Overview:

The Maras Salt Mines in Cusco in Peru is an archaeological wonder that dates back to Inca times. Located about 3,000 meters above sea level, the salt mines are made up of hundreds of tiny salt pools, each fed from the main salt spring at the top of the mountain. The Incas used the salt from these mines to trade with other parts of their empire, and the tradition remains even today. The salt is still harvested and used in traditional South American dishes, as well as being exported to other countries around the world. Visitors to this fascinating site can explore the intricate Inca paths around the numerous salt pools, as well as taking a guided tour of the surface and underground pools. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

The Maras Salt Mines are a group of over 3000 small, interconnected pits built on the side of Qaqawiñay Mountain in the Cusco region of Peru. Dating back to Incan times, the legendary salt ponds were created by a community of local farmers, who extract salt by using a combination of irrigation systems and manual labor. The brilliantly white and reflective salt deposits form an intricate network of terraces, contrasting with the rugged, rocky and desertlike landscape. The nearby village of Maras has become quite popular among tourists, offering spectacular views of the salt ponds and the surrounding mountains. The salt extracted here is sold in markets throughout Peru, and is also used in local cooking. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Maras Salt Mines in Cusco, Peru, have a long and complex history. The mines were first used by the Inca people for salt production in pre-Columbian times. Salt was an essential part of the Inca economy, and it was used to trade for other goods and services. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, salt mining continued and the area became a major source of salt production for the Spanish empire. In the mid-19th century, the Maras Salt Mines became part of the Peru-Bolivia Confederation, a short-lived attempt at a unified state in the Andes. During the late 19th century, the mines were leased to a German company called Lohmann Salsalit, which increased the scale and modernization of the salt production process by introducing new technology and increased production. In the 1920s, the mines were taken over by a private company, and remain in private hands today. The Maras Salt Mines are composed of over 3,000 shallow pools connected together. The natural saltwater springs around the area are raked into the shallow ponds, and over the course of several weeks, the pools become dry, and the salt is left behind in a naturally crystallized state. The incredible salt deposits make the area a popular tourist destination, and it has been declared a UNESCO Site of Human Heritage. The area remains an important source of employment and income for local communities and the traditional salt-making methods are still used. Today, visitors have the opportunity to witness the ancient salt-making tradition and learn about the long history of the Maras Salt Mines in Cusco. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Maras Salt Mines in Cusco, Peru are over 4,000 years old, making them the oldest known salt mines in the world. 2. The salt mines were once used by the Incas, who would send slaves and captives to carve out the salt formations and extract the precious salt. 3. The salt is still harvested by hand at the mines today, using a labor intensive irrigation system. 4. The salt is then dried in the sun, before being shipped to markets across Peru. 5. The Maras Salt Mines are a stunning sight to behold, with thousands of geometric salt beds terraced down the mountain. 6. The salt beds range in color from white to pink and orange, due to the iron oxide deposits in the soil. 7. The Maras Salt Mines are now a popular tourist destination in the region, with visitors able to take tours and take photos. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era