Maras Salt Mines, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, are a breathtaking network of over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since Inca times. Fed by a natural underground spring, these terraces create a stunning mosaic of white salt pools against the Andean mountains, offering visitors a unique glimpse into traditional salt harvesting methods.
A must-visit destination near Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines provide incredible photo opportunities and a deep cultural connection to Peru’s history. Travelers can explore the site, learn about the salt extraction process, and even purchase locally harvested pink salt as a souvenir of this ancient Andean tradition.
This unforgettable Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour is perfect for travelers seeking unique cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes in Peru. Begin your journey by visiting the archaeological site of Moray, famous for its circular terraces—ingenious agricultural platforms that highlight the advanced farming techniques of the Inca civilization.
Next, travel to the charming village of Maras and discover the iconic Maras Salt Mines, or “salineras,” where salt has been harvested by hand for centuries. These ancient salt pans date back to the Inca period and are still in use today, offering a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich history and traditions.
Finally, we’ll return to Cusco, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this one-of-a-kind adventure through the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Just an hour from Cusco, in the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, lies one of Peru’s most remarkable natural and cultural wonders—the Maras Salt Mines, locally known as Salineras de Maras.
If you are exploring the Sacred Valley, this is a destination you simply cannot miss. Renowned for its unique beauty and historical significance, the Maras Salt Mines are also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Peru.
Nestled on the slopes of a mountain, this fascinating site consists of thousands of terraced salt evaporation ponds, each producing approximately 150 kg (330 pounds) of salt per month. From a distance, the mines resemble a pristine blanket of snow, with mesmerizing shades of white and earthy brown that shift under the Andean sunlight.
In this guide, we will delve into the rich history of the Salineras de Maras and explore the best activities to experience during your visit.
The tour begins in the town of Maras also known as the village of the portals, located in the province of Urubamba at 3300 meters above sea level. Located 52km from the city of Cusco It houses the most important salt mines of the Inca era, being exploited from the incanato to the present, we also find the archaeological site of Moray which is an Inca agricultural research center where the adaptation of products to different climates with a terrace system.
Moray
On this day, we will visit beautiful Inca villages with their colonial houses. During this unique and enjoyable journey, we will appreciate the treasures that this sacred land holds.
We will start the day by visiting the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray. These are a group of circular terraces that can reach depths of up to 150 meters. According to historians, these constructions served as an important Inca agricultural laboratory since their platforms were built with their respective irrigation canals, each of which had a microclimate. What stands out the most is the difference in average annual temperature between the top and bottom of the depressions, with a difference of up to 15°C.
Maras
Next, we will head to the colonial town of Maras, which preserves its Andean traditions and customs. We can admire its beautiful architecture and houses with colonial-style stone doors.
Salt Mines of Maras
Finally, we will visit the Salinas de Maras. These salt mines continue to be exploited to this day, where farmers work daily, just as they did in Inca times. At the end of the tour, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What is Included ?
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
What is NOT Included ?
This ticket is necessary and allows you admission to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including archaeological sites and museums.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Do you have another question that we haven’t answered here? Write us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course
During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Have a nice trip!
Essential
Clothing
Equipment
Recommended
The “Salt Mines and Moray Tour” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price: US$ 150.00 US$ 120.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal and our credit/debit card payment gateway, Niubiz, charge a 5% processing fee for online deposits. We kindly request that our clients cover this fee, as it is necessary to use their secure service. Please be aware that this fee only applies to online deposits. If you choose to pay the full amount or remaining balance in cash, there will be no additional charges.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
Additional Info
