About 6km (4 miles) down the main road toward Ollantaytambo (northwest of Urubamba) is the amazing sight of the Salineras de Maras-thousands of individual, ancient salt pans that from unique terraces in a hillside. The mines, small pools thickly coated with crystallized salt like dirty snow, have existed in the same spots since Inca days and are still operable. Families pass them down like deeds and continue the backbreaking and poorle remunerated tradition of salt extraction (crystallizing salt from subterranean spring water).
The famed terraced Inca salt pans of Salineras are still in use and also take advantage of a natural phenomenon: The Inca dug shallow pools into a sloped hillside. The pools filled with water, and upon evaporation salt crystallized and could be harvested. Maras is a striking salt extraction complex. The locals still remove salt from the pans in much the same way as they have for thousands of years. Neither site keeps opening hours or has an admission charge, but how to get to salinas de maras from cusco? They´re difficult to reach, and almost an impossibility during the rainy season. You can access it via a bridle path. The easiest way is by taxi or public transport from Chinchero to the village of Maras. You can also hike to Maras from Urubamba, which takes several hours. Ask locals for the best route. And yet another way is via horseback or mountain bike from either Cusco or Urubamba.
Location of the Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines are in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Cusco region, Peru. They are located about 50 kilometers northwest of the main city, in the Maras district, Urubamba province.
This amazing group of more than 3,000 salt pools stretches along a mountain slope, at a height of about 3,380 meters above sea level. From this place, you can enjoy wide views of the valley and the mountains around it, which makes the visit even more special.
To get to the salt mines, you need to take a turn off the main road that connects Urubamba with Cusco. From the town of Maras, you can get there by a road of about 4 kilometers, which you can travel by car or by walking.
The Maras Salt Mines are a unique tourist place because of their beauty and their historical importance. They have been used since before the Incas to take out salt by hand, a tradition that continues to this day.
How to get to Salinas de Maras from Cusco
Many tourist ask how to get to salinas de Maras from Cusco. Actually, is very easy, to get to the salt pans, take a taxi (USD$2) to a point near the village of Tarabamba; you can either have the taxi wait for you or hail a combi on the main road for your return. From there, it´s a lovely 4km (2 mile) walk under a huge sky and along a footpath next to the river. There are no signs; cross the footbridge and bend right along the far side if the river and up through the mountains toward the salt pans. As you begin the gentle climb up the mountain, stick to the right path to avoid the cliff-hugging and only incheswide trail that forks to the left.
Ways to Visit Maras
The Salt Mines of Maras are one of the most amazing places in the Sacred Valley. If you want to visit them from Cusco, it's important to know that there are two main ways to get there. The choice will depend on your travel style, budget, and how comfortable you want to be. Below, we explain these two options in detail:
Traveling by Car on Your Own
This option is better if you want to explore at your own speed, and going by car is a great choice. This will let you stop at different interesting places along the way and enjoy the scenery without time limits.
- Route and how to get there: From Cusco, you need to take the Cusco – Urubamba road (via Chinchero). Around kilometer 39, you will find a signposted turn-off towards the town of Maras. From this point, you will travel about 4 kilometers to reach the Salt Mines.
- Total distance from Cusco: Approximately 50 km.
- Travel time: Between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Road conditions: Most of the way is paved, but the last part to the salt mines is dirt and gravel, so it is recommended to drive carefully.
- Advantages: Flexibility in schedules and the possibility of stopping at other points of interest.
- Disadvantages: It can be more expensive if you don't have a car and have to rent one. Also, signs in some areas are limited.
Hiring a Travel Agency
If you prefer to avoid worries about plans and enjoy the visit without thinking about rides or the route, hiring a tour with a travel agency is the best choice.
Types of Tours Available
Travel agencies offer different kinds of tours to Maras. These tours can include just a visit to the salt mines or combine it with other old Inca places in the Sacred Valley. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Tour to Maras and Moray: This is the most popular choice and usually includes a visit to the round farming labs of Moray, plus the salt mines.
- Full Sacred Valley Tour: This includes Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and other old places in just one day.
