The Unexpected Andean Attraction
Have you ever wondered what hides behind the curious tiny white ponds scattered along the mountain?
It was a rainy Monday morning when my whole class and I decided to go and visit the phenomenal city of Maras along with the breathtaking salt pools located just about 17 km from where we were staying (La casona de Yucay).
The way there was mostly uphill and along a snake like road. Thankfully, none of my friends got sick after all of the turning we did.
About halfway through the journey, the puffy clouds were clearing up and the view started to develop into an astonishing multicolored canvas by Claude Monet. You could see the magical “Cordillera Urubamba”, a mountain range located in the region of Cusco, rising like a tip of an iceberg in between rocky mountains. The whole landscape was surreal.
To get to the salt evaporation ponds you have to ride through the city of Maras, including the town square, which I found to be very exhilarating.
When we got there, I left the bus swiftly and made my way to the entrance. Once there, we were greeted with tent-like stores selling different kinds of crystals and quartz. You could find various types of rocks from places all around south america like azurites, tourmalines, different colored quartz, etc. They also came in different shapes and sizes. For example, a crystal could be as economical as 3 soles and as pricey as 200 soles. There was one precise coin size rock that really stood out to me.
The contrast between the rock’s cloudy color and twinkling, sparkling freckles reminded me of Cusco’s midnight skies. It cost me about 10 soles because of its modest size.
As we left the crystal stores behind, we came into a blue canvas that held even more stands of locals selling not crystals, but salts. The dim light glazed through the blue, sealed toldo, making the atmosphere around us a mystic turquoise hue.
In these stores you could purchase pink salt of Maras in various forms. It came as kitchen salt, table salt, salts with medicinal purposes, with infused herbs, spices, garlic, cilantro, oregano, “ají”, etc.
After breaking out of the congested stores, all of us anxiously approached the edge of the mountain and were awed by view we had upon our faces .I found myself staring at a fascinating view like a kids in front of a toy store.
The wise tour guide explained the process of evaporation and filtration they used since the Incan times to produce this exquisite pink salt. I thought it would be a crowded and busy attraction, but on the contrary, it was a quite peaceful and placid spot.
As we hiked down the narrow path downhill through the patches of salt, I felt utterly free in this wonderful valley. All of my problems seemed to shut down as I enjoyed the unimaginable view I had upon my eyes.
The guide then told us to taste a little bit of the water that was flowing peacefully in a small stream along our feet to taste and see how over-salted it was. I faintly brushed a finger on the surface of the water, just barely touching it scared to accumulate too much, to take a look and see if what the guide was telling us was true. And in fact, it was. The small amount of alkaline liquid I put in my mouth was already starting to burn my tongue.
We continued downhill for about 15 more minutes and when we were at the bottom of the mountain, we concluded our expedition with an exquisite lunch at the restaurant “Tunupa”; a mouse trap for all tourists who finish their Maras experience with a grumbling stomach.
After having visited this divine place, I now feel more educated on the world’s unique diversity. I have grown as a learner and as a person. After this experience, I am now full of new and refreshing stories to tell.
Getting There:
Taxis…
Licensed taxi companies include:
- Okarina (tel. 084/247–080)
- Aló Cusco (tel. 084/222–222).
Taxis can be hired for return trips to nearby ruins or for half- or full days. To the airport, taxis charge S/10 from the city center; to the distant Terminal Terrestre.
Renting a car…
agencies:
- Avis, Av. El Sol 808 (tel. 084/248–800) and Localiza, Av. Industrial J-3, Urbanización Huancaro (tel. 084/233–131)
- 4x4 Cusco, Urb. San Borja, Huanchaq (tel. 084/227–730)
If you prefer going on bus…
There is a small terminal in Calle Puputi s/n, Cdra. 2 (via Pisac) and Av. Grau s/n, Cdra. 1 (via Chinchero).
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/cusco/620990#ixzz3sR7kIeh9
For information on driving around the Cusco department, and in case of emergencies, contact the Touring Automóvil Club del Perú,
Places to Stay:
In Cusco…
List of hotels based on Trip Advisor reviews
At El valle sagrado…
List of hotels based on Trip Advisor reviews
