You’ve seen the pictures: the clouds mirrored in the salt pond and white colored earth as Everyone has seen those pictures of sunsets mirrored in a perfect salt pond with the horizon reflected as far as the gaze can carry. These pictures are from the famous salt flats in Bolivia. This natural phenomenon has resulted from a lake high in the Andes mountain range that dried up many years ago. Despite its stunning qualities, this isn’t the only salt flat in South America. Here are a few reasons why you should visit the Peruvian salt flats instead of the ones in Bolivia.
The Beauty of Peru
Peru has a hidden treasure that lies 3,000 meters above sea level. In the mountaintops of this region rest dozens of salt ponds that have dried up over time. The entrance to this park is only ten sole or roughly three dollars. The parking lot is conveniently located a short walk from the entrance of the park. After walking through a series of gift shops, visitors are greeted with a view of these stunning salt ponds. The Maras Flats have reddish-brown hues and history as unique as their appearance.
There is an active stream that runs from the Andes mountains into all of the ponds in the park. The area surrounding the salt ponds is just as breathtaking. The Maras Flats are an easy visit for any tourists already on their way to Machu Picchu. The park is located in the Sacred Valley near the city of Urubamba.
How The Salt Flats Became Famous
Gaston Acurio, an acclaimed Peruvian chef, helped to bring attention and popularity to this little-known area of Peru. He revealed that many of his famous dishes carry salt from these Mara ponds. Citizens of Peru began to scramble to buy their own salt from this magical place. Today, the area is a mixture of a tourist attraction and a farmer’s market where locals go to buy a unique additive. There are even websites that have been created to sell this salt.
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The Mara Flats have become more than just an additional stop on the way to Machu Picchu. It has created a gravitational pull of its own. These salt flats have found a place in the culinary revolution that is currently afoot in Peru. Tourists get insight into the history of this wonderful place. It is amazing to see a tradition from thousands of years ago still having influence today. This is a great place for visitors to see Peruvian culture in action while also getting a glimpse at one of the natural wonders of South America.
