Add a review about the salt mines of Salinas de Maras

Travelers who are going to explore the South American continent and got to Peru can not be ignored by the small town of Maras, lying on the territory of the once powerful Inca civilization. Its main attraction, for which it is worthwhile to go here, is the Salinas de Maras - salt mines, the view from which from the top of the hill is something so unearthly that forever leaves a vivid and indelible impression.

Maras was founded during the seizure Spanish colonists. And even then the wise and observant Incas noticed that in the rising water, a very high level of minerals, which evaporate, turn into salt. The Incas designed and built an amazing system of canals and water wells that fed water from a nearby hot spring of Koripuhio. The hot and dry climate of these places quickly leads to evaporation of water, which leaves behind only the salt settling on the walls of the wells.

There were times when Maras provided salt to a huge part of South America. And nowadays salt extraction in Salinas de Maras continues - local salt is known and popular all over the world.

Salt from the walls of the wells is collected now and sorted manually. At the very top, first-class white salt is formed, which is more expensive than other species, and below is the cheapest salt. Many salt reservoirs belong to the same family for generations, inheriting. One salt pool produces about 150 kg of salt a month, but the collection of it is a very difficult and laborious work, because Salinas de Maras consists of more than 3 thousand salt terraces

Inki designed and built an amazing system of canals and wells, They fed on water from the hot spring of Koripuhio, rich in minerals. The hot and dry climate of these places quickly leads to evaporation of the water, which leaves only salt behind.
If desired, every tourist who comes here on a tour can try to participate in the salt extraction process and make sure that this work is not easy.

Salt Maras are not only famous for salt: they attract travelers with their fantastic appearance . One height they seem like honeycombs, others see a marble tile that paved the terraces . The local landscape depends on the season: in winter Ezon basins are like swamps in the form of various geometric forms, but in the summer everything here covers the salt of white, coffee and brown shades, for which various minerals meet. . They make Salinas de Maras similar to an amazing and beautiful veil made of thousands of unique pieces , or a mosaic lined with multicolored figures .

Salt Mines Maras

The history of salt mines Maras has acquired the most bizarre myths and legends. Many even believe that the salt terraces were used by the local population, the ancient "Kachi" community, long before the Incas, a millennium ago.

How to get there

Getting to the salt mines of Maras is most convenient from the city of Cuzco, where you can book a standard excursion and go on a sightseeing bus, or take a taxi. You can also take a taxi from Urubamba and get to the village of Tarambamba, from where you already walk 4 km. Those who have done this way say that an hour's walk under the endless sky along the river is worth the effort.

It is important to remember that there are no signposts anywhere except natural landmarks. After you cross the pedestrian bridge and turn right along the river, you need to go up to the mountains to the salt terraces. Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bicycle and, with a group and a guide, drive through the Valley.