Important: You can still visit the Maras Salt Mines up to the general viewpoint, but you can’t pass it and walk among the ponds anymore.
One of the most popular sites of the Sacred Valley tour is the salt mines of Maras. Unfortunately, the entrance to the salt ponds will be prohibited starting June 15th.
This decision has been made by MaraSal S.A., the company owning the salt mines of Maras, in an open letter directed to tour operators and tourism institutions.
Why Will the Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines Be Prohibited?
In the open letter, the company states that they have noticed an increasing pollution of the ponds due to contaminants, such as hair, paper, plastic and cigarette stubs. This can be attributed to an increasing number of tourists visiting the salt ponds.
As MarasSal S.A. processes and sells the salt for consumption, they have to make sure that the product adheres to certain quality standards.
Given the pollution, they consider the quality of their product to be threatened. That’s why they took drastic means and prohibited the entrance to national and international tourists from the 15th of June onwards.
What Does This Mean for Me if I Want to Visit the Salt Mines of Maras?
You can still visit the salt mines and take a look at them. However, it will not be possible to enter them and take a picture as shown below.
It will only be possible to visit the viewpoint, from where you can see the salt mines.
This spot has become a very popular spot for influencers to take photos.
There are lots of souvenir shops around where you can try and buy the original salt of Maras. The salt is great for cooking and you will enjoy that one at the best restaurants in Cusco.
Are interested in finding out more about our Sacred Valley day tour? Then we invite you to check out our blog post about the Sacred Valley tour or to contact us in the chat or via mail.
