Essential Gear for Your Maras Photoshoot

The high altitude in Cuzco creates very thinning air. This makes the sun feel much stronger than at sea level. You need a circular polarizing filter for your lens. This tool helps manage the glare off the white salt. It also makes the blue sky pop against the landscape. A wide-angle lens is best for the vast valley views. Bring a 16-35mm lens to capture the entire scale of the thousands of ponds. A telephoto lens is also great for zooming in on the workers. The UNESCO World Heritage sites in Peru require careful gear protection. Dust can be an issue in the dry season. Always keep your camera in a sealed bag when you are not shooting.

Top 9 Photography Spots for Your Maras Salt Mines Tour

Visiting the salt mines requires knowing exactly where to stand. You can no longer walk between the salt ponds. This rule protects the salt from contamination. You must shoot from the designated wooden walkways and viewpoints. Here are the best spots to include in your itinerary.

• Best overall: Salineras de Maras Main Mirador
• Best for families: The Salt Souvenir Market
• Best for nature: The Sacred Valley Overlook
• Best free option: The Trail from Maras Village

1. Name: Salineras de Maras Main Mirador
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the classic shot showing the entire valley of 3,000 ponds.
   Best for: Wide-angle landscape photos.
   Where: Just past the ticket booth.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: 10 PEN entrance fee.
   Getting there: Part of a standard tour from Cuzco.
   Tip: Keep your tripod steady as the wind can be strong here.
2. Name: The Individual Crystallization Pools
   Type: sight
   Why go: These offer incredible geometric patterns and textures up close.
   Best for: Macro shots and abstract patterns.
   Where: Along the lower section of the public walkway.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Included in entry.
   Getting there: Walking path within the site.
   Tip: Look for pools with fresh water for the best reflections.
3. Name: The Maras Salt Harvesters
   Type: experience
   Why go: Seeing traditional labor adds a human element to your photos.
   Best for: Action and documentary style shots.
   Where: Lower ponds where active harvesting occurs.
   Time: 15 minutes of observation.
   Cost: Included.
   Getting there: Visible from the main wooden decks.
   Tip: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement of the salt shovels.
4. Name: Moray Archeological Site
   Type: day trip
   Why go: These circular Incan terraces provide a perfect green contrast to the white salt.
   Best for: Drone-like perspectives from the rim.
   Where: 20 minutes driving from the salt mines.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
   Getting there: Most Sacred Valley day trips include both sites.
   Tip: Visit here early in the morning for long shadows across the circles.
5. Name: San Pedro Church of Maras
   Type: sight
   Why go: A historic colonial church with a stunning stone doorway.
   Best for: Architectural and cultural photography.
   Where: The center of Maras village.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free to view outside.
   Getting there: 10-minute drive from the mines.
   Tip: The doorway has intricate carvings that look best in the soft afternoon light.
6. Name: Chinchero Archaeological Park
   Type: day trip
   Why go: Known for its colorful textiles and impressive Incan walls.
   Best for: Street photography and portraiture of weavers.
   Where: Located on the high plateau between Cuzco and Maras.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: Part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
   Getting there: Stop here on your way from Cuzco.
   Tip: Check the top attractions near Cuzco list for market days.
7. Name: The Salt Souvenir Market
   Type: market
   Why go: The pink salt bags and local crafts are very photogenic.
   Best for: Color-rich detail shots of local products.
   Where: The entrance area of the mines.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free to walk; items cost 5-50 PEN.
   Getting there: At the exit of the mine site.
   Tip: Ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of the vendors.
8. Name: The Sacred Valley Overlook at Raqchi
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: Provides a panoramic view of the Vilcanota River and massive mountains.
   Best for: Epic landscape shots of the Andes.
   Where: Near the village of Misminay.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Best reached by private car or ATV tour.
   Tip: Use a small aperture like f/11 for maximum depth of field.
9. Name: The Urubamba River Valley Path
   Type: nature
   Why go: Allows you to see the salt mines from the valley floor looking up.
   Best for: Low-angle shots of the white mountainside.
   Where: The trail connecting the mines to the town of Media Luna.
   Time: 45-minute hike.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: You can visit without a guide by hiking down.
   Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery from loose salt.

Lighting and Timing Tips for Perfect Results

Timing is everything when photographing the Cusco region landscapes. The sun in the Andes is at its peak around noon. This creates very dark shadows in the deep salt ponds. Try to arrive at the mines as soon as they open. The morning light is softer and more golden. It also helps you avoid the large tour bus crowds. If you visit in the rainy season, expect moody clouds. These clouds can actually help by diffusing the harsh sunlight. During the dry season from May to September, the salt is at its whitest. This creates the most dramatic contrast against the blue sky.