Maras Salt Mines

Discover the fascinating Maras Salt Mines in Cusco and the Maras Salt, also known as pink salt or Andean salt, originates from the Maras salt mines in the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. It is harvested using traditional methods that date back to the ancient Inca civilization. Maras salt is appreciated for its delicate flavor, unique pink color and mineral-rich composition. It is often used in gourmet cooking and is considered a special salt in the culinary world.

Located in the Community of Maras, located on a slope of the Qaqawiñay mountain in the middle of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, “a small town 40 km from Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines are one of the most incredible places in the Andean South America, scene of pre-Hispanic economic activity that has supported generations of people from native cultures, including the Incas and currently taking advantage of their own community.

History of the Maras Salt Mines
The Salineras de Maras date back to pre-Inca times. They are also the largest pre-Hispanic Salt Mines in Peru. Historians know little about who exactly created the mines and when. However, archaeologists have found evidence of civilizations in Maras since about 700 BC. Of course, when the Incas came to power, they oversaw the area’s salt production.

However, surprisingly the Spanish conquistadors never took over local salt production. Even after the Conquest, the locals continued to maintain the salt ponds of Maras. In fact, since its creation, salt extraction has never stopped in Maras.

To this day, only locals of the communities of Maras and Pichingoto control the salt mines. Individual ponds belong to families living in these communities. They are then passed down from generation to generation. Also, when someone marries into the community, a new pond is created for the new couple.

Maras Salt Water in the Andes

Maras Salt Water You might be wondering how large amounts of salt deposits ended up in the middle of the Andes Mountains. Though the salt pans themselves are man-made, the water that is channeled through them comes from a subterranean natural spring, which is mixed with salt deposits from prehistoric salt lakes.

Over millions of years, tectonic plate movement has buried the deposits deep beneath the mountains: the salt is accessible from an underground water flow of brine⁠ a mixture of salt and water⁠, that bubbles up in a natural spring near the small town of Maras.

Types of Peruvian Maras Salt

Peruvian Maras Salt Maras salt, or maras salt, comes in three varieties: pink, white and brown. When the evaporation process is complete, the salt appears in these three layers.

First Layer is Peruvian pink salt.- It is salt of the highest quality and intended for use in gourmet cooking. As the name suggests, it comes in a light pink shade. Its richness in minerals from the local stream gives it a tasty flavor.
The second layer is white salt.- This so-called “bulk salt” is also intended for use in the kitchen. It is also rich in minerals, but its flavor is not as distinctive as pink salt.
The third and final layer is brown salt.- This type is used exclusively for agricultural and industrial use. During the rainy season, from November to April, most of the salt produced is brown salt.

The Process of Maras Salt

Process of Maras Salt Since pre-Inca, salt has been obtained in “Maras” by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream. The highly salty water emerges at a spring which is a natural outlet of the underground stream. The flow is then directed into an intricate system of tiny channels. Maras salt, also known as Peruvian pink salt, is produced through a traditional and labor-intensive process that dates back to the Inca civilization. Below is an outline simplifying the process as much as possible.

Natural Saltwater Springs: The process begins with the emergence of natural saltwater springs located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Maras. These springs contain a high concentration of salt due to the minerals present in the surrounding mountains.
Diversion of Spring Water: The saltwater from these springs is carefully diverted into a network of tiny channels constructed from stone and clay. These “cochas” channels lead the water downhill to the salt ponds.
Evaporation in Salt Ponds: The diverted salt water flows into a series of terraced ponds constructed on the mountainside. These ponds, known as “salineras,” are shallow and made of compacted clay. As the saltwater evaporates under the intense Andean sun, it leaves behind crystallized salt on the pond’s surface.
Harvesting Process: Local salt workers, known as “salineros,” carefully monitor the evaporation process. Once the salt has crystallized sufficiently, they manually rake the salt crystals from the surface of the ponds. This process is typically carried out using traditional tools such as wooden rakes.
Collection and Packaging: The harvested salt crystals are then collected and stored for further drying. Once dried, the salt is sorted, cleaned, and packaged for distribution. Maras salt is known for its delicate flavor, unique pink color, and mineral-rich composition, making it a prized ingredient in gourmet cooking and culinary applications.

Maras Salt Mines Tours

Classic Maras and Moray Tour
Because of their proximity, it’s easy to combine a visit to Maras with the Moray Inca terraces. After pick-up at your Cusco hotel (or Sacred Valley) head to the Maras salt pans. Look at the patchwork of wells as your guide explains their history and function. Afterward, head to Moray. The Incas once used these intriguing concentric terraces for agricultural experiments. After your visit, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.

A private Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo Tour is included in all of our Machu Picchu specials!

Hiking to Maras
There are a few local hiking trails that lead to Maras (and also onwards to Moray). The best starting point is from Urubamba, less than ten miles (15 kilometers) away. It is possible to hike there without a guide. In fact, you can ask your hotel reception or concierge for directions to the site. However, for extra assurance that you won’t get lost, you can hire a guide to go with you.
Maras Mountain Biking
The same hiking trails can also be explored by bike. Some Sacred Valley hotels offer mountain bikes for rent that you can then take to Maras. Otherwise, you can book a mountain biking tour with professional guides and equipment. There is also a mountain biking trail that connects Maras and Moray. It’s a pretty steep and rocky downhill so make sure you are wearing protective gear!
Maras Horseback Riding
Saddle up and explore the Sacred Valley landscape on horseback. Most tours will take you to both Maras and Moray. The bridle path to Maras is fairly steep so remember to lean forward in your saddle. A horseback riding tour is a fun way to visit Salineras de Maras and the Moray ruins.

Legend of the Maras Salt Mines

There is a legend that says that the salt spring that flows from the Mountain is the tears of Ayar Kachi according to Inca mythology, who was one of the 4 Ayar brothers who founded the great Inca Empire.

The God Wiraqocha made the 4 brothers come out of a cave to found a great empire; Ayar Kachi threw a stone at the Mountain and his brothers, fearful of his strength and power, tricked him into entering the cave, preventing him from being the founder of the empire. The tears of Ayar Kachi created the beautiful salt mine that covers the mountainside, creating the Maras Salt Mines.

Conclusion
It is an excellent trip for the whole family visiting the Sacred Valley in Cusco, as you will be able to walk through the salt ponds and explore the mines. It’s also a great way to show younger travelers how salt is produced and teach them that salt mines have been around for centuries.