Salt Mine of Maras

Mine · Urubamba

Salt Mine of Maras

Mine · Urubamba

2

MRWW+G8W, Urubamba 08655, Peru

Photos

Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by Photo by Kusi Seminario
Salt Mine of Maras by Photo by Kusi Seminario
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null
Salt Mine of Maras by null

Highlights

Ancient salt pans still harvested by families; buy unique salts.  

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MRWW+G8W, Urubamba 08655, Peru Get directions

saldemaras.pe

Information

Static Map

MRWW+G8W, Urubamba 08655, Peru Get directions

+51 984 940 670
saldemaras.pe
saldemaras

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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@afar

"Maras Salt Flats The stunning landscape of Salineras de Maras features salt pans that are still used exactly as they were at the time of the Incas. As you make your way through the region, you’ll see people doing the backbreaking work of harvesting salt on small family plots. The reward? The salt gathered here is some of the best in the world. Water, naturally salt-infused,flows down fromthe mountains and settles in the pans. As the water evaporates, salt remains, to be extracted with simple tools. Stop at a store orone of the many small-scale vendors selling the “fruit” of this labor in its pure form or mixed with herbs for use in cooking, bathing, or chocolate bars."

Wood grain pattern
The Best Things to Do in Peru
View Postcard for Salineras de Maras
@afar

"Maras Salt Flats The stunning landscape of Salineras de Maras features salt pans that are still used exactly as they were at the time of the Incas. As you make your way through the region, you’ll see people doing the backbreaking work of harvesting salt on small family plots. The reward? The salt gathered here is some of the best in the world. Water, naturally salt-infused,flows down fromthe mountains and settles in the pans. As the water evaporates, salt remains, to be extracted with simple tools. Stop at a store orone of the many small-scale vendors selling the “fruit” of this labor in its pure form or mixed with herbs for use in cooking, bathing, or chocolate bars."

The Perfect Weekend in Cusco
View Postcard for Salineras de Maras

rachel fiskus

Google
The Salt Mines of Maras were absolutely stunning! I visited them during a mountain bike tour that also included the Moray ruins, and it was such a cool experience. I had never seen salt mines before, and I was amazed by how beautiful they were thousands of white salt pools stacked along the mountainside, glistening in the sunlight. Riding through the Sacred Valley, passing small villages, and then suddenly seeing this landscape open up was breathtaking. It’s such a unique spot and one of the most memorable stops of my Peru trip!

Purba Dutta

Google
The Salt Mines of Maras, located near Cusco, are a striking and unique sight. Thousands of small, terraced salt ponds cascade down the hillside, creating a geometric pattern that shimmers under the sun. These salt pans have been in use since pre-Incan times, and local families still harvest salt here using traditional methods. Visiting Maras offers a glimpse into centuries-old techniques and a chance to appreciate the region’s ingenuity in utilizing natural resources. The site is easy to reach from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, making it a convenient stop on a day trip. Photography is a highlight here—the contrast of the white salt against reddish-brown hills is stunning. Ideal for travelers interested in cultural heritage, photography, and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Our Worldschooling Family

Google
This is incredible to see. One of our favourite things we experienced in Cusco. If possible aim to arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the mountain of tourists on tours!! It’s still worth seeing but it was incredibly full about 11. We loved watching the workers harvesting salt by hand. It cost 20 soles per adult and free for under 10s.

Exploring With Ivo

Google
The salt mines of Maras are located about 50 km. northwest of Cusco.🚗Salt has been mined here since pre-Inca times. 🙆 How do salt lakes work? ⚖️ Salt water from deep within the earth rises from a spring and is carried through a network of narrow channels that fill each pond. When a pond is full, the water is cut off and the sun's heat evaporates the water, thus exposing the salt. This process is repeated for a month before the salt is removed and sold.💰 Salt usually has three layers - the top layer is the highest quality. It is usually pink or white and is sold as table salt. The middle layer is white and is sold as food salt, although the quality is not as good. Typically, the brown third layer is sold as industrial salt. There are more than 3000 pools of various sizes here.😯 They are owned by several hundred local families, whose cooperation is essential for the production of salt. 🧂 🧂 🧂 🧂 🧂 You just have to come and see them for yourself.👀 👍

Myat Naing

Google
Incredible piece of land with rich history. This was part of our sacred valley tour and was blown away by the views. There isn’t much to do except appreciate the land itself but there are lots of shops that sells what they have harvested such as chocolate and various salt. A must visit.

Geoffrey Bishop

Google
Incredible views and history! The Maras salt pools are stunning, and it’s amazing to see this Inca tradition still alive. There are thousands cascading down the side of the mountain. A must-visit near Cusco.

Johan Björefeldt

Google
Almost four thousand shallow salt pools clustered on the mountainside. The pools are fed by a salt water spring coming from the mountain, and are maintained by the locals of Maras. It's an amazing sight, both beautiful and interesting, and the different varieties of salt produced are actually delicious. The standard route is to walk down to a platform just above the upper salt pools, where you can see most of the mine. It's really quite striking, and makes for some great photos. There's also plenty of opportunity to buy souvenirs or salt products. This site is NOT part of the Bileto Turistico, and costs 20 soles to enter. And of course you'll have to arrange transport. It seems to me a guide is not necessarily needed, beyond the basics of what the site is. It speak for itself.

Christodoulos Konstantinidis

Google
Really unique experience . Our guide was very very well informed and gave us lots of information of the history of this place. Is a very rare place due to its soil and altitude. After the tour we had the opportunity to buy local good as salt in different flavours , cacao chocolate , coffee and teas.