Maras Salt Ponds: The Miracle Source in Peru

Maras Salt Ponds, not just renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, also produces medicinal wonders.

Maras Salt Ponds: The Miracle Source in Peru

Maras Salt Ponds (local name Salineras de Maras) consist of over 30,000 salt ponds owned by approximately 600 households. The natural structure and colors of Maras create a picturesque scene.

According to records, Maras Salt Ponds formed around 500 to 1000 AD by the Wari civilization. When the Inca people took over this area, they recognized the salt extraction potential and closely monitored production. However, the salt ponds remained under local ownership.

Similar to many other salt extraction regions, locals here harness evaporation to extract salt. They employ unique techniques passed down through generations, remaining unchanged for centuries.

Each pond covers an area of approximately 1.3 square meters with various shapes. They are supplied with water from the flowing salty stream underground, named Salineras. The ancestors of the locals here knew how to channel Salineras into different points to provide water to each pond.

Today, this salty stream is still utilized to flow into the ponds. They keep the water nearby and wait for about 3 days for evaporation, leaving behind crystallized salt. This is when the locals use shovels, wooden rakes for extraction.

Although both are pink salts, the sustainability of Maras Salt Ponds is highly regarded compared to harvesting salt from the Himalayas. Its benefits are equally impressive. Maras Salt is rich in potassium, giving it the distinctive pink color and providing calcium, magnesium, and various nutrients and trace minerals.

The healing properties of Maras Salt Ponds have been verified. It helps combat inflammation. Athletes can immerse themselves in a Maras salt bath to alleviate fatigue. Those with minor injuries can also apply this method for faster recovery.

According to Monster

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide