Maras

The Maras salt mines, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru, are a series of thousands of terraced salt pools that have been used for salt production since pre-Inca times. The salt is produced by channeling a stream of mineral-rich water into the pools, where the water evaporates under the sun, leaving behind salt crystals. This process is entirely natural and relies on the unique mineral content of the water, which originates from an underground stream. The salt is harvested by hand, a method that has been passed down through generations.

The salt of Maras is prized for its purity and high mineral content, particularly its rich magnesium content. It is available in different varieties, including pink and white salts, each with a distinctive taste influenced by the specific minerals present. This artisanal salt is popular not only in local markets but also globally, especially among gourmet chefs. The site of the Maras salt mines is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who are interested in its ancient, sustainable methods and stunning landscape.