{"id":9283,"date":"2026-07-20T20:44:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T01:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/?post_type=cusco&p=9283"},"modified":"2026-07-20T21:54:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T02:54:58","slug":"maras-salt-mines","status":"publish","type":"cusco","link":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/","title":{"rendered":"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Maras Salt Ponds<\/strong> are a group of thousands of small pools where salt is produced through the natural evaporation of saltwater. They sit in a ravine near the town of Maras, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Their terraced arrangement along the hillside creates an unusual landscape, made up of ponds of different shades and sizes. Production follows traditional techniques that families from the Maras community have passed down across generations.<\/p>

The visit lets you observe a water-use system that remains active. More than a photo spot, the salt ponds are a place of community work where the flow, the channels, and the pools require constant maintenance. The look of the site changes with the season, the amount of water, and how far the evaporation has progressed.<\/p>

History of the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

The history of the Maras Salt Ponds is tied to the long-term use of a spring with a high salt concentration. The available evidence indicates that the use of this resource predates the Inca period and that salt played a practical role in food, in preserving products, and in exchange among the region’s populations.<\/p>

There are also local accounts about the origin of the salty water and the ponds. These stories are part of Maras’s memory, but they should be distinguished from the historical and archaeological information that can be verified through studies and documented sources.<\/p>

Origin of the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h3>

Salt extraction in this area dates back to times before the Inca Empire. The presence of the salt spring and the location of the ravine allowed different populations to make use of the resource through pools built on the natural slope.<\/p>

There is no single, fully verified date for when all of the current pools began. The system has been adapted, repaired, and expanded over time, so its present appearance is the result of an ongoing process of collective work rather than a structure built at one single moment.<\/p>

\"The
The presence of the salt spring and the location of the ravine<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The salt ponds during the Inca era<\/h3>

During the Tahuantinsuyo, salt was a necessary product for daily consumption and for preserving food. Its value did not depend on cooking alone: it made it possible to store meat, fish, and other products that had to be transported or kept for longer periods.<\/p>

Exchange routes connected areas with different resources, and salt was part of that flow. The salt ponds near Maras offered a valuable resource for the surrounding populations and for exchanges with other parts of what is now Cusco.<\/p>

The Maras Salt Ponds today<\/h3>

The pools continue to be worked by families from the Maras community. Each unit requires controlling the arrival of water, removing sediment when necessary, and harvesting the salt after the crystals form.<\/p>

Production activity coexists with tourism. For that reason, traveler access is organized through authorized routes and sectors, in order to avoid damage to the walls, the channels, and the areas that remain in use.<\/p>

\"Maras
Maras today<\/figcaption><\/figure>

How do the Maras salt pools work?<\/h2>

The Maras salt pools work through a simple process, though it requires constant care: saltwater from a spring is directed into small pools, and the sun evaporates the liquid until salt crystals are left behind. The slope of the ravine lets the water flow by gravity.<\/p>

The outcome depends on factors such as the intensity of the sun, rainfall, the flow of the spring, and how each pool is managed. When it rains often, evaporation decreases and production can slow down.<\/p>

Where the salty water comes from<\/h3>

The water comes from a natural spring located in the upper part of the ravine. Before it surfaces, it passes through geological formations that add minerals and salts, so it reaches the surface with a high salt concentration.<\/p>

The exact geological origin of that salinity is part of the studies on the area, but for the operation of the salt ponds the key factor is controlling the flow. The water must arrive at a steady rate to feed the pools without overflowing them or altering the dividing walls.<\/p>

Water distribution through channels<\/h3>

From the spring, the water is carried through small channels toward the different terraces. These conduits distribute the flow among the pools and take advantage of the natural incline of the terrain so the water moves without the need for pumps.<\/p>

Filling is controlled by hand. Workers open, close, or adjust the water passages according to the state of each pool, a task that requires knowing how the flow behaves and the production conditions of each day.<\/p>

