Salt terraces of Maras

Since pre-Inca times, salt has been obtained in Maras by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream. Salinas de Maras was the largest supplier of salt in all of South America. Now salt extraction continues for local markets, although the place has become quite a touristik.

Technology has not changed for hundreds of years and that is why this place is so interesting. Water flows out of the mountain to the specially created channels.


Along the slopes were created the baths, which belong to local residents. By opening and closing the special valves, they fill the bath with water when needed. All baths are numbered.








Within a month, the water gradually evaporates and the salt remains.


Different color of the surface shows a different time.


Then salt is collected in bags. That's the business.




Getting there: Use taxi or your own car. If you travel by buses, then take bus Cusco - Urubamba and get out in Chinchero. See the local sights and then find a taxi to Salinas de Maras. You can also combine this trip with the visit to Moray ($20-25).