ONU Tourism has selected five Peruvian villages, including Maras, as part of the best rural tourist destinations of 2024. This recognition highlights Maras for its commitment to sustainable tourism, its rich Andean culture, and its stunning landscapes, such as the famous Salineras and Andean Astrotourism.
It is important to note that Maras has successfully integrated local economic development with environmental conservation and the preservation of its traditions. This award highlights Maras as a model of responsible tourism that not only attracts travelers but also benefits the community.
Maras is a hidden treasure nestled among the mountains, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. This place has been recognized as one of the "Best Tourist Villages 2024" by ONU Tourism, an award that highlights its incredible beauty, rich history, and ability to offer authentic experiences. The village is famous for its stunning landscapes, colonial streets, and proximity to the famous Salineras de Maras and the agricultural laboratory of Moray.
One of the main attractions of Maras is the Salineras, with over 3,000 salt ponds dating back to the Inca era. These salt pans are not only an impressive visual landscape but also a testament to the ancestral wisdom that has been passed down through generations.
To extract the salt, they use a technique based on solar evaporation, still used by the local community to produce high-quality salt. This unique landscape is not only a tourist attraction but also a source of livelihood for the families of Maras, who continue to operate the salt pans traditionally.
Maras has adopted a sustainable tourism approach that seeks to balance the preservation of its natural environment with economic development.
Additionally, the Maras community has implemented various initiatives to ensure that tourism benefits both residents and visitors, promoting ecotourism and reducing environmental impact. This sustainability is a key pillar of Maras' recognition by ONU Tourism.
The culture of Maras continues to preserve its Andean traditions, with some of them being:
These activities are an essential part of daily life for the locals. Tourists can engage in these activities, enjoying an immersive experience that connects them with the roots of the community. Additionally, local festivities, such as the celebrations of the Virgin of the Nativity, allow visitors to learn about and take part in traditions that have been preserved for generations.
The recognition of Maras as one of the best tourist villages by ONU Tourism reflects the community's efforts to promote rural development through responsible tourism. This award highlights not only the tourist appeal of Maras but also its ability to generate local employment, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and offer an authentic experience to travelers.
This type of recognition helps to raise awareness about the benefits of tourism for rural communities and demonstrates how it can be an effective tool for economic development.
Maras has become a model for other rural communities looking to implement sustainable tourism. With this recognition, the village shows that it is possible to develop tourism without compromising local values, and its success is a clear example of how responsible tourism can generate lasting benefits for rural communities.
With this recognition, it not only highlights Maras' achievements but also serves as an invitation for other communities to follow its example and embrace tourism as a path to sustainable development.
