High in the Andes mountains flows a highly salted stream of water that has been harvested for thousands of years.

Salineras, just outside of the small town of Maras, is an enclave of salt flats entrenched on the mountainside in a small valley. Discovered over 2,000 years ago, these terraced salt flats have been used continuously since built by the Incas. Rare in the sense that this salty water streams from within the mountainside, instead of along the ocean’s edge, Salineras is a marvel.

Hiring a private guide with car and driver made arriving to Salineras simple. Driving through Maras, development in the town square was in progress along with plans for the creation of a visitor’s center. Not the sleepy, local town I visited several years by horseback. Clearly this area is gaining popularity with international visitors.

Looking forward to this visit and spending time wandering along the salt flats, the first glimpse of the flats leading out of the gully took my breath away.

Starting at the small opening from where the salty water flowed and tracing the channels leading to the extensive 4,000 + salt pans, we quickly met an older Quechua woman working her flat.

Each salt flat can provide approximately 60 kilos of salt. The varying colors depends on the desire and ability of the salt worker managing the flat. As throughout the Sacred Valley region, each family has the community right to obtain land, and in this case, salt flats to work.

While working these flats, the Quechua frequently go barefoot or wear poor footwear. Years of working the flats without proper foot protection has resulted in health issues and hypertension among the salt workers.

The salt produced here is available for purchase on-site, with many variations of salt for both culinary and spa purposes. One can now purchase five-pound bags of Peruvian Pink Salt online at Salt Works. It’s amazing that this remote area produces salt now that competes with other world-class salts.

Salineras is one of those unique places in the world that will always leave a vivid memory on one’s mind. With its unique tapestry of salt pans, and the long-standing Quechua culture of working the flats Salineras will find a special place in your heart.