COLONIAL CHARM IN MARAS, IN PERU'S URUBAMBA VALLEY



Most visitors that travel the Urubamba do not give the town of Maras the time and attention it deserves. Maras is known more for its salt mines and the surrounding terraces of Moray (see photos below). The charming town, however, keeps the original remains of its glorious past in its facades and a nostalgic atmosphere of a town frozen in time. Maras also has a privileged location on a plateau that gives a wonderful sight of the Andes.


Small town life
The village of Maras must be traveled by foot. With each step, we come across astounding stone arches in the middle of the dusty streets that recount tales of glory of the inhabitants during Colonial times.

On Jerusalem street, which takes you to the main square, what stands out most are the facades with elaborate beams and sills with coats of arms with the symbols of their former owners.

The peaceful rhythm of this small town allows you to take the time to calmly observe the Yucay valley and the landscape that surrounds it.


If you earn the inhabitant’s trust, you will be able to get to see the other unknown charms of their musicians and artists.

Recently, the name Maras has begun to have more presence due to the lodges that the community of Misminay has managed to successfully install. They offer participatory tourism where visitors can participate in weaving workshops and agricultural work.

Another novelty that this route offers is that the famous salt mines of Maras now offer the chance to accompany the locals in their daily salt collecting tasks.

Near Maras, you will also find the Moray terraces which are considered to be prehispanic labs where the Inca crops were studied. So if you’re in the area, make sure to take the time to make a stop in Maras to admire a place that hides and authentic beauty that goes back to its ancient origins amongst its rows of white houses with tiled roofs and a unique view of the valley and the Andes.

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