{"id":51435,"date":"2024-05-06T19:25:30","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T00:25:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/blog\/como-llegar-a-las-salineras-de-maras\/"},"modified":"2025-04-24T09:35:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T14:35:27","slug":"how-to-get-to-the-salineras-de-maras","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-get-to-the-salineras-de-maras\/","title":{"rendered":"Maras: a salt flat in the mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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<\/strong>. It\u2019s an abrupt, perhaps unexpected, and somewhat inexplicable break at first glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are those stepped terraces<\/strong> 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<\/a>, one of the most unusual and unique attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas<\/a> in Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, there are no cities or fortresses built with gigantic stones. Nor are there agricultural terraces ‘carved’ into the hillsides<\/strong> or pre-Hispanic roads leading to archaeological sites that reveal the grandeur of the Incas.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Maras, there is salt\u2014lots of salt from<\/strong> an underground spring rich in minerals. Its waters flow into thousands of pools or ‘pools’<\/strong> built on stepped terraces on the slope of the Qoripujio mountain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are over four thousand<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. They are not the first; the extraction of this mineral dates back to pre-Hispanic times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maras\u2019 pink salt is prized for its quality and purity. Its sale<\/a> is a crucial source of income<\/strong> for the local inhabitants, who you will see working diligently as you explore the terraces that break up the valley\u2019s landscape<\/strong>, creating a striking view that will leave you spellbound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where are the salt flats located?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To the north of Cusco and less than 50 kilometres from the ancient Inca capital, you\u2019ll find the salt flats of Maras<\/a> (in the Urubamba province). Their proximity makes it easy to access and explore the pools. Distance is no excuse<\/strong>. You simply must visit them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The origin of the salt<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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In the Andes, there is always a legend<\/a> 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<\/strong>. He was imprisoned in a cave by his brothers to prevent him from becoming one of the founders of Cusco.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The legend of the Ayar brothers recounts the genesis of Inca culture<\/strong>. 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\u2019s orders, but the group dwindled due to disagreements among them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the legendary origin of Maras<\/strong>. The scientific origin reveals that the fine pink salt comes from underground deposits<\/strong> formed by the evaporation of ancient seas and lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These salt deposits were pushed to the surface by geological processes<\/strong>, 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In pre-Hispanic times, terraces were built <\/strong>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<\/strong> seems to be eternal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properties of Maras Salt<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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One hundred per cent natural and with a high mineral content<\/strong>\u2014that\u2019s the ‘secret’ of Maras pink salt, which is highly valued in gastronomy<\/strong>, aromatherapy, and the food industry for its unparalleled quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, among other elements beneficial for bone health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to its lower sodium content<\/strong>\u2014less than that of common refined salt\u2014it is a good alternative for individuals with high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its smooth texture and slightly sweet <\/strong>taste, Maras salt is produced traditionally, without additives or chemical processing<\/strong>, making it a natural choice compared to similar products available in the markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get to the salt flats?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Visiting the salt terraces is neither an impossible mission <\/strong>nor an adventure reserved for seasoned explorers. Quite the opposite. From Cusco, it’s easy to reach the village and the Maras salt flats<\/strong> by public transport, taxi, or through a reliable and responsible tour operator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n