Evaporation and crystallization of the salt<\/h3>

Once the pool is full, the water stays exposed to the heat and the wind. As the water evaporates, the salt concentration rises until crystals begin to form on the bottom and the edges of the pool.<\/p>

The appearance of the surface changes during this process. Some pools look wet and dark when they have just received water; others take on lighter tones when crystallization is more advanced and the salt layer covers a larger part of the bottom.<\/p>

Extraction and gathering of the salt<\/h3>

When the salt layer reaches the right thickness, workers remove it with hand tools. The salt is gathered carefully so as not to damage the bottom of the pool or the edges that hold the water.<\/p>

After gathering, the pool can be filled again to start another cycle. During favorable periods, this process can be repeated several times, though the frequency depends on the weather and the particular state of each pool.<\/p>

\"Extraction
Extraction and gathering of the salt<\/figcaption><\/figure>

What are the Maras salt pools like?<\/h2>

The Maras pools are small, irregularly shaped ponds distributed across different levels on the hillside. They are separated by low walls made mostly of mud and stone, materials that help hold the water and guide its path.<\/p>

From the authorized trails you can see an extensive network of compartments that follows the contour of the ravine. This adaptation to the terrain is one of the features that sets the salt ponds apart from other salt-production systems.<\/p>

Construction of the pools<\/h3>

The pools were adapted to the natural shape of the mountain. Instead of fully leveling the hillside, work surfaces were created at different heights to make it easier for water to arrive from the upper channels.<\/p>

The walls require periodic repairs, especially after heavy rains or when the water alters small parts of the edges. Keeping them in good condition is necessary to prevent leaks between pools and to maintain control of each one.<\/p>

The landscape formed by the pools<\/h3>

The colors of the Maras Salt Ponds range from white to brown, beige, and pink. These changes are related to the amount of water, the stage of evaporation, the minerals present, and the light the ravine receives throughout the day.<\/p>

In the dry season, many pools show lighter surfaces because of the salt buildup. In rainy periods, water can cover more pools and the earthy tones become more prominent. For that reason, photographs of the site can look very different depending on the visit date.<\/p>

\"Salt
Salt process pools<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Traditional salt production in Maras<\/h2>

Salt production in Maras is artisanal and is organized around the management of the family pools. The work includes channeling the water, watching the evaporation, tending the walls, and gathering the salt at the right moment.<\/p>

Not all the pools are in the same phase at the same time. While some are being filled, others are evaporating or ready for harvest. This variety helps you understand that the complex works as a network of small production units.<\/p>

The work of the Maras families<\/h3>

Many pools are managed and worked by families from the Maras community. The use of these spaces remains tied to family and communal relationships, with specific responsibilities for the care and use of each pool.<\/p>

Knowledge about managing the water and gathering the salt is passed down across generations. This continuity makes it possible to preserve practices suited to the conditions of the ravine, without relying on industrial processes for the basic production.<\/p>

Salt production season<\/h3>

Production depends directly on weather conditions. The dry season tends to favor faster evaporation, because there is more sun and less rain to dilute the saltwater collected in the pools.<\/p>

During the rainy season, the process can slow down and the look of the pools changes. If your main interest is seeing pools with more crystallization, it is worth checking recent conditions before planning the visit.<\/p>

Types of salt obtained<\/h3>

Maras salt can be sold in different presentations, such as coarse salt, fine or ground salt, and pink salt, depending on its selection and later processing. You can also find products intended for culinary use and others for non-food purposes.<\/p>

The color can vary because of the natural presence of minerals and the degree of refinement of the product. When buying salt, check the labeling, the origin, and the use recommended by the producer, especially if you are looking for a food-grade presentation.<\/p>

\"Families
Families at work<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Historical and cultural importance of the salt ponds<\/h2>

The Maras Salt Ponds represent a continuity of local practices for making use of a natural resource available in the ravine. The system combines knowledge of the terrain, control of the water, and organization among families who keep the pools active.<\/p>