- ATV Tour to Maras and Moray: For those who like adventure, some agencies offer tours on ATVs through the Andean views until you reach the main attractions.
Duration and Schedules
Tours to Maras usually last from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the plan. Most agencies offer trips in the morning and in the afternoon.
Services Included in the Tours
- Round trip transportation from Cusco in a small bus or van.
- A special tour guide who gives information about the history and how they get salt.
- Stops at other nearby places depending on the type of tour you choose.
Hiring a Travel Agency
- You don't have to worry about plans or finding the way.
- You will get detailed explanations about the history and how the salt mines work.
- They are usually cheaper than renting a car if you are traveling alone or as a couple.
- More safety and comfort in transportation.
Disadvantages of Hiring a Tour
- You have less freedom in schedules and stops.
- You travel in a group, so you can't decide how long you want to stay at each place.
Which Option to Choose?
If you like adventure and feel better going on your own, then traveling by car is a great way to enjoy Maras at your own pace. But, if you prefer comfort and a guided experience, a tour with a travel agency is the best choice, as it will allow you to learn more about the place without worries.
The Best Option: Tour to Maras and Moray
Even though there are different ways to visit the Salt Mines of Maras, one of the best ways is to take the tour of Maras and Moray. This tour will not only let you see the famous salt mines, but also the amazing round terraces of Moray, a special old place used by the Incas like a farm lab.
Why choose a tour to Maras and Moray?
This tour is great because you can use your time better, since both places are close. Also, you will learn more about the local history and culture from a guide, and you can enjoy the trip without worrying about how to get around. Plus, by seeing Maras Moray in one trip, you get a better view of the Sacred Valley. Some reasons why this option is the best include:
- Transportation included: You don't have to worry about renting a car or the way to go, because the tour companies give you a ride there and back from Cusco.
- Professional guide: An expert will tell you the history of the places, why they are important, and details you might miss if you visit on your own.
- Saves time: In just one trip, you can see two of the most interesting places in the Sacred Valley.
- Good for all travelers: It doesn't matter if you travel alone, as a couple, with family, or with friends, the tour is good for any kind of visitor.
What is the Tour to Maras and Moray Like?
- Leaving from Cusco: Most tours leave from the center of Cusco, usually from the Plaza de Armas or from the tourist's hotel. Departures are usually in the morning (8:00 - 9:00 a.m.) or in the afternoon (1:00 - 2:00 p.m.).
- Visit to Moray: The first stop of the tour is usually Moray, a group of circular terraces that the Incas used as a farming lab to try out different small weather areas.
- Tour of the town of Maras: Then, there is a short stop in the town of Maras, a colonial place with stone streets and houses with carved stone doorways. Some agencies include a visit to a local shop where you can try products made with the famous salt of Maras.
- Visit to the Salt Mines of Maras: After Moray, the tour continues to the Salt Mines of Maras, where more than 3,000 salt pools create an amazing view. This place is special because salt is still taken out in the traditional way, like the Incas and their descendants did.
- Return to Cusco: After the visit to Maras, the tour returns to Cusco, arriving approximately between 2:00 p.m. (on the morning tours) or 6:30 p.m. (on the afternoon tours).
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Entrance Cost to Maras and Moray
Maras Salt Mines
To enter the Maras Salt Mines, you don't need the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), so you pay for entrance separately.
Entrance Fee
- Price per person |10 soles (about 3 USD).
- Children under 5 years old | Free entrance.
- Payment method | Only cash (they don't take cards).
Visiting Hours for the Salt Mines of Maras
If you plan to visit the Salt Mines of Maras, it's very important to know the opening times to plan your trip better. To start, this place is open to the public every day of the week, including holidays. The hours are Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Moray agricultural terraces
On the other hand, to enter Moray, you need to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), because this archaeological site is part of the official tour route in the Sacred Valley.
Tourist Ticket Options
There are two types of tickets:
Partial Tourist Ticket
- Price: 70 soles (about 20 USD).
- Includes: Entrance to Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Chinchero.
- Valid for: 2 days in a row from the first time you use it.
General Tourist Ticket
- Price: 130 soles (about 35 USD).
- Includes: More than 15 archaeological sites and museums, including Moray, Saqsayhuamán, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, and others.
