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Landscape · Ollantaytambo, Cusco
Salineras de Maras
Thousands of salt pools terraced on the slope of a valley near Maras, fed by a saline spring and worked by local families since before the Incas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Salineras de Maras
The Salineras de Maras are located on the slope of the Urubamba river valley, below the Maras plateau, at about 3,000 meters altitude. They are thousands of shallow small pools dug into terraces on the slope, fed by a very salty spring that springs from the mountain. The water is distributed through narrow channels from pool to pool, and the sun evaporates the water, leaving the salt.
The exploitation predates the Incas and continues today. The pools belong to families from the communities of Maras and Pichingoto, organized in a cooperative, and are passed down from generation to generation. Harvesting is done by hand, with wooden tools, mainly in the dry season, which usually runs from May to November, when the pools turn white.
From the entrance, a viewpoint shows the whole complex, with shades of white, beige and brown depending on the drying stage. The visit follows a path along the edge of the salt pans, without entering the pools, which are work areas. At the exit, the cooperative's shops sell pink salt, herb-infused salt and chocolate with salt.
The Salineras have their own admission fee, charged by the community, outside the tourist ticket. They are usually visited together with Moray, a few kilometers away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour at the viewpoint and along the rim path.
Best time
In the dry season, usually from May to November, when the pools are in production and appear white. From December to March, with the rains, harvesting stops and the pools look dark. Mid-morning light enhances the colors.
How to get there
They are about 6 km from the village of Maras via a dirt road, and around a 40-minute drive from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. Go by taxi (with waiting), with an agency or by car. There is also a trail that descends from the salt pans down to the Urubamba valley, near Pichingoto.
Tip
Go in the dry season to see the pools white. Buy salt at the cooperative shops at the exit: the proceeds go to the families who work there.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Salineras de Maras
How many salt pools are there in Maras?
There are thousands, more than 3,000 according to estimates, spread across terraces on the hillside and fed by a single saline spring.
Can you enter the pools?
No. The pools are working areas for the cooperative families. The visit follows the lookout and the rim path.
Are the Salineras included in the tourist ticket?
No. The entrance fee is separate, charged by the community at the entrance. Check before you go.
What is the best time to see the salt pans?
The dry season, usually from May to November, when harvesting takes place and the pools turn white.