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@viajeenparacaidas - UnsplashSalt Pans of Maras
📍 Peru
The Salt Pans of Maras are an impressive sight in the valley near Urubamba in Peru. The pans, set in a stepped configuration, advance up the hillside of the sacred mountain Qaqawiñay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, the pre-Inca salt-harvesting system is believed to have been in use for over 500 years. The area is composed of around 3000 colonial-style salt evaporation ponds that were built by the Inca during their control of the region. The ponds fill with salty water from a nearby hot spring or stream and then the water drafts off, leaving pure, pink salt crystals behind.
The site is best visited on foot in order to see the intricate network of ponds, watch the process of salt production and to take in the amazing views of the countryside. The nearby villages such as Maras and Predera also provide beautiful landscapes and present a great opportunity to learn about local music, culture and the region's vibrant history. The Salineras de Maras are definitely worth a visit on any trip to Peru!
The site is best visited on foot in order to see the intricate network of ponds, watch the process of salt production and to take in the amazing views of the countryside. The nearby villages such as Maras and Predera also provide beautiful landscapes and present a great opportunity to learn about local music, culture and the region's vibrant history. The Salineras de Maras are definitely worth a visit on any trip to Peru!
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