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What to take to the Salt Mines of Maras in Perú?

During your visit to the Salineras de Maras do not forget to bring the following: Poncho for rains. Hat or cap. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Sportswear. Anti-slip shoes. Photographic camera. Documents Snacks. Cash. Recommendations to visit the Salt Mines of Maras in Perú Most people who come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu , take time to get to know and take some photos of the Salineras de Maras. Take advantage of your visit to the Salineras de Maras to see the Inca platforms of Moray, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Sacred Valley. If you choose to visit Maras with an organized tour, dare to take an ATV adventure through Maras and Moray. This is one of the favorite tours for tourists looking for some adventure in the Sacred Valley. After visiting the Salineras de Maras, you can take advantage of the famous town of Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

How to get to Salt Mines of Maras in Perú?

In order to reach the Salineras de Maras , the visitor has to go to Ramal, which is located 48 kilometers from Cusco, and which can be reached in a private or tourist vehicle. Once in Ramal, you must take the detour that leads to the Salineras, which can only be followed on foot and has an extension of 6 kilometers, so it can be completed in less than an hour. It is recommended that visits to the salt mines take place between the months of April to October, and in the morning. To access you must pay the modest cost of S / 5.00. How to visit the Salt Mines of Maras in Perú? You can enter the Salineras de Maras by paying 7 Peruvian soles (2.5 USD). The site does not need any ticket like many other archaeological sites in Cusco. Please note that in Maras you will not be able to pay with your credit card, US dollars, euros or any other currency. Another option is to buy a tour to Maras, which includes a visit to the archaeological site of Moray. The best way to visit the salt mines of Mara...

But where does the salt of Maras come from?

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The salt comes from an underground flow of salt water that bubbles up from the source of the Qoripujio Mountain , near an upper section of the valley. Therefore, an intricate network of narrow channels was built to direct the flow of this salty water to each pond. When the water evaporates, the remaining crystallized salt is carefully removed with shovels and wooden rakes. Health benefits Many experts recommend Maras Pink Salt for people suffering from hypertension because it has low levels of sodium chloride. Maras salt also contains calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium, making it a perfect medicinal option for skin conditions and to treat swelling. For these effects to occur, it is important that you season your meals with Maras salt after you have finished cooking. This is because it loses its medicinal properties in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The collected salt can be bought on the site very inexpensively. Once it is packed and sold in supermarkets, prices tend to triple. ...

Salt Mines of Maras in Perú

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The Salt Mines of Maras , also known as Salineras de Maras or Kachi Raqay in Quechua, have been a vital resource for centuries, predating the Spanish colonization. Situated in the Maras district of the Urubamba province, Cusco region, these mines offer not only commercial significance but also rich historical insights into pre-Hispanic extractive practices. Physically striking with over three thousand wells, still actively operated by 360 families, the mines represent a deeply rooted tradition passed down through generations. While ownership remains within descendant families, communal management ensures collective interests are upheld. Salt extraction is strictly artisanal, overseen by the Maras Sal association since the late 1980s. Production stands at an impressive two thousand tons annually, facilitated by the unique landscape of terraced pools, each roughly 5 square meters, fed by a natural stream. Local folklore attributes the origin of Maras salt to the tears of Ayar Kachi, an I...