Discovering Maras by Car: A Complete Travel Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, exploring Maras by car is one of the most convenient and flexible ways to enjoy this incredible destination. Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras is famous for its stunning salt ponds, traditional Andean culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Traveling by car allows you to control your itinerary, take in the scenery at your own pace, and access nearby attractions that may be difficult to reach by public transportation.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Maras by car—from the best routes, travel tips, and parking options to the history and attractions of this fascinating area.

Why Explore Maras by Car?

Many travelers to Peru stick to guided tours or public transportation when visiting Maras. While these are great options, traveling by car offers unique advantages:

1. Flexibility: You can leave early in the morning to avoid crowds, spend as long as you want at each location, and make spontaneous stops along the way.
2. Comfort: Avoid crowded buses or taxis, especially during peak tourist season. You can travel with air conditioning, music, and your personal belongings safely.
3. Access to Nearby Sites: Maras is close to other notable destinations like Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Having a car makes it easy to combine multiple excursions in a single day.
4. Scenic Drives: The roads leading to Maras pass through the Sacred Valley, providing panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, rivers, and traditional Andean villages.

How to Get to Maras by Car

Maras is approximately 40 kilometers north of Cusco. The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route from Cusco

1. Cusco to Urubamba: Begin by driving through the Sacred Valley, passing towns such as Pisac and Calca. The road is paved and generally safe.
2. Urubamba to Maras: Continue on Route 28A towards the village of Maras. Follow signs for Moray and Maras. The final stretch includes winding mountain roads, so cautious driving is essential.
3. Parking Options: Once in Maras, you’ll find several designated parking areas near the entrance to the salt mines. Small fees may apply.

Tips for Driving

• Rent a reliable vehicle: A compact SUV is ideal for the mountainous terrain.
• Avoid night driving: Roads in the Andes can be tricky after dark.
• Check fuel stations: Gas stations are limited in rural areas, so fill up in Cusco or Urubamba.
• Hire a local guide: Even if driving yourself, a local guide can provide context about the salt ponds and surrounding culture.

Best Time to Visit Maras by Car

Maras is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see:

• Dry Season (May–September): Ideal for clear skies and excellent photography. The salt ponds sparkle in the sunlight, creating a surreal landscape.
• Wet Season (November–March): Roads may be muddy, but the valley is lush and green. The contrast between the water in the salt ponds and the surrounding mountains can be stunning.

Traveling by car during the dry season is particularly enjoyable, as roads are in better condition and traffic is manageable.

Exploring the Salt Mines of Maras

The main attraction in Maras is its ancient salt mines, known locally as Salineras de Maras. These ponds have been in operation since pre-Incan times, and their geometric patterns are a photographer’s dream.

What Makes the Salt Mines Unique

• The salt ponds are fed by a natural underground spring, which creates high-quality salt.
• Local families still manage the ponds, harvesting salt the traditional way.
• Each pond has a slightly different hue depending on the mineral content and evaporation rate.

Visiting Tips

• Entrance Fee: There is a small fee to enter the salt mines.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The terrain can be uneven and slippery.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Facilities are limited near the ponds.
• Photography: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting.

Exploring Maras by car allows you to spend as much time as you like at the salt ponds, without worrying about bus schedules or returning to Cusco.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Maras

One of the benefits of visiting Maras by car is that you can easily combine it with other nearby attractions:

Moray Archaeological Site

• Just a 10-minute drive from Maras, Moray features circular agricultural terraces believed to be an Incan experimental farm.
• The site is perfect for history enthusiasts and photographers.

Chinchero

• Located about 30 minutes from Maras, Chinchero is a traditional Andean village known for weaving and textiles.
• Visitors can learn about local customs, buy handmade products, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo

• About 45 minutes from Maras, Ollantaytambo offers well-preserved Inca ruins and a charming town center.
• This makes it easy to plan a full-day itinerary combining history, culture, and scenic drives.

Safety and Driving Considerations

Driving in the Andes requires extra caution. Here are key tips for a safe trip when exploring Maras by car:

1. Altitude Awareness: Maras is at 3,300 meters above sea level. Take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
2. Road Conditions: While main roads are paved, secondary roads can be narrow and winding.
3. Local Traffic: Expect slow-moving vehicles, llamas, and pedestrians on the road.
4. Emergency Supplies: Carry a first-aid kit, snacks, water, and a charged phone.
5. Parking: Use designated parking areas to avoid fines and ensure the security of your vehicle.

Cultural Insights

Visiting Maras offers more than just scenic landscapes—it’s also an opportunity to connect with local culture:

• Traditional Salt Harvesting: Watch how families extract and process salt using ancient techniques.
• Local Cuisine: Some small restaurants near Maras serve traditional Andean dishes, including trout, potatoes, and quinoa-based meals.
• Community Interaction: Engaging with local residents provides insight into their way of life and traditions.

Driving gives you the freedom to linger in these small villages and interact with locals on your own schedule.

Tips for Planning a Maras by Car Trip

1. Start Early: Leave Cusco early to avoid tourist crowds and have more time at the salt ponds.
2. Fuel Up: Make sure your car has enough gas for the round trip.
3. Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and camera are a must.
4. Weather Check: The Andes can have sudden weather changes, so pack layers.
5. Combine Attractions: Plan stops at Moray, Chinchero, or Ollantaytambo to maximize your day.
6. Map or GPS: Cellular service can be spotty, so having offline maps is helpful.

Photography Tips for Maras

Maras offers incredible opportunities for photographers:

• Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the textures and colors of the salt ponds.
• Drone Photography: If permitted, drones can capture the full geometric layout of the ponds.
• Close-Ups: Highlight the crystals of salt and the small channels that fill the ponds.
• Local People: Photographing local workers (with permission) adds authenticity and storytelling to your images.

Traveling by car gives you the flexibility to return for multiple photography sessions during the day.

Accommodation Near Maras

While most visitors stay in Cusco or Urubamba, there are small lodges and guesthouses closer to Maras:

• Urubamba Valley Lodges: Comfortable accommodations surrounded by mountains and rivers.
• Sacred Valley Boutique Hotels: Offer a blend of luxury and local charm.
• Homestays: For a more authentic experience, consider staying with a local family near Maras.

Driving by car allows you to choose accommodation freely without being tied to tour pickup schedules.

 

Conclusion

Exploring Maras by car is an unforgettable way to experience one of Peru’s most iconic destinations. From the ancient salt ponds to the surrounding Andean landscapes, a self-driven trip provides unmatched flexibility, comfort, and opportunities for adventure. By planning your route, following safety precautions, and taking advantage of nearby attractions, you can turn a day trip to Maras into a full cultural and scenic experience.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or photography aficionado, Maras by car offers a journey that combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural insights, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

So pack your camera, rent a reliable vehicle, and prepare for an incredible journey through the Sacred Valley—you won’t regret it.