The Maras Salt Mines are a set of ancient salt mines located in the district of Maras, province of Urubamba, in the region of Cusco, Peru. The site, which is about 3,380 meters above sea level, consists of more than 3,000 salt wells that have been used since pre-Hispanic times for salt production.
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Maras Salt mines Tour
The ideal tour to visit Maras is through a tour that will allow you to visit the archaeological site of Moray, another wonderful place belonging to the town of Maras.
The Maras Moray tour is a tour that takes place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in a place of magnificent views of the entire Sacred Valley and its main snow-capped mountains like the Chicon and La Veronica that can be seen from this part of the tour, besides this tour leads you through extensive vegetation in the area and in the rainy months the color of this area is more than unique, As part of this tour is to know the archaeological site of Moray characterized by its concentric circular platforms that are in a natural depression and that worked as an experimental laboratory of products and near this place is the famous salt mines of Maras where we can see more than 3000 salt ponds made of stone as a containment with mud mortar and we can see the process of extraction of the same in a half day tour.
Itinerary of the tour to the salt mines of Maras and Moray
- The Maras Moray tour starts with the pick up from your hotel at 08:30 am.
- The tour starts in the city of Cusco with direction to Chinchero where we will visit a textile production center.
- After an explanation in Chinchero we will go to Moray where we can see the concentric circular terraces followed by an explanation by the guide where he will explain the microclimates found in this place.
- In Moray we will have time to take pictures.
- We will continue with the next point of visit which will be the Salineras de Maras where we will have a stop to take pictures of the entire Salar at the top of the road. Then we will enter and see the more than 3000 salt ponds and we will learn the process of extraction of the mineral and see the types of salt that are produced in this place.
- The tour ends with the return to the city of Cusco.
What is included in the tour to the salt mines of Maras and Moray?
- Entrance ticket to Moray and the salt mines of Maras
- Tourist transportation
- Official bilingual tour guide
What is not included in the tour to the salt mines of Maras and Moray?
- Snacks
- Tips
- Lunch
Recommendations for the tour to the salt mines of Maras and Moray
- Carry your identity card, passport or student card.
- Bring rain ponchos in case of rain (October – March).
- Bring extra money to buy souvenirs.
- Warm clothes in season from June to September.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Prices for the tour to the salt mines of Maras and Moray
- Maras Moray all inclusive tour price 36 USD foreigner
- Maras Moray all inclusive tour price 26 USD domestic
- Maras Moray without entrance fees tour price 15 USD foreigner
- Maras Moray without entrance tickets tour price 15 USD domestic
- Maras Moray private tour price 70 USD
Questions and answers about the Maras Salt Mines Tour
Where is the salt mine of Maras located?
The salt mines of Maras are located at a distance of 46 kilometers from the city of Cusco in the district of Maras, province of Urubamba in the department of Cusco, Peru.
How old are the salt mines of Maras?
The salt mines of Maras are millions of years old, its waters are of natural origin.
How much is the entrance fee for the tour of the salt mines of Maras?
The entrance to the salt mines of Maras costs 10 soles (3 USD) for national or foreign tourists, this payment is made at the entrance of the same.
Does the tour of the Maras Salt Mines allow you to enter the salt wells?
No, in the past you could enter, but now the entrance to the salt wells is closed.
What is the price of the tour to the salt pans of Maras?
The tour to the salt pans of Maras costs from 15 USD, this depends a lot if you want with tourist tickets or without tourist tickets.
What is the weather like for the salt mines of Maras?
The climate in the salt mines of Maras is temperate with an average temperature of 22 °C (72 °F).
What is the price of the tour to the salt mines of Maras in private?
The price ranges from 70 USD, depending on the language of the guide, type of transportation, etc.
Does the Maras Salt Mines tour include pick up from the hotel?
Yes, the tour that we organize does. If you already have a travel agency, it is preferable that your hotel is located in the historic center of Cusco.
Can I do the Maras Salt Mines tour from Ollantaytambo?
The tour of the salt mines of Maras starts in Cusco and ends in Cusco. If you are in Ollantaytambo the way to visit this place will be through a private tour.