- Valid for: 10 days in a row.
Where to Buy the Ticket?
- At the office of the Tourist Services Committee (COSITUC) in Cusco.
- At the entrance of some archaeological sites.
- Through authorized tourism agencies.
Fun Facts About the Salt Mines of Maras
The Salt Mines of Maras are not just an amazing place for tourists, but also a place full of history, traditions, and interesting things that make them special in the world. Here are some interesting facts about this incredible place in the Sacred Valley.
- The salt mines of Maras have been working since before the Incas, but it was the Incas who made their system for taking out and sharing the salt better. The most surprising thing is that even though many years have passed, the process is still done by hand, without using modern machines.
- The area has about 3,000 pools, each one with an average size of 5 square meters. These pools belong to local families, who get the right to use them from their parents and grandparents.
- Unlike common salt, the salt from Maras is known for its pink color and for having a lot of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It is said that its taste is softer and not as strong as regular table salt, which makes it great for making food taste better.
- The water that fills the pools comes from a natural underground spring, full of salt and minerals. As the water flows through the channels and goes into the pools, it slowly dries up with the help of the sun, leaving salt crystals on the surface.
- Depending on the time of year and how much water is in the pools, the colors of the salt mines change between bright white, brown, and pink. During the dry season (April to November), the pools look more white and shiny, while in the rainy season (December to March), the salt mixes with dirt, giving it a darker color.
- Because of its good quality and healthy things in it, the salt from Maras is sent to different countries and is used in fancy restaurants all over the world. Even famous chefs like it for its special feel and taste.
- Even though the salt mines have been around for centuries, they have become more popular as a tourist place in recent years. Now it is one of the most visited spots in the Sacred Valley, bringing in travelers from all parts of the world.
- Even with more tourists, the local community still protects the salt mines as a living part of their history. Taking out salt is still a key job for the local economy, and the families who work there try hard to keep their traditions the same.
When to visit Salinas de Maras
The valley has increasingly taken on a dual personality, depending on the time of day, day of week, and month of the year. Every Cusco travel agency offers a day tour of the Sacred Valley, that include a visit to the Salineras de Maras. You can almost always sign up for one of these tours at the last minute-even early on the morning of the tour- especially if you´re here in the September-to-May off season.
For ATV Tour Maras Moray, the dry season (from March to October) is the most recommended for an adventure tour.
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Where to stay & eat
- Inka´s House. Located in Uurbamba has become buffet-kunch central -it´s the midday stopping point for the organized Sacred Valley day tours-but this second-floor restaurant on the main road in the center of town is the best of the bunch.
- Hospedaje Los Jardines. An extensive remodeling and refurbishing has given a much-appreciated spruce uop to a longtime budget favorite in the center of town. Five rooms populate a rambling house behind a wall on a quiet street. All have hardwood floors, tile baths, and attractive Venetian blinds. Lovely wood headboards and dressers and armoires fill each room in this entirely no-smoking property.
- Hotel San Agustín. The San Agustín, part of a small Peruvian hotel chain, is the quintessential two-in-one lodging. On the main road is a modern hacienda-style hotel with gleaming rooms, modern services, and all the comforts you coul desire. Up the hill is the converted Recoleta, a 16th-century Franciscan monastery with a cavernous dining room; guest rooms with hardwood floors, white walls, and Cusqueña paintings, and a bell tower with great views of the valley.
- Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa. A lovely addition to the Sacred Valley of the Inca, this hotel has bungalows surrounded by flower gardens. Nearby are the Perol Chico stables, where you can book trips through this beautiful valley on the stable´s famous Peruvian caballos de paso. The Viento-Sur Adventure Club at the hotel also offers paraglidingng, biking, and walking tours.
- La Casa de Barro. Chinchero now has lodging in the form a cute hotel in an odd location. The house of adobe, with its ochre walls and eucalyptus-wood roof merits consideration. Rooms have wood floors, bright spreads, drapes and throw rugs, and big windows with views of the valley. Some come with their own small balconies.
Other Tour Close to Salinas de Maras
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Lima to Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
- Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 day inca trail tour
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
