The Maras salt mines are one more wonder of our Cusco region! It is a very large source of this mineral, beautifully located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, northwest of Cusco City. This ore has been active since Inca empire times and even before, it was part of their agricultural activities. It is comprised of about 3,000 pools which dry due to Sun heat, leaving solid crystals of salt.
Besides being a wonderful, beautiful, historical site in the middle of massive mountains, great landscapes, an energetic, relaxing, peaceful natural energy flow, warm weather, the Maras salt mines are also very famous for its unique pink type of salt, which has many benefits for health and from which several products are derived, for example, finest quality chocolate.
Going to the Maras salt mines can surely be a top suggestion if you’re looking for additional amazement in your Cusco vacation! It’s a half-day amazing tour, which we pair with visiting the fantastic Moray site, a vast green carpet, which was a place where Inca farming experts studied and experimented with all kinds of vegetables, like potatoes, quinoa and coca leaves.
Next, we will break down all you need to know about the amazing tour of the Maras salt mines:
- The bus ride from Cusco City is about 90 minutes, across wonderful natural landscapes and nice weather, very calming, very enjoyable
- The altitude of the Maras salt mines is about 3,400 meters above sea level (about 11,155 feet)
- It is a site comprised of many, large salt deposits which make an incredible view and a great place for a walk, taking pictures while our professional guide provides all the information about this historical place
- Kids aged between 0 to 5 years do not pay the entrance ticket to the salt mines; kids from ages 6 to 12 pay cheaper entrance ticket; over 12 years visitors must pay adult entrance fee (these are included in our tour, but please check with our staff about the tickets bundle available for several places in Cusco, in case you want to visit more than one touristic site)
- We advise you to anyway bring cash in soles, because at the Maras site several really good products are sold, like the very healthy pink, crystal salt (it is high in magnesium content), the gourmet chocolates, natural soap, beauty products and more!
- Actually, you can also buy a jar of pure salt taken directly from the ore!
- Always carry your passport when traveling around Cusco, you will be asked to show it at entrance gates
- Usually, Sacred Valley’s weather is warm and sunny. Wear a jacket from Cusco City but dress in layers with lighter, spring clothing underneath
- Don’t forget to bring: cap or sun hat, sunglasses, bug repellent, sunblock, non-slippery tennis shoes, a reusable bottle of water (we are environment-friendly!), snacks
- An adventure ATV, quad bike or bicycle ride around Maras and the nearby Moray site rough, challenging terrain are also available, they can be added to the regular tour!
- These amazing salt mines have been there for more than 100 million years!
- The entire Andes range was once very deep beneath the Pacific Ocean!
A tour to the Maras salt mines can surely be an additional joy and adventure in your Cusco vacation. And don’t forget it also includes going to the Moray area, which was an agricultural Inca outdoors laboratory. More info available here.
Ask our tourism specialists about this tour option to the salt mines, it can make your Cusco vacation even more special and amazing!
