11:06 | Cusco (Cusco region), jun. 5.
Domestic and foreign tourists in Peru will be banned from reaching salt pools at Maras salt mines —in
Cusco's Urubamba Province— starting June 15.
In a statement, aimed at institutions and tour operators, MaraSal company said the restrictive measure was taken for health reasons, since this natural salt is consumed across Peru and the world.
According to the firm, the salt pools at Maras have been exposed to different contaminants.
In the past, visitors entered the crystallization pond area, but now they are banned from doing so and, as of June 15, the tour will end at the viewpoint.
"Access points will be properly signed to smooth the flow (of tourists)," the statement concludes.
The Maras district is located an hour and a half away from Cusco city. This town is part of the tourist circuit leading to the
Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The Andean jurisdiction is home to the most impressive salt ponds in Cusco, which are accessible by highway.
Day after day, hundreds of tourists visit the area to contemplate the salt production.
(END) PHS/JOT/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 6/5/2019