Maras Salt Mines: Day Trips and Tours from Cusco

Looking much like cells under a microscope, the thousands of salt pools of Maras are rectangular structures that stretch along a mountain valley north of Cusco, Peru.

Locals have been harvesting salt from these ponds for thousands of years. Observe this timeless practice and learn its secrets on a Maras Salt Mine day trip from Cusco.

Here's all you need to know about Maras Salt Mines, one of the most exciting day trips from Cusco.

How to get to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco

Maras Salt Mines lie 50 kilometers to the northwest of Cusco and 8 kilometers north of the town of Maras. The drive from central Cusco takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.

From Cusco to Maras Salt Mines by car

Take the S3 west from Cusco for 18.5 kilometers until you reach the fork for CU-1185. Continue on CU-1185 for 10 kilometers until the exit for Maras. Pass the town at 8 kilometers, and follow signs for Maras Salt Mines for another 8 kilometers until you reach your destination.

Guided tour to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco

Simplify your visit to Maras Salt Mines and the Moray archeological site by booking a day tour. Packages include round-trip transportation, a guide and often lunch and a stop at another nearby site. Mountain bike, horseback riding tours and multi-day excursions exist as well.

How much does the entrance ticket to Maras Salt Mines cost?

Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines is S/10 (US$2.60) per person. There is also a US$1 community fee to be paid when you arrive at the mines.

The “boleto turistico,” or Cusco tourist ticket, that is required for many types of tours from Cusco does not cover the fee for Maras Salt Mines.

A tourist ticket for Sacred Valley sites costs S/70 (US$18.50) per person.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day tours to the Maras Salt Mines start with early pickup from central Cusco hotels. Relax on the scenic 1.5-hour drive to the mines.

Discover the mines with a guide before moving on to neighboring Moray to spy the curious terraced pit. Many shorter day tours make a stop at Chinchero to see its 15th-century fortress and colorful weavings.

Stop for lunch, either on your own or included with the tour, before continuing to your next destination or returning to Cusco. Longer tours will continue farther north to Ollantaytambo or south to Pisac for a more thorough exploration of the Sacred Valley. Day tours arrive back to central Cusco in mid-afternoon or evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Maras Salt Mines?

All day tours to Maras Salt Mines include a stop at neighboring Moray to experience the mysterious Inca agricultural “lab.”

Guided tours to Maras Salt Mines and Moray from Cusco

Part of the Sacred Valley, the salt from Maras and farming innovations of Moray were essential to Inca life. Witness the fascinating salt pools and terraced pit that helped the Incas thrive at inhospitable heights.

With the popularity of the Sacred Valley’s many attractions, a private tour is a great way to see Maras, Moray and more without the crowds. Private tours range from standard day trips to excursions on horse, bike or ATV.

Day trip to Maras Salt Mines plus Sacred Valley from Cusco

Add a few hours to your Maras Salt Mine tour with stops at not only Moray, but also Chinchero, Pisac and/or Ollantaytambo. These Sacred Valley highlights will round out your excursion with the colorful textiles of Chinchero, the lively market at Pisac and the ruins of Ollantaytambo.

All day to Maras Salt Mines include round-trip transportation from Cusco and guided visits to Maras Salt Mines and Moray. Longer or more expensive tours often provide lunch and entry tickets to Maras and Moray.

ATV tour to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco

Kick up some dust on mountain roads on a Maras Salt Mine tour by one of the most popular quad tours in Cusco. travel dirt roads from Cruzpata to a spot near Maras on a single or double ATV. Board a van for the final push to the salt mines to explore them safely.

Horseback riding tour to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco

Venture to ancient sites on the back of a horse for a tranquil day trip to Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Archeological Center.

Some horse riding tours in Cusco feature rides on Peruvian paso horses, bred for their smooth gait and comfortable ride.

Mountain bike tour to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco

Pedal through high mountain valleys and along ridges to two of the most fascinating highlights of the Sacred Valley. With a guide and a small group, these bike tours in Cusco journey to Maras, Moray and other locales like Chinchero, Piuray Lake and Misminay.

Multi-day tours to Maras Salt Mines Cusco

The easiest way to visit the must-see wonders near Cusco is booking one of the best multi-day trips from Cusco that combine transportation, tours, accommodations and meals into one price. These tours range from 2-day trips from Cusco to 7-days tours.

Make the most of the drive to Maras Salt Mines by tacking on another day on to your trip for a visit to Machu Picchu. Other highlights include the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. You will also take a trip on the Vistadome train into Aguas Calientes, the base for Machu Picchu excursions.

How much does a day trip to Maras Salt Mines from Cusco cost?

Guided tours to Maras Salt Mines cost around US$25 per person for a 6-hour tour, while tours of 9 to 12 hours cost around US$45 per person and include lunch, entry fees and at least one other Sacred Valley attraction.

Private day tours of Maras Salt Mines cost around US$80 per person for a standard tour, and their prices increase according to the outdoor activities included in the tour package.

Day tours to Maras, Moray and one or more additional towns in the Sacred Valley cost from US$80 per person to US$145 per person, depending on the duration of the tour, group size and whether entry fees are included.

ATV tours in Maras cost around US$50 per person for a 6-hour tour. Horseback riding tours cost US$180 per person for an 8-hour experience and include lunch but not entry fees for attractions. Mountain biking tours cost from US$130 per person to US$210 per person, depending on inclusions and group size.

Multi-day tours to Machu Picchu and other attractions cost from US$200 per person to US$650 per person, depending on duration of the tour, inclusions and group size.

Many tours require the purchase of a Cusco tourist ticket that allows entrance to most Cusco-area attractions. You can purchase a S/70 (US$18.50) per person tourist ticket at the ticketing area for archeological sites.

The S/10 (US$2.60) per person cost to enter Maras is not included in the tourist ticket or in lower-cost tour packages.

What will you see and do?

Maras and Moray

The town of Maras in the Sacred Valley is home to two Incan archeological sites, the Moray Archeological Complex and the Maras Salt Mines.

Thought to be an “agricultural lab,” pre-Columbian Incans excavated a deep pit with a series of terraces that descend to the center of the pit. Archeologists believe that the pit was designed to trap heat and facilitate farming at high altitudes.

Perched in a valley near the town of Maras are the Maras Salt Mines. This swath of man-made pools that collect saltwater from an underground saltwater stream for evaporation. The mines have been used for millennia, and locals still harvest salt from the area today.

Chinchero

Many tours make a stop at Chinchero, a hamlet made famous for its textile traditions. Artisans perform dyeing, spinning and weaving demonstrations with vibrant alpaca wool. Purchase ponchos, sweaters, houseware and hats at the town’s market.

Ollantaytambo

Historical Ollantaytambo guards the path to Machu Picchu. Built to protect the citadel, Ollantaytambo is the typical starting point on the 4-day trek to Machu Picchu but also houses its own impressive ruins.

Pisac

The town of Pisac is found at the southeastern end of the Sacred Valley, and it has become a destination for spiritual seekers. After a yoga or meditation session, energize with a meal of Pisac’s potatoes, wander the market and snap photos of Pisac’s ruins.

When is the best time to visit  Maras Salt Mines?

Book a day trip to the Maras Salt Mines from Cusco in the dry season, from April to October, for the best weather for hiking and views. Rainy weather can make a visit to the Maras salt ponds less enjoyable, as the water may affect the appearance of the ponds.

Make sure to plan a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas after spending at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimate to the high altitude.

Travel tips

• Bring sun, rain and insect protection.
• Carry cash in Peruvian soles for purchases and tips.
• Let your tour provider know of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
• Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for an active day.