General view of the salineras (salt evaporation ponds) in Maras, Peru. The salt is obtained in Maras since the Inca Empire times and the site is currently composed of around 3.000 ponds of 5 square metres (54 sq ft) each. As the location is surrounded by salty mountains, subterrean water deposits the salty wather in the ponds and the water evaporates due to the exposure to the sun. After aprox. 1 month the level of salt reaches 10 centimetres (3.9 in) and is removed in sacks.

General view of the salineras (salt evaporation ponds) in Maras, Peru. The salt is obtained in Maras since the Inca Empire times and the site is currently composed of around 3.000 ponds of 5 square metres (54 sq ft) each. As the location is surrounded by salty mountains, subterrean water deposits the salty wather in the ponds and the water evaporates due to the exposure to the sun. After aprox. 1 month the level of salt reaches 10 centimetres (3.9 in) and is removed in sacks.. Learn more.