Maras Salt Mines

Throughout the destinations found in the Sacred Valley on classic tours, the Maras Salt Mines stand out a set of salt ponds offering one of the most breathtaking scenic landscapes you’ll encounter during your journey through Cusco. Discover more about this impressive place so you don’t miss any detail during your visit.

Contents

• What will I find in Maras?
• What are the Maras Salt Mines like?
• Where is Moras?
• Tours to the Maras Salt Mines
  • Maras and Moray Tour in the Sacred Valley (1/2 day)
  • VIP Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)
  • ATV Tour through Maras and Moray (1/2 day)
• Tips for Your Visit to Maras
• Frequently Asked Questions

What will I find in Maras?

Maras is a small town in the Sacred Valley. This location is home to one of Cusco’s top natural attractions, the Maras Salt Mines, a group of salt ponds that still operate in perfect production today. Also in the area, you’ll find the Circular Terraces of Moray. Both destinations provide an ideal tour within the town.

During our visit to Maras, we can see its impressive stone facades dating back to colonial times. Another highlight is the Tiobamba temple, with an impressive baroque structure that stands out for its excellent preservation and beauty.

In the town of Maras, you’ll also find options for adventure tourism, such as ATV rides, horseback tours, and immersive cultural experiences.

What are the Maras Salt Mines like?

The Maras Salt Mines are a natural resource made up of approximately 4,500 salt ponds. This group of ponds is arranged in stepped terraces on the lower slopes of the Qaqawiñay hill, with gentle inclines.

This place is one of the largest salt extraction centers, operating perfectly since pre-Inca times. During our visit, we can purchase natural pink salt, which is one of the healthiest types of salt available.

Where is Maras?

Maras is a town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, approximately 47 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The altitude of this place is 3,300 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the Valley.

During our walk through the salt mines, we’ll be able to observe each of the ponds from different levels to appreciate them from all angles. Even so, the route is short, so the visit doesn’t usually take much time, which is why it’s often recommended to visit it together with the circular terraces of Moray, located nearby.

Tours to the Maras Salt Mines

A visit to the Maras Salt Mines is a must on any tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, so here are the best options available to explore this incredible natural destination, which will add even more beauty to your journey:

• Maras and Moray Tour in the Sacred Valley (1/2 day)

  This is the ideal tour to explore the Maras Salt Mines, and it also allows you to visit the incredible circular terraces of Moray and the archaeological park of Chinchero. This adventure through iconic locations in the Sacred Valley begins around 8:30 AM. The first stop will be Chinchero, followed by Maras, and finally the Moray terraces. The half-day tour ends at approximately 2:30 PM in the city of Cusco.

• VIP Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)

  The second recommended option is the VIP tour of the Sacred Valley, a much more complete experience. This tour includes other must-see destinations: the archaeological fortress of Ollantaytambo and the archaeological complex of Pisac, along with the previously mentioned sites like the Chinchero archaeological park, the Maras Salt Mines, and the Moray Circular Terraces. This full-day tour includes a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba. The journey starts at 6:40 AM and ends around 6:00 PM.

• ATV Tour through Maras and Moray (1/2 day)

  This is the adventure option through the Sacred Valley, allowing you to experience breathtaking landscapes on a completely safe tour. The experience begins at 8:00 AM in Cusco, from where we’ll head to the town of Cruz Pata. There, we’ll hop on the ATVs and ride toward the Maras Salt Mines, touring and exploring the site. We’ll also visit the Moray circular terraces on this well-rounded trip. Afterward, we’ll return to Cruz Pata by ATV and then head back to Cusco, arriving around 2:00 PM.

Tips for Your Visit to Maras

If you’re planning to travel to Maras to see its incredible salt ponds, here are a series of tips that will help enrich your travel experience throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover them here:

• The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the best places to acclimatize during your first days in Cusco. Thanks to its altitude of approximately 2,900 meters above sea level, you’ll find a mild climate, ideal for resting.
• Buy the natural and healthy Maras salt—not only as a souvenir but also for its culinary use, which makes it one of the best things to purchase during your visit.
• Take a break from your Cusco trip amid the landscapes offered by the Maras Salt Mines, where you can capture an unforgettable postcard-style photo.
• If you visit the Maras Salt Mines during the dry season (April to October), you’ll find clearer, sunnier weather, but also a larger number of tourists.
• During the rainy season (November to March), Maras has a higher chance of rain, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the site with fewer crowds.
• Visit the circular terraces of Moray while touring Maras to enjoy a more diverse and enriching travel experience.
• Explore each level of the salt ponds in Maras carefully to not miss any detail and enjoy every unforgettable angle.
• Moray is open every day of the year from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• If you want to visit the Maras Salt Mines without a tour, you’ll need to purchase a single-entry ticket for foreigners and Peruvians. It costs 10 soles and can be bought at the entrance.
• Remember, you can plan a custom tour through the Sacred Valley and decide your own route—consult with our advisors to learn about all the available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What are the Maras Salt Mines?

  The Maras Salt Mines are a group of approximately 4,500 natural salt ponds that have been operating since pre-Inca times.

• 2. Where are the Maras Salt Mines?

  They are located in the district of Maras, within the Sacred Valley, about 47 km from the city of Cusco. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• 3. What can I find in the town of Maras?

  Maras is a colonial-era town that, in addition to the Salt Mines, is known for the Tiobamba Temple and the circular terraces of Moray.

• 4. How can I visit the Maras Salt Mines?

  You can visit the Salt Mines through organized tours or independently. There are various options such as the Maras-Moray tour (half-day), the VIP Sacred Valley tour (full-day), and the ATV tour.

• 5. What is the best time to visit the Maras Salt Mines?

  The dry season, from April to October, is ideal for visiting due to clear weather and good visibility. However, this is also when it is most crowded.

• 6. What other places can I visit near Maras?

  Near Maras, you can visit the circular terraces of Moray, and you can also include the archaeological complex of Chinchero, as well as the towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, in your route.

• 7. Is it possible to visit Maras without a tour?

  Yes, you can get there on your own using private or shared transportation. Entry to the Salt Mines must be paid at the entrance. A guide is not required, but having one can greatly enhance your experience, especially if you want to understand the ancestral salt extraction process.

• 8. What are the opening hours of the Maras Salt Mines?

  The Salt Mines are open to the public every day of the year, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• 9. Can I visit the Salt Mines with children?

  Yes, it’s a safe place to visit with children, as long as they are under continuous supervision.

• 10. Can I visit Moray and Maras on the same day?

  Yes, both locations are very close to each other, so it’s common to visit them on the same day.