Maras Salt Mines Promote Community-Based Tourism and Sustainable Export Model in Cusco

A business born from the mountains, at exactly 3,380 meters above sea level, in the district of Maras, Urubamba province, Cusco region. The Maras Salt Mines have become an example of how natural heritage can generate income, preserve culture, and strengthen communities.

Composed of more than 3,000 salt pools —rising to 5,000 during the dry season— the salt flats stretch across 6.8 hectares of white and pink hillsides. The salt comes from an underground spring that flows from Mount Qaqawiñay, with salinity levels between 18% and 24% —six times higher than seawater.

An organization that reflects community strength

Production is managed by a cooperative of about 630 member families from the communities of Maras and Pichingoto. Each family owns between 25 and 30 pools, passed down through generations.

The company Marasal S.A., formed by the producers themselves, is celebrating its 30th anniversary and operates through three divisions: production, tourism, and administration. The model ensures autonomy and direct participation of locals in both decisions and profits. For the past 25 years, they have welcomed tourists from around the world, turning the family cooperative into a reference in community-based tourism.

Handcrafted salt that reaches the world

The harvesting method remains faithful to ancient tradition: the pools are filled with salty water, and after three to four weeks of sun evaporation, salt crystals form layers up to 10 centimeters thick.

About 70% of production is consumed in Peru, while 30% is exported to countries such as Germany, France, and several Asian nations.

Maras pink salt, known for its high mineral content and balanced flavor, has become a symbol of quality in Peruvian gastronomy —the most awarded in Latin America.

Heritage and sustainable tourism

In 2019, the Salt Mines were included in UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, in recognition of their historical value and the community tourism model developed in the region.

The site currently welcomes between 300 and 400 visitors per day in the low season, and up to 2,000 during the dry months.

It has become a strategic destination in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, attracting travelers interested in authentic experiences and sustainable ventures.

Maras proves that collective management and community tourism can go hand in hand —turning salt into an economy that gives flavor to many lands.

Report and photos: Mary de Aquino