Terraced salt evaporation ponds at the Maras Salt Mines in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Maras Salt mines tour

tour: how to visit cusco’s ancient salt terraces

The Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Salineras de Maras, are one of the most unique and visually striking sites in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Located an hour and change by car from Cusco, Maras is where thousands of salt pools cascade down a hillside, creating a patchwork of ponds in white, gold, and earthy tones. A Maras Salt Mines tour offers travelers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making it a popular addition to any Cusco itinerary. Whether you’re visiting as a half-day trip or combining it with nearby attractions like Moray (recommended, as they are only twenty minutes apart), this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to plan your visit.

By Laurel ThompsonMay 07, 2026

What Are the Maras Salt Mines?

The Maras Salt Mines are a vast network of over 3,000 small salt evaporation ponds carved into a mountainside in the Sacred Valley. These terraces have been used since pre-Inca times. They are thought to have been in continuous use for 2,000 years and are still actively harvested today by local families.

Each pool is individually owned and maintained, having been passed down through generations. The result is a living cultural landscape where traditional techniques remain central to daily life.

Fed by a natural underground saltwater spring, the ponds fill with mineral-rich water that evaporates under the Andean sun, leaving behind crystallized salt. This process creates the distinctive “checker box” appearance that draws photographers and travelers from around the world.

The pinkish salt is a healthful gourmet item used by chefs worldwide. The salt is sold onsite and in nearby tiendas and comes in several varieties of flavors and degrees of fineness. The primary product is Maras Pink Salt, an unrefined salt that derives its hue from the minerals in the spring water. Other types include Flor de Sal, the first premium crystals formed on the pond’s surface; Coarse Grilling Salt, Fine Table Salt, and Spiced Salts, which are enhanced with herbs, fruits, and/or spices.

Close-up view of the Maras Salt Mines terraces overlooking the Sacred Valley landscape — Salt-covered terraces stretch along the hillside at the Maras Salt Mines, with the surrounding Andean valleys visible in the distance.

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Why Take a Maras Salt Mines Tour

While it’s technically possible to visit independently, a guided Maras Salt Mines tour offers valuable context that enhances the experience. Guides explain the historical origins of the site, the cultural significance of salt production, and the intricate system that keeps the terraces functioning to this day.

Tours also simplify logistics. The salt mines are located in a rural area with limited public transportation, so organized excursions typically include transportation, entrance coordination, and stops at other nearby attractions.

Many travelers choose to combine the Maras Salt Mines with Moray’s spiraling agricultural terraces or include them as part of a Sacred Valley day tour. This makes for a well-rounded experience that highlights both Inca engineering and local traditions.

How the Maras Salt Mines Work

The operation of the Maras Salt Mines is a prime example of Andean foundational knowledge of cooperation with natural processes. Saltwater flows from a subterranean spring into a network of channels that distribute it evenly across the terraces.

Once a pond is filled, the water is left to evaporate naturally. Over several days, the sun and wind cause salt crystals to form on the surface. Workers then collect the salt by hand, repeating the process throughout the dry season.

The color of the ponds changes depending on moisture levels and mineral concentration, ranging from bright white to golden brown. This constant variation gives the site its dynamic and photogenic character.

The Maras Salt Ponds and Traditional Culture

The operation of the salt ponds exemplifies the ancient principle of reciprocity practiced by Andean communities. The owners who inherited the salt wells generationally have established agreements to share a portion of the salt with those who have few or none, thereby enabling all to have a share in their upkeep and in the salt produced from the ponds.

This demonstration of the sacred principle of ayni, in which ayllus, or cooperative groups, take turns exchanging labor and helping one another, is an example of Andean social practices that have been in place for millennia; practices that promote human connection, mutual aid, and sharing.

Local worker harvesting salt by hand at the Maras Salt Mines in Peru’s Sacred Valley — A local worker maintains one of the salt ponds at the Maras Salt Mines, where traditional harvesting practices continue today. Photograph by Diego del Río

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What to Expect on a Maras Salt Mines Tour

A typical Maras Salt Mines tour lasts between half a day and a full day, depending on whether it’s combined with other destinations. Most tours depart from Cusco and include transportation through the scenic Sacred Valley.

Visitors can expect panoramic viewpoints overlooking the terraces rather than direct access to walk among all the ponds, as many areas are restricted to protect the site and ensure safe working conditions for local families.

You’ll also find small stalls selling locally harvested salt products, including pink salt, bath salts, and souvenirs. Purchasing these items supports the communities that maintain the terraces.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera; the views are unforgettable.

