Salinas de Maras, A breathtaking cascade of ancient salt ponds
Carreta a Maras San Isidro G 15, Cusco
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Introduction
The Maras Salt Mines, located near Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, can be a great choice for those looking to tour Inca architecture. Its existence predates the Inca Empire, and over half a mountain is covered in layers of over 3,000 salt ponds, each about 5 square meters in size and pure white, which is truly amazing. While it's not strictly an Inca site, locals divert saltwater streams from the mountain to the ponds, where they wait to evaporate in the sun, leaving behind salt crystals that can be scraped up from the bottom. This spectacle is reminiscent of a cotton castle in Turkey, but it's seldom visited by tourists, making it a great spot for photographers. Address Carreta a Maras San Isidro G 15, Cusco
The view from the top of the mountain overlooking the entire salt field is very spectacular
