Maras salt mines in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Location of Maras Salt Mines:

Maras Salt Mines: Maras is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 40 kilometers north of Cusco in Peru.

The most outstanding attractions in the town of Maras is the Salt Mines, which its origin dates back to the Early Horizon period, having been reused during all prehispanic times and with more intensity in the Inca, Colonial, Republican and Contemporary periods.

There are more than 3000 small pools, each owned by individual families. Every three days during the dry season, people will fill their pools up with saltwater that flows from a natural spring. Once the water evaporates, the salt gradually solidifies.

These amazing constructions continue to provide the country and beyond with its pink salt which has been recommended by experts as a healthy option to flavor meals due to its curative properties.

Maras town

How is the Pink Salt produced?

Sir Paulino Sinchi Roca, Salt Mines in Maras settler and worker, explained how the pink salt is produced. The highly salty water comes from a spring underground. The flow from the springs is directed into a system of channels that runs into the salt ponds.

Once a pond is full of this hot salty spring water, the water channel is blocked; over the next few days, the sun evaporates the water, leaving crystals of pure salt that are scraped up. The water channel to the pond is reopened, and so the process continues.

The salt extraction is done in layers, obtaining different commercial qualities:

Firstly is known as kitchen salt that is intended for domestic use
Secondly of lower quality, is called bulk salt for domestic use, too.
Thirdly is called industrial salt, this serves exclusively for agriculture, the livestock and the industrial use.

Salt Mines: Pink salt

Maras Pink Salt Properties:

Many experts recommend the pink salt of Maras for people who suffer from hypertension because it has low levels of sodium. Maras salt also contains calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium, making it a perfect medicinal option for skin conditions and to treat swelling. It is also appreciated for its medicinal properties, such as the prevention of hypertension, kidney stones and osteoporosis.

Here are some other health benefits of this mineral powerhouse:

It helps stabilize and regulate heartbeats, thanks to its magnesium and sodium content.
Its sodium is essential for proper muscular function.
Good quality salt helps minimize the effects of stress by maintaining proper melatonin, serotonin, and tryptamine levels in the brain.
These salts help remove cellular acidity, especially in the brain and kidneys.
Maras salts prevent osteoporosis.
The salt provides a buffer for blood sugar levels to help prevent diabetes or to help those who are diabetic use less insulin.
It provides iodine in a natural setting, making it easier for your thyroid to absorb it and to regulate the endocrine system.

Note: It’s important you flavor your meals with Maras salt after you’re done the cooking since it loses its medicinal properties in temperatures higher than 40 degrees Celsius.

Pink salt good for your health

How to get to Maras town:

There are a few ways to get to these salt mines. It’s located about 4km from the town of Urubamba (located in the Sacred Valley), and a 45-60 minute drive from Cusco.

If you’re starting in Cusco and want to take local transportation, then head to Colectivo station in Cusco. Colectivos are shared minivans and are the main way people get around. You board your “bus” and when it is full, it will depart. While the point of origin and destination are fixed, you can sometimes ask the driver to let you off in between.

Find the Colectivo bound for Urubamba, and ask the driver to let you off at Maras at “Ramal de Maras” to be precise. From there, you can get a taxi to take you the rest of the way.

If you’re starting in Urubamba, it is easiest to just take a taxi direct to Maras Peru salt mines.

How to get to the Salt Mines:

The mines aren’t as close as you might think given its namesake town; it will be about a 15-minute drive from Maras.

If you are going on your own, you have two options:

Walk. It will take you about 2 hours.
Or Take a taxi once you are in “Ramal de Maras”. It will cost around 15 Peruvian Soles per person and will take to the Salt Mines straight.

Note: Once in the salt mines, you have to pay 10 soles. It is the entrance fee.

However, Inkayni Peru Tours gives you a third option. You will visit 3 important places in The Sacred Valley joining our Maras – Moray – Chinchero Tour. We are pretty sure you will go with the last option. Check this link to find more about our tour.

Our Maras – Moray – Chinchero Tour will take you to lush vegetation and picturesque colonial towns.

Discover with us this loving and charming historic side of Cusco.

Duration of the Tour:

6 to 7 hours.

More than 3000 pools

What can you see on your way the Salt Mines?

Since the valley is mainly agricultural, you will see:

The finest corn in Peru. The area also produces varieties of potatoes, cereals, etc, as well as a variety of decorative plants.
Domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, donkeys, and horses.

Visiting hours:

You can visit the Salt Mines from 6:00 to 18:00

Important:

We recommend booking at least 2 or 3 days in advance. To do so, visit our website: Inkayni Peru tours.
Don’t forget to carry your personal documents with you all the time.
Take some cash with you and
Bring your camera.