Visitors overlooking the Maras Salt Mines terraces in Peru’s Sacred Valley — Travelers observe the extensive salt terraces of Maras from a panoramic viewpoint in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. Photograph by Enrique Dibós

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How to Get to the Maras Salt Mines

The Maras Salt Ponds are situated in the Sacred Valley, around 25 miles (40 km) northwest of the city of Cusco.

Map location (Cusco Valley):

Map showing the route between Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and the Pichingoto caves in the Sacred Valley — Illustrated route map connecting Moray, Maras village, the Maras salt ponds, and the Pichingoto caves in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

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There are several ways to reach the site:

Guided tour: The easiest and most common option
Private transport: Hire a taxi or driver for flexibility
By bus + taxi: Take a colectivo (a van or minivan that caters to fare-paying passengers) to Maras, then a short taxi ride to the salt mines

Due to limited signage and transportation options, most visitors prefer a guided experience.

Maras Salt Mines Tour Options

There are several types of Maras Salt Mines tours to suit different travel styles:

Half-Day Tours

Perfect for travelers short on time, these tours typically visit the salt mines and sometimes include a quick stop at Moray, an agricultural site with terraces that spiral downward into the earth. These terraces create microclimates to nurture plants with different temperature requirements, as temperatures vary depending on the depth at which each terrace is situated. Moray is considered one of the oldest experimental agricultural labs on earth!

Full-Day Sacred Valley Tours

A full-day tour combines the Maras Salt Mines with other highlights such as Moray, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo.

Chinchero, “birthplace of the rainbow,” consists of several weaving communities that practice the ancient art of backstrap weaving. A visit here familiarizes you with how vibrantly colorful weavings are created from plant and insect dyes and natural fibers. One can view the weaving process, from collecting the fiber to washing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving on the loom.

Ollantaytambo is the site of one of the few Inca victories over the Spanish Conquistadors, in 1537. The fortress where this battle was won consists of seventeen terraced levels. A climb to the top affords a panoramic view of the town below. Ollantaytambo is also where one catches the train to Machu Picchu.

Adventure Tours

Some tours incorporate biking, running, hiking, or ATV rides through the Sacred Valley, offering a more active way to reach the site.

Private Tours

Ideal for those seeking a personalized experience with flexible timing and a dedicated guide.

Trail runners passing near the Maras Salt Mines in Peru’s Sacred Valley — Runners follow a dirt trail overlooking the Maras Salt Mines, an area often included in active adventure tours through the Sacred Valley. Photograph by Diego del Río

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Best Time to Take a Maras Salt Mines Tour

Dry season (from May through September) is the ideal time to explore the Maras Salt Mines. During these months, the ponds are actively evaporating, creating the shimmering white and golden hues that make the site so visually impressive.

In the rainy season (November to March), the ponds may be filled with water, resulting in more muted colors and less active salt harvesting.

Morning visits are generally recommended for better lighting and fewer crowds.

Wide view of the Maras Salt Mines terraces during the dry season in Peru’s Sacred Valley — The Maras Salt Mines extend across the hillside under dry-season conditions, when salt evaporation is most active in the Sacred Valley. Photograph by Gary Sandy Wales

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Tips for Visiting the Maras Salt Mines

Bring cash for entrance fees and local purchases.
Wear sun protection—there is little shade on-site.
Respect restricted areas and local workers.
Visit early in the day for the best views and lighting.
Combine your visit with Moray for a richer cultural experience.

A Maras Salt Mines tour offers more than just beautiful views; it provides insight into a centuries-old tradition that continues to sustain local communities today. Whether you’re interested in photography, culture, or simply exploring beyond the classic Cusco highlights, the salt terraces of Maras are well worth adding to your Peru itinerary. Reach out to us for help with a tour to the Maras Salt Mines and other amazing destinations around Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco?

The easiest way is by joining a guided tour, which includes transportation and often combines multiple Sacred Valley sites. Independent travelers can take a colectivo to Maras and then hire a taxi to the salt mines.

Are the Maras Salt Mines worth visiting?

Yes—this is one of the most unique cultural landscapes in Peru. The combination of ancient techniques, community involvement, and striking scenery makes it a standout destination in the Sacred Valley.

Can you walk inside the salt mines?

Access is limited to preserve the site and protect local workers. Most visitors explore from designated viewpoints, though some areas may allow closer access depending on current regulations.