Workers hand digging salt ponds, steep mountainside, Peru

Urubamba Valley (Sacred Valley), Peru: If you plan on seeing the Maras salineras (salt ponds) skip this video. Don't spoil the surprise. If you will be in the area, but didn't know about them, perhaps this video will convince you to go.

These ponds are about 10x15 feet, by 1 foot deep. They are built into the mountainside by hand, to catch and evaporate water from a saltwater spring. The system is maintained by a cooperative, composed of families who run about ten to twenty ponds each. The salt is then sold. The best of it goes to Japan.

It is really stunning to see. Then take a pleasant hike down the canyon to the river valley for lunch. A must-see!

Pt 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Q8yVJo2ag
Pt 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JZq4yT5sok

See also Buckingham Palace- Man in fountain,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogxs9pSJ3wM
Horse Tunnels, Camden Market, London
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWRVtB7wbc
Galapagos, frigate birds draft the Mistral
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gSKAEeYi2g
Locals Dying and Weaving in Chinchero, Peru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxrjRK1WSXU

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• adventure
• nature
• landmark
• culture
• destination
• labor
• Maras
• salineras