Entrance to the Salt Mines of Maras Will Be Prohibited From June 15th!

Key Takeaways

• Visitors can no longer walk on the Maras Salt Mines pools, entrance to the salt terraces is prohibited to protect salt quality and visitor safety.
• Tourists now view the Maras Salt Mines from designated viewpoints and paths, which still offer clear views and photo spots.
• The entrance restriction helps prevent contamination of the edible salt and reduces damage to the salt ponds caused by heavy foot traffic.
• You can still visit the Maras Salt Mines as part of Sacred Valley tours, you simply cannot step onto or between the active salt pools.
• Respecting the new access rules supports local families who own the salt ponds and depend on high quality salt production for their income.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maras Salt Mines Entrance Prohibition

Why is entrance to the Maras Salt Mines salt pools prohibited for tourists?

Entrance to the salt pools at Maras is prohibited to protect both product quality and safety. When tourists walked on the edges of the ponds, they could bring in dirt, sunscreen, trash, and other contaminants that affected the purity of the edible salt. Heavy foot traffic also damaged the fragile pond walls. To prevent contamination and reduce the risk of accidents, local authorities and community members decided to stop tourist access inside the active salt terraces.

Can I still visit the Maras Salt Mines if I cannot walk on the salt pools?

You can still visit the Maras Salt Mines, even though walking on the pools is not allowed. Visitors stay on marked paths and designated viewpoints that look over the salt terraces. From these areas you can see the full salt complex, take photos, and learn about how the ponds work. Many Sacred Valley tours include a stop at Maras, so the site remains a regular part of Cusco travel itineraries.

What can I see and do at the Maras Salt Mines now?

At the Maras Salt Mines you can observe hundreds of salt ponds spread across the hillside, watch how water flows through the channels, and see how salt crystallizes in the sun. From the viewpoints, you get a wide view of the terraces that is ideal for photos. Some visits also include a short explanation about the history of the site and its traditional production methods. There are usually small stands nearby where you can buy local salt products and support the families who work the ponds.

How do the entrance restrictions benefit the local community?

The entrance restrictions help the local community by protecting the quality of the salt they sell. Cleaner ponds mean a safer and more marketable product, which supports the income of the families who own and work the terraces. Less physical damage to the pond walls also cuts repair work and long term costs. By keeping tourists on viewpoints instead of inside the ponds, the community can keep receiving visitors while still protecting its main source of livelihood.

Are there any rules I should follow when visiting the Maras Salt Mines?

Visitors should stay on marked paths, follow guide instructions, and avoid crossing any ropes or fences that separate the viewpoints from the salt terraces. You should not touch the water channels or throw anything into the ponds. Taking photos from the viewpoints is allowed, but drones may require special permission or may be banned, depending on local rules. Respect for signs and boundaries helps keep the site clean, safe, and open to tourism.