The salt mines of Maras are located at 3,000 meters above sea level and approximately 1 hour and a half from the city of Cusco. Located on the hillside, the salt mines, in the form of terraces or platforms, are filled by subway water that flows down the ravine. The origin of the source of the water is still a mystery.
How to visit Las Salineras de Maras with an English-Speaking guide ?
A short walk up the hill behind Salineras Ranch is the stunning Salineras de Maras (Salt mines of Maras), for which our ranch is named. These mines are ancient and quite unlike any usual "mine", for they are terraces of pools of highly salinated water perched above the canyon. It is still uncertain where exactly the salt comes from, but the salinated 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 take you along the path from Pinchingoto (30-45 minute walk) to get a birds eye view of the sprawling pools. 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 wholesome lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Profits of the workshop go back to the local salt pool owners, making the whole experience more rewarding.
Our offer to visit Las Salineras de Maras
Price: $15 USD per person (discounts for groups of 4 or more)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Package includes:
Ticket for Salineras de Maras
English-speaking guide
Some photos that will convince you !
