Used since before the Incan period, Salinas de Maras represents a patchwork of shallow geometric salt pools that cascade down the slopes of a canyon. These saltpans--still harvested by the local people using traditional methods--are feed by a natural spring. Geologists believe that salt-water spring originates from the halite deposits left from the ocean that covered the area some 110 million years ago. The salt owes its soft pink hue to the traces of various minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and silicon. Put Salinas de Maras on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Maras trip planner.
Create an itinerary including Salinas de Maras
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Salinas de Maras reviews
-
It is an interesting visit, and surprising at the same time, this salt mine is more than 1,000 years old, and here salt was extracted long before the Incas did. This salt works is the main source of..... more »
-
On our second day on the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", we visited the "Complejo Arqueológico de Chinchero" and headed, right after it, to the "Salinas de Maras", at nearly 40 kms North of Cusco. The..... more »
-
Build a trip
Tell us where and when you
want to go, we will build
the best sightseeing itinerary -
Refine it
You have complete flexibility on your destinations and itinerary -
Book as a package
Use our travel agents to get
package savings and hassle free booking -
Enjoy your trip!
Enjoy our 24x7
on-trip assistance
Popular things to do in Maras
Side trips from Maras
Trips to Salinas de Maras by other users
31 days in Peru
BY A USER FROM LITHUANIA
Lima
Huascaran National Park
Trujillo
60 days in United States, South America, Africa, South Pacific, Asia & Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
New York City
Cusco
Cape Town
22 days in Peru
BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE
Lima
Arequipa
Puno
7 days in Peru
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Cusco
Machu Picchu
Maras
15 days in Cusco
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Museo Inka
Sacsayhuaman
Cusco Cathedral
15 days in Peru
BY A USER FROM MEXICO
Lima
Arequipa
Puno