The Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Salineras de Maras, are one of the most distinctive attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Located near the town of Maras in the Cusco region, this traditional salt-producing site consists of thousands of small evaporation ponds built along the slopes of the Qaqawiñay hill. The site has been used for salt production since pre-Hispanic times and continues to be managed by local communities today.
If you are planning to visit the Maras Salt Mines from Cusco, this guide covers their history, how the salt ponds work, how to get there, entrance fees, opening hours, the best time to visit, and practical tips for your trip.
What Are the Salineras de Maras?
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Salineras de Maras are a traditional salt-producing site made up of approximately 4,500 evaporation ponds built along the slopes of Qaqawiñay hill. A natural saltwater spring feeds the ponds through a network of channels, allowing the water to evaporate under the sun and leave salt crystals behind.
History and Pre-Inca Origins
The history of the Salineras de Maras dates back to times before the Inca Empire, when pre-Inca civilizations had already discovered a natural source of salty water flowing from the heart of the Qaqawiñay mountain.
This underground spring has been used for generations to obtain salt through a solar evaporation system.
When the Incas expanded their domain throughout the Sacred Valley in the 15th century, they adopted and improved the hydraulic system for distributing the salty water, channeling it meticulously into thousands of stepped ponds hand-built on the mountain slopes. Today, the site is still operated by local families who work collectively under an ancestral management system known as ayni (mutual cooperation), keeping alive a tradition that has been functioning for over 500 years.
Their history and traditional production system are documented in UNESCO’s account of the ancient salt-making tradition, offering a closer look at how this practice has evolved over time.
How the Salt Pond System Works
ThThe salt production process at Maras relies on natural evaporation. Saltwater from a spring is distributed through a network of channels into the shallow ponds, where it is left to evaporate for about three days. This process is repeated several times during the month, allowing layers of salt to gradually build up. Production is higher during the dry season, from May to October, when evaporation is faster and the salt generally develops its characteristic white or pink tones.
Once enough salt has crystallized, it is collected by hand in layers and taken for drying and classification. The process produces different commercial qualities, including kitchen salt, bulk salt, and industrial salt. Today, MARASAL also processes and markets the salt in different presentations, including fine and coarse pink salt for consumption.
Where Are They Located and How to Get There?
The Maras Salt Mines are located in the district of Maras, in Urubamba Province, about 50 km northeast of Cusco, at approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft) above sea level. From Cusco, you can reach the area by road via Chinchero and the Maras turnoff, where you can continue by local or private transportation to the salt mines.
Where Are the Maras Salt Mines and How to Get There?
The Maras Salt Mines are located in the district of Maras, in Urubamba Province, about 50 km northeast of Cusco, at approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft) above sea level. From Cusco, you can reach the area by road via Chinchero and the Maras turnoff, where you can continue by local or private transportation to the salt mines.
If you are planning to spend several days in Cusco, you can also include the Maras Salt Mines as part of a 4-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu itinerary, combining this visit with Moray, Chinchero and other highlights of the region.
| Way to get there | What to expect |
|---|---|
| By car or taxi | From Cusco, take the road toward Urubamba via Chinchero and continue to the Maras turnoff. From there, local or private transportation can take you to the salt mines. |
| By tour | A practical option if you want to visit Maras from Cusco and combine it with nearby attractions such as Moray. |
| Hiking from Maras | From the main square of Maras, the trail to the salt mines is about 4 km and takes approximately 1 hour downhill. |
| Hiking from Tarabamba | Another route starts at Tarabamba, passes through the community of Pichingoto, and takes about 1 hour to reach the salt mines. |
Hours, Entrance Fee, and Visit Duration
The Maras Salt Mines are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., according to the current MINCETUR tourism inventory. For admission, MARASAL currently lists S/25 for international visitors and S/15 for Peruvian nationals.
You can usually spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour at the salt mines, depending on how much time you want to take for photographs and to explore the viewing areas. If you are visiting as part of a tour that includes other attractions, allow additional time for transportation between sites.
Best Time to Visit the Maras Salt Mines
- The dry season, from May to October, is generally the best time to visit the Maras Salt Mines if you want better conditions for walking and a clearer view of the salt ponds. During these months, evaporation is faster and salt production is higher, so you are more likely to see the ponds with their characteristic white and pink tones.
- From November to April, rain can make the visit less predictable and slows down salt production. The ponds may also appear browner or more water-filled during this period. If you visit in the rainy season, check the weather conditions before setting out, especially if you plan to hike from Maras.
What to Bring and Recommendations
Before visiting the Maras Salt Mines, keep these practical recommendations in mind:
- Water and sunscreen: The sun can be strong at this altitude, so stay hydrated and protect your skin.
- Hat and sunglasses: Useful for the exposed areas around the salt ponds.
- Light layers and a jacket: Temperatures can change during the day, especially with wind.
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes: Some paths and viewing areas have uneven surfaces.
- Cash in Peruvian soles: Useful if you want to buy salt or other local products.
- Phone or camera with enough battery: You will find several viewpoints for photographs.
- Respect the salt ponds: Follow the marked paths and avoid stepping on or touching the ponds and salt unless permitted.
- Buy directly from local producers: If you want to take some Maras salt home, purchasing from local vendors is a simple way to support the communities involved in its production.
- Some cash, preferably in soles, the local currency (artisans sell salt and local products).
- Respect the signs and do not walk on the edges of the salt ponds.
- Support the local economy by buying handcrafted salt directly from the producers.
- Avoid touching the water or handling the salt without permission.
- If you have issues with altitude, take it slow and consider acclimating a day before in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maras Salt Mines
How far are the Maras Salt Mines from Cusco?
The Maras Salt Mines are approximately 50 km from Cusco.
How do you get from Cusco to the Maras Salt Mines?
You can go by car, taxi, or organized tour. From Maras town, you can also hike about 4 km downhill to the salt mines.
How much is the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines?
The current admission is S/25 for international visitors and S/15 for Peruvian nationals.
What are the opening hours of the Maras Salt Mines?
The current recorded visiting hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every day.
How long does it take to visit the Maras Salt Mines?
Allow approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for the visit.
What is the best time to visit the Maras Salt Mines?
The dry season, from May to October, is generally the best time, with less rain and higher salt production.
