing the stars?
Best places to eat next to Salienras Salt Mines for small and large budgets?
$$$ - Salineras Ranch Restaurant
Our Restaurant is open if you want to experience a 4-course menu that will introduce you to the best Peruvian Cuisine. We use local and organic ingredients and food is prepared on demand so you should book in advance to give us the time to prepare it for you!
$$ - Salineras Ranch Daily Menu
Salineras Ranch Daily Light Menu is the best and cheapest way to discover our lifestyle. We are artisans and we want to offer you the best Peruvian food and coffee of the Sacred Valley.
$ - Urubamba's street stores
We recommend you wander around Urubamba's street. You will see Peruvian women serving plates of food for 7 soles. It is the best way to discover authentic Peruvian food for very cheap.
Best activities to do next to Salineras Salt Mines for small and large budgets?
The Sacred Valley is full of activities for you and your family. You can go on hikes, you can horse ride, and even mountain bike. If you feel like relaxing you can also take cooking lessons or discover an Inca Heritage Ceremony called Pago a La Tierra.
Discover all the activities we offer at Salineras Ranch.