Their cultural value is also tied to the persistence of an economic activity connected to the place. Responsible visiting helps ensure that tourism does not interfere with the daily work or with the preservation of the channels and walls.<\/p>

Salt in the Andean economy<\/h3>

Salt was used for daily consumption and for preserving food. In areas where products had to be stored or moved, having salt made it possible to extend their use and reduce losses.<\/p>

It also served as a good for exchange among communities from different regions. Territories with access to salt could trade it for agricultural products, fibers, meats, or other resources that were not available in their immediate surroundings.<\/p>

Traditional knowledge of the community<\/h3>

Managing the channels requires knowing when to divert the water, how long to keep a pool full, and how to prevent leaks. These decisions are adjusted to the slope, the flow, and the changes in the weather.<\/p>

The gathering techniques also aim to protect the structure of each pool. The care built up over generations allows the pools to keep producing and lets the system keep working with simple tools.<\/p>

\"Salt
Salt in the Andean economy<\/figcaption><\/figure>

What to see during a visit to the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

During a visit you can observe the terraced pools, the channels that carry the saltwater, and the relief of the ravine. At some points along the route you can see the relationship between the production terraces and the spring that feeds the system.<\/p>

The visit should be done from the designated paths. Access to work areas can vary depending on production, safety, and the conservation measures in effect at the complex.<\/p>

Viewpoints over the salt pools<\/h3>

The authorized viewpoints and trails let you take in the extent of the pools and their distribution across the hillside. From there it is easier to understand how the channels connect the upper areas with the pools located at lower levels.<\/p>

Respect the barriers, the signs, and the restricted areas. Getting close to the edges or crossing walls to take a photo can affect production, damage the structures, and create risks for other visitors.<\/p>

Artisanal production process<\/h3>

Depending on the season and the time of day, you may be able to observe some stages of the artisanal work. You might find pools being filled, surfaces where the water is evaporating, or workers removing salt that has already crystallized.<\/p>

There is no guarantee of seeing a specific phase on any given visit, because the work responds to the weather and the families’ planning. If you want to understand the process better, watch from the permitted areas and avoid interrupting those who are working.<\/p>

\"Maras
Maras viewpoint<\/figcaption><\/figure>

How to visit the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

The Maras Salt Ponds can be visited from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo by organized tour, private transport, taxi, or a combination of public transport and local service. The choice depends on your budget, the time you have available, and whether you want to combine the visit with Moray.<\/p>

From Cusco, the visit usually requires several hours between transfers and the walk itself. From Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, the distance is shorter, though it is still a good idea to arrange your return transport before reaching the area.<\/p>

Visiting the salt ponds with an organized tour<\/h3>

Many tours combine the Maras Salt Ponds with the archaeological site of Moray and, in some cases, with Chinchero. This option simplifies transport, avoids having to negotiate several trips separately, and lets you see the sites along a planned route.<\/p>

Before booking, confirm whether the price includes admission, guide, pickup, return to Cusco, and visiting time at each stop. If you need to arrange a private route or combine Maras with other Sacred Valley activities, Incredible Peru Tours can help you organize the logistics according to your itinerary.<\/p>

Visiting the salt ponds on your own<\/h3>

On your own, you can first reach the town of Maras and from there continue by taxi or local transport toward the salt ponds. Another option is to hire a private vehicle from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo to make the trip with more flexibility.<\/p>

This option can be convenient if you are traveling in a group, but it requires arranging the trip there and back in advance. A common mistake is arriving without confirmed return transport, especially when the number of local taxis is limited.<\/p>

\"Maras
Maras visit with a travel agency<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Admission and hours for the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

Admission to the Maras Salt Ponds is paid separately and is normally not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The fee, opening hours, payment methods, and access conditions can change, so they should be verified through official sources or with the local administration before publishing or traveling.<\/p>

