Maras Salt Pools

The Basics

A subterranean stream rises to the surface and drips into terraced pools; within days, the warm water evaporates, leaving behind a thin layer of salt. At the pans you’ll see locals harvesting this salt in a manner similar to ancient times—scraping the dry, salty crystals by hand from the sides and bottom of the pool. The scene is spectacular, with the patchwork of mines set into the mountain hillsides, especially on sunny days when the pools shine with brilliant shades of white and pink.

You can explore the salt pools as part of private or group day tours from Cusco, or on multi-day tours that may include Lima, Machu Picchu, and various towns in the Sacred Valley—all with their own worthy attractions. For a taste of adventure, explore the incredible scenery on a mountain bike or ATV.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Maras salt pans are a must-see for all first-time visitors to the area.

• Bring your camera and sun protection.

• You may gather your own handful of salt. However, it is best to buy small packages of Peruvian Pink Salt, as it is marketed, at the gift shop.

• Bring cash, preferably in small bills and coins.

• Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.

How to Get There

The town of Maras lies off the 28B highway, between Cusco and Ollantaytambo in the Urubamba province; Cusco is about 28 miles (45 kilometers) south. The salt pools themselves are northwest of Maras along a dusty but walkable road.

When to Get There

The salt pools are open year-round. To beat the crowds, go early the morning (buses start arriving by 9:30am) or after 4pm. Visits during the dry season, from May to October, may be preferable as well.

Other Sights in and Around Maras

An important town in colonial days, Maras is worth a visit to see the small square flanked by ornate Spanish-style homes and a mud-brick colonial church. Also nearby, about a 15-minute drive away, are the Moray Inca ruins, an important archeological site of mysterious stone-terraced rings.

Is visiting the Maras Salt Pools worth it?

Yes, visiting the Maras Salt Pools (Salinas de Maras) is worth it. The photogenic pools were formed into terraces and geometric shapes by the Incas more than 2,000 years ago. The pink hexagons of salt surrounded by the Andes Mountains look amazing in photographs.

What do you see on a tour of Maras Salt Pools?

On a tour of the Maras Salt Pools, you’ll see more than 6,000 salt pans with a backdrop of the Andes Mountains. Because of their proximity, tours of Maras Salt Pools nearly always visit the Agricultural Terraces of Moray, too. Some tours involve driving an off-road ATV between the archeological sites.

What is the best time to visit Maras Salt Pools?

Maras Salt Pools are particularly photogenic on sunny days when the bright light makes them shine pink and white. For the highest chance of sunny days in the Sacred Valley, visit during the winter months and dry season, which starts in May and ends around September.

How far are Maras Salt Pools from Cusco, Peru?

The Maras Salt Pools are 29 miles (46 kilometers) from the center of Cusco. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the salt pools from the city. Maras Salt Pools are at an altitude of 11,080 feet (3,380 meters), so make sure you acclimatize before you visit them.

What other attractions are near Maras Salt Pools?

The Agricultural Terraces of Moray are just a 10-minute drive from Maras Salt Pools. This amazing feat of Inca engineering is hailed as a wonder of science. Other nearby attractions include Ollantaytambo Ruins, once the administrative center of the Inca Empire, and Pisac Indian Market, one of the largest indigenous markets of the Cusco region.

What should I wear when visiting Maras Salt Pools?

The temperature in this high-altitude part of Peru can change quickly, so wear plenty of layers. In the morning and late afternoon, it’s cold, while during the day, the mountain sun is strong—be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen. During the October–April rainy season, waterproof items are a must.