In a valley where the fields are lush and the mountains stand out against the blue sky, there exists a place that disrupts this dreamlike landscape. It’s an abrupt, perhaps unexpected, and somewhat inexplicable break at first glance.
What are those stepped terraces and those flooded pools? What are those men doing with shovels and sacks? These are the questions you’ll ask yourself upon arriving at the salt flats of Maras, one of the most unusual and unique attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco.
Here, there are no cities or fortresses built with gigantic stones. Nor are there agricultural terraces ‘carved’ into the hillsides or pre-Hispanic roads leading to archaeological sites that reveal the grandeur of the Incas.
In Maras, there is salt—lots of salt from an underground spring rich in minerals. Its waters flow into thousands of pools or ‘pools’ built on stepped terraces on the slope of the Qoripujio mountain.
There are over four thousand of these pools, each with a different size and shape. In this ‘swarm’ of pools, the local people collect large amounts of salt by hand. They are not the first; the extraction of this mineral dates back to pre-Hispanic times.
Maras’ pink salt is prized for its quality and purity. Its sale is a crucial source of income for the local inhabitants, who you will see working diligently as you explore the terraces that break up the valley’s landscape, creating a striking view that will leave you spellbound.
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Where are the salt flats located?
To the north of Cusco and less than 50 kilometres from the ancient Inca capital, you’ll find the salt flats of Maras (in the Urubamba province). Their proximity makes it easy to access and explore the pools. Distance is no excuse. You simply must visit them!
The origin of the salt
In the Andes, there is always a legend explaining the origin of things. Regarding Maras, it is said that the salty waters of the spring are the tears of rage and helplessness from Ayar Cachi. He was imprisoned in a cave by his brothers to prevent him from becoming one of the founders of Cusco.
The legend of the Ayar brothers recounts the genesis of Inca culture. It tells of four brothers and their wives who were tasked with founding an empire. They set out together to fulfil their father the Sun’s orders, but the group dwindled due to disagreements among them.
This is the legendary origin of Maras. The scientific origin reveals that the fine pink salt comes from underground deposits formed by the evaporation of ancient seas and lakes.
These salt deposits were pushed to the surface by geological processes, along with the existing springs in the area. When you add the dry, sunny climate of the valley to these factors, you get the ideal conditions for the crystallisation of salt.
In pre-Hispanic times, terraces were built on the nearby mountain slopes to harness the salty water from the springs. These have endured to this day, as the sorrow of Ayar Cachi seems to be eternal.
Properties of Maras Salt
One hundred per cent natural and with a high mineral content—that’s the ‘secret’ of Maras pink salt, which is highly valued in gastronomy, aromatherapy, and the food industry for its unparalleled quality.
In terms of its composition, the salt extracted from the pools of Maras, a practice that dates back to ancient times, contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, among other elements beneficial for bone health.
Due to its lower sodium content—less than that of common refined salt—it is a good alternative for individuals with high blood pressure.
With its smooth texture and slightly sweet taste, Maras salt is produced traditionally, without additives or chemical processing, making it a natural choice compared to similar products available in the markets.
How do I get to the salt flats?
Visiting the salt terraces is neither an impossible mission nor an adventure reserved for seasoned explorers. Quite the opposite. From Cusco, it’s easy to reach the village and the Maras salt flats by public transport, taxi, or through a reliable and responsible tour operator.
- By Public Transport: Head to Pavitos Street to catch the buses to Urubamba via the Chinchero route. Note that there are no direct services from Cusco to Maras. Get off at the Maras junction and take a taxi or mototaxi to the Maras salt flats. Travel time: Cusco to Maras junction, 1 hour 15 minutes (10 soles per person); Maras junction to Maras salt flats, 30 minutes (7 to 12 soles per person). Keep in mind that Maras town and the salt flats are separate places, with a distance of 5 km between them.
- By Taxi: For greater comfort and convenience, hire a private vehicle (taxi). Agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey, and if needed, ask them to wait or pick you up. Be aware that this option will be significantly more expensive than public transport, costing between 120 and 150 soles (one way).
- By Tour: In Cusco, there are numerous travel agencies offering group or private tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including Maras and other key destinations. This is an excellent choice if you prefer a complete, safe, and well-organised experience.
How much is the entrance fee?
When planning your excursion, keep in mind that Maras is not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The entrance fee to the salt flats is differentiated: 20 soles for foreign tourists and 15 soles for Peruvian visitors.
The fees are set by Marasal, a private company made up of the Maras Ayllu and Pichingoto communities. The profits from salt sales and tourism activities are shared among 633 families.
Before you go, note the visiting hours: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 to 17:00.
Nearby attractions
Adventure trails
If you enjoy walking, make the most of your visit by exploring the enticing rural trails near the salt pools. As you stroll, you’ll be accompanied by the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Visit Moray
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, head towards Moray, the impressive terraced agricultural site shaped like spirals or an amphitheatre, where the Incas conducted agricultural research. You can visit this attraction with the Cusco Tourist Ticket (the cost varies depending on the type of ticket purchased and whether the traveller is Peruvian or foreign).
Visit Chinchero
On your way back to Cusco, make a tourist stop in Chinchero to visit its colonial church, built atop the palace of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui. Explore the local market, where you can learn about textile arts and have the opportunity to purchase an extraordinary range of handcrafted goods.
Travel tips
- The weather in Cusco can be unpredictable and sometimes even treacherous. Always bring warm clothing, a raincoat, and sunscreen.
- In high-altitude areas, staying hydrated is crucial. Make sure to carry a good supply of water, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking.
- Protect your feet with comfortable and durable footwear. Hiking shoes or boots are preferred as they provide better stability.
- Respect the natural environment and local cultural practices. Avoid littering, follow local guidelines, and minimise your environmental impact.
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