But where does the salt of Maras come from?

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.

The Maras salt ponds are becoming a popular tourist attraction in Cusco for their astonishing scenery and historical value. By visiting Maras, you will also be contributing to the farming community who will gratefully show you the traditions they inherited from their ancestors.