Detail of salt pans of Maras, Salinas de Maras, Cuzco Region, Peru, South America

maras salt pans salt mines peru cusco region salt extraction evaporation agriculture terraces brine heritage traditional practices landscape mining natural resources culture south america minerals tourism farming artisanal environment rural patterns geology craftsmanship ecosystems crystallization local economy historical preservation scenic tourism destination ancient techniques rugged terrain water evaporation ponds ecosystem artisan sustainability mountainous region regional farming agricultural terraces infrastructure community geological formations evaporation process salt production richness unique landscapes