After visiting Machu Picchu we continued our journey in the sacred valley to Urubamba because we were keen to visit the Salt Pans of Maras which are nearby. In Urubamba we hired a private taxi (taxis are stationed on the corner of Padre Barre and Av Mariscal Castilla) to take us to the Salinas de Maras and our final destination Cusco.
We had read that the Salt pans are a spectacular site not overrun by tourists. We were not disappointed. This working salt mine dating back to Inca times is an amazing place. Although there were a couple of tour buses in the car park we only encountered a handful of tourists.
Workers were harvesting salt and building new pools, they were also carrying big bags of salt onto their backs. The working conditions are harsh.
The Salinas were created in the 1400s, although no written records exist. One small spring feeds an iron rich stream that cascades down into the ponds. Ponds are dammed and opened as needed. Once a pool is filled the evaporation process starts and the evaporated salt crystals are harvested by scraping them off the ground – this process hasn’t changed since their creation. There are thousands of salt pools which cascade into the valley creating a colourful patchwork. The salt mine is owned and operated by a cooperative of local families.
The worrying bit and the good news
Although not a major attraction at the moment – I did wonder how the salt pans can be protected from too many tourists clambering around the pans leaving rubbish and causing damage?
It seems that the owners have found a solution. First of all there is a small entrance fee (at the time of our visit it was 10 soles). There was a brand new observation deck, facilities and stalls where you can buy the famous salt and souvenirs.
Whereas we had been allowed to walk down into the valley and walk along the salt pools thankfully this practice has now been stopped. Some bloggers call this bad news, I think it is good news. You still have a pretty good view of the salt pans from the observation platform and the site is now much better protected. It’s definitely still worth a visit.
Have a look at this little film and let me have your thoughts.