Maras is a small village that lies within the sacred valley of Peru. A walk down the roads will bring you a glimpse into the traditional Andean life. The salineras, or salt pools, which lie a 45 minute walk away from Maras, have been worked by the same families since Incan times. With over 4,000 pools to maintain, the 280 families unite to scrape, bag, pound, and sort the salt. It is backbreaking, poorly paid work in temperatures over 90 degrees. The sun reