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Maras Salt Ponds not only offer high nutritional value but also boast mesmerizing landscapes. Upon arrival, visitors will be awestruck by over 30,000 naturally colored salt ponds. Moreover, Maras salt ponds are intertwined with ancient civilizations. The Maras terraced salt fields are a unique gift bestowed upon Peru. Let's explore this intriguing land with Mytour!
Where are Maras Salt Ponds located?
The ancient Maras salt ponds are one of the most fascinating attractions in Peru. Maras is known as an impressive valley for the Inca people. Maras Salt Ponds are situated near the ancient city of Machu Picchu, built by the Chanapata civilization.
About Maras Terraced Salt Fields
Besides the sacred Maras salt ponds, Peru is also blessed with the extraordinary gift of 'one of a kind' - Pure Pink Salt. This type of salt not only enhances the delicious taste of meals but also has incredible healing properties.
Thanks to its unique and majestic natural beauty, Maras salt terraces have gradually become a captivating tourist destination in Peru. Here, visitors can admire thousands of gleaming white salt ponds stacked layer upon layer, creating a breathtaking natural scenery that no words can fully describe.
The vibrant colors have painted a magnificent landscape for the Maras salt ponds (Image Source: Collected)
The tradition of salt extraction from the terraced salt fields at Maras ponds has been preserved and developed for generations. Similar to other salt harvesting regions, the locals here utilize evaporation to produce salt. However, they possess their own unique traditional crafting techniques passed down through many generations. This ancestral recipe seems to have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.
The History of Maras Salt Ponds
The Maras salt ponds in Peru were constructed between 200 - 900 AD during the Chanapata cultural period, predating the Inca civilization. During the Inca era, when the Incas occupied this area, they recognized the potential in salt mining. Therefore, they closely supervised and managed the salt production processes. The products from the Maras salt ponds were used to supply the entire Inca Empire and express Peru's loyalty.
Salt extraction at Maras salt ponds has existed for hundreds of years and thrived most during the Inca era (Image Source: Collected)
Key Features of Maras Salt Ponds
The Maras terraced fields sit at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level. There are approximately 5,000 salt ponds, each belonging to a local household. Some areas remain unused.
The area of each Maras salt pond is about 5 square meters with a depth of around 30 cm. Additionally, some ancient water channels called Qoripujio irrigate these salt ponds. Hence, farmers who want to fill their salt ponds only need to dig a trench for the brine to flow in. Under the harsh Andean weather, the water in the ponds naturally evaporates. Once all condensed, the process of scraping off the pink salt crust begins. At this point, they use shovels, wooden scrapers to harvest the salt.
The Qoripujio water channels are the lifeblood of thousands of Maras salt ponds over millennia (Image Source: Collected)
Travelers can purchase freshly harvested salt at incredibly low prices. However, once packaged and sold in the market, the price of salt can increase up to three times the original amount. Nowadays, the Maras salt ponds in Peru have become famous tourist attractions on various tours. Especially for enthusiasts seeking to explore new horizons, Maras salt ponds have become a mysteriously captivating destination. Each year, this location attracts thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe.
The Nutritional Values of Maras Salt Ponds
Many nutrition experts recommend using the pink salt from the Maras region for patients with high blood pressure. This is because pink salt contains extremely low levels of sodium chloride, which does not adversely affect the health of individuals with high blood pressure.
From above, the view makes you feel like you're wandering into a barren, mysterious land that only exists in books (Image Source: Collected)
On the other hand, Maras salt also contains calcium, zinc, magnesium. These are effective components to improve skin conditions or treat swelling. The healing properties of Maras salt have been verified. For sports enthusiasts, soaking in a bath with salt can alleviate injuries and fatigue.
However, you should season your meals with Maras salt after cooking. Because, the dish will completely lose the nutrients of the herbal ingredients if left at temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Nowadays, salt extraction on the Maras terraced fields is still thriving to this day. Among them, pink salt from Maras salt ponds is considered the most sustainable. Because they have higher nutritional content compared to other areas in the Himalayas.
Not only a rich source of nutrient-rich pink salt, Maras salt ponds are also a famous tourist destination in Cusco. Hopefully with the sharing from Mytour, travelers will gain more useful knowledge. Contact Mytour via hotline Mytour for free consultation on tour prices, itineraries, and some attractive offers.