As a practical note, bring cash in soles and ask whether other payment methods are accepted on the day of your visit. It is not wise to assume that admission included in a tour covers every payment: always check the services detailed in your booking.<\/p>

Are the Maras Salt Ponds included in the Tourist Ticket?<\/h3>

No. The Maras Salt Ponds usually have a separate admission and are not part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Because of this, you should factor in this additional payment when calculating the total cost of the excursion.<\/p>

Access conditions can change based on decisions by the community or the site’s administration. Confirm the current information before setting out, especially if you are visiting on your own or traveling during high season.<\/p>

Recommended time to visit the salt ponds<\/h3>

The early morning hours usually have fewer visitors and offer good conditions for touring the viewpoints more calmly. The soft light can also help you appreciate the color differences between the pools.<\/p>

Avoid arriving too late if you depend on local transport to return. Factor in travel time, possible rain, and the length of your stops if you plan to combine the visit with Moray or other nearby places.<\/p>

Best time to visit the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

The dry season tends to be the most favorable for observing the evaporation process and finding trails with less mud. The sunnier days help the water evaporate more quickly, so some pools may show more visible salt layers.<\/p>

During the rainy season the landscape is also interesting, but the pools can look wetter and the paths may have mud or slippery surfaces. Wear footwear with good soles and check the condition of the route if you plan to travel on your own.<\/p>

Tips for visiting the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

Before visiting the Maras Salt Ponds, try to acclimate to the altitude of Cusco if you have just arrived in the region. Although the visit does not require a long hike, the altitude, the sun, and moving along uneven paths can feel more demanding than expected.<\/p>

Bring sun protection, a hat, water, layered clothing, and comfortable footwear with firm soles. The weather can change during the day, and mornings or afternoons can be cool even when it is sunny.<\/p>

  • Do not touch the saltwater or enter the pools.<\/li>
  • Do not cross the walls or the areas marked off for visitors.<\/li>
  • Respect the families who are working and avoid blocking the channels.<\/li>
  • Bring cash in soles for payments that do not accept cards.<\/li>
  • If you are traveling on your own, arrange your return transport before starting the visit.<\/li> <\/ul>

    Caring for the site depends largely on how visitors behave. Following the local instructions helps protect both the salt production and safety on a hillside with narrow, uneven surfaces.<\/p>

    Frequently asked questions about the Maras Salt Ponds<\/h2>

    These answers gather common questions that come up when planning a visit to the Maras salt pools. Access conditions and production activity can vary, so it is a good idea to confirm operational details before traveling.<\/p>

    How many salt pools are there in Maras?<\/h3>

    The complex is made up of thousands of small salt pools spread across the ravine. The figures reported can vary depending on the count and the use status of the pools, so it is better not to use an exact number without an updated official source.<\/p>

    Why is the water in Maras salty?<\/h3>

    The water is salty because it passes through geological formations that contain minerals and salts before surfacing at the spring. That natural concentration means that, as the water evaporates, salt crystals form in the pools.<\/p>

    Who owns the pools?<\/h3>

    The pools are managed by families from the Maras community. The use of many of them can be passed down across generations, along with the responsibilities of maintenance and water management.<\/p>

    How is Maras salt obtained?<\/h3>

    The saltwater is distributed through channels to the pools. Then the sun evaporates the water and leaves salt crystals, which are gathered by hand when they reach the right point.<\/p>

    Are the Maras Salt Ponds still in operation today?<\/h3>

    Yes. The pools continue to be used to produce salt through traditional techniques. At the same time, they receive visitors and are one of the most visited spots in the area around the Sacred Valley.<\/p>

    Can you walk among the salt pools?<\/h3>

    Access to certain sectors may be restricted to protect production and visitor safety. You should walk only along the designated trails and follow the instructions of the local staff.<\/p>

    Can you visit Moray and the Maras Salt Ponds on the same day?<\/h3>

    Yes. Moray and the Maras Salt Ponds are relatively close and are often combined into a half-day excursion from Cusco. The total time will depend on traffic, the type of transport, and the planned stops.<\/p>

    How much time do you need to visit the salt ponds?<\/h3>

    To walk the viewpoints and observe the pools, plan for roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you include transfers, local shopping, or a combined visit with Moray, the total duration will be longer.<\/p> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Maras Salt Ponds are a group of thousands of small pools where salt is produced through the natural evaporation of saltwater. They sit in a ravine near the town of Maras, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Their terraced arrangement along the hillside creates an unusual landscape, made up of ponds of different shades […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9206,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9283","cusco","type-cusco","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMaras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work - Incredible Peru Tours<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work - Incredible Peru Tours\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Maras Salt Ponds are a group of thousands of small pools where salt is produced through the natural evaporation of saltwater. They sit in a ravine near the town of Maras, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Their terraced arrangement along the hillside creates an unusual landscape, made up of ponds of different shades […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Incredible Peru Tours\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/incredibleperutours\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-21T02:54:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Maras.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"903\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"17 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/\",\"name\":\"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work - Incredible Peru Tours\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Maras.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-21T01:44:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-21T02:54:58+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Maras.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Maras.jpeg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":903},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/maras-salt-mines\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Inicio\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Cusco\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/cusco\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Incredible Peru Tours\",\"description\":\"Agencia de Turismo l\u00edder en Per\u00fa, 20 a\u00f1os organizando experiencias inolvidables.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"incredibleperutours.com\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Incredible Peru Tours\",\"alternateName\":\"incredibleperutours.com\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/principal_Mesa-de-trabajo-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/principal_Mesa-de-trabajo-1.png\",\"width\":2250,\"height\":2250,\"caption\":\"Incredible Peru Tours\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/incredibleperutours.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/incredibleperutours\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work - Incredible Peru Tours","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work - Incredible Peru Tours","og_description":"The Maras Salt Ponds are a group of thousands of small pools where salt is produced through the natural evaporation of saltwater. They sit in a ravine near the town of Maras, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Their terraced arrangement along the hillside creates an unusual landscape, made up of ponds of different shades […]","og_url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/","og_site_name":"Incredible Peru Tours","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/incredibleperutours","article_modified_time":"2026-07-21T02:54:58+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":903,"url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Maras.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"17 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/","url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/","name":"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work - Incredible Peru Tours","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Maras.jpeg","datePublished":"2026-07-21T01:44:57+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-21T02:54:58+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Maras.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Maras.jpeg","width":1200,"height":903},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/maras-salt-mines\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Inicio","item":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Cusco","item":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/cusco\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Maras Salt Mines: History and How the Salt Ponds Work"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/","name":"Incredible Peru Tours","description":"Agencia de Turismo l\u00edder en Per\u00fa, 20 a\u00f1os organizando experiencias inolvidables.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/#organization"},"alternateName":"incredibleperutours.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Incredible Peru Tours","alternateName":"incredibleperutours.com","url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/principal_Mesa-de-trabajo-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/principal_Mesa-de-trabajo-1.png","width":2250,"height":2250,"caption":"Incredible Peru Tours"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/incredibleperutours"]}]}},"featured_img":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Maras.jpeg","coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/author\/ronnyibsengmail-com\/","display_name":"ronny"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 4 weeks ago","modified":"Updated 4 weeks ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on 20 July, 2026","modified":"Updated on 20 July, 2026"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on 20 July, 2026 8:44 pm","modified":"Updated on 20 July, 2026 9:54 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","tax_additional":{"category":{"linked":[],"unlinked":[],"slug":"category","name":"Categories"},"post_tag":{"linked":[],"unlinked":[],"slug":"post_tag","name":"Tags"},"post_format":{"linked":[],"unlinked":[],"slug":"post_format","name":"Formats"}},"series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cusco\/9283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cusco"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cusco"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cusco\/9283\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9206"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/incredibleperutours.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}