Photograph Salinas de Maras

Urubamba, Peru

Description

The shimmering, terraced salt pans of Maras have been harvested by locals since the Incan empire - and continue to provide a stunning backdrop for visitors and photographers, alike.

Cascading down a hillside valley not far from Cusco, the nearly 3,000 salt pans at Salinas de Maras sit at an elevation of 3,380 m. Believed to have been created in the 1400s by the Inca, the historical site now operates like a co-op and preserves the ancient technique of harvesting salt by hand.

A natural spring feeds a salt rich stream into the pools, which are then opened and dammed individually as needed. Once the water has filled a pool, it must evaporate before the salt is scraped and harvested.

Visitors can observe and photograph the families as they harvest (typically in the dry season, May through November). You are also permitted to walk among the salt pans.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Bathrooms

Family Friendly

Groups

Scenic

Photograph Salinas de Maras Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

The Pinkuylluna Granaries

This is a steep but short hike to see some beautiful terraces and granaries across from the main Ollantaytambo fortress. Depending on your level of fitness, the climb can take between 30 minutes to an hour. It'swell worth it for the spectacular views of Ollantaytambo town and views of the ruins on the other side of town.

Explore the Town of Ollantaytambo

Located at an altitude of 2,792 m (9,160 ft) above sea level, Ollantaytambo was once the home of Emperor Pachacuti. Built in the late 15th century, it has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America. The beautiful cobbled streets, irrigation channels, and stone foundations have been here since the time of the Inca. It's quite easy to wander the historic streets and marv...

The Ollantaytambo Fortress

Right from the entrance to the site, the ruins of Ollantaytambo climb up into the terraced heights of a temple district. It is often called a fortress, but only part of the site was dedicated to military purposes, while the very top is an unfinished temple. It was likely a Temple of the Sun, and some of the stone blocks that make up the unfinished area weight more than 50 tons! Give yourself an...

Backpack the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco to Ayapata (10 miles) The trail starts at 8,923 ft at the main gate operating the permit and passport check-ins at KM 82, Piscachucho. You'll cross the Urubamba River on a suspension bridge and proceed towards Ayapata at 10,829 ft. It's an easy day on the first day and should take about 7 hrs total with average speed and break for lunch. You will briefly hike beside the rushing Uru...

Hike to the Devil's Balcony

Of all the hikes within the proximity of the city of Cusco, this one is the coolest. Not only that, but no one knows about it. It is a local's only secret. The only reason I know about it was because I lived there for years.There are two approaches to the hike. One that is for beginners, and is a 30 minute walk up a dirt road behind Sacsayhuaman. The other, has no real starting point but follow...

Sacsayhuamán

Sacsayhuaman is located about 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas (by car) or 45 minutes walking. Another option is to take a ‘City Tour’, which includes transportation to this archaeological site. The entrance fee is included with the "Boleto Turistico" which is a ticket that gets you into the main archeological sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley (130 soles). The fortress is one of the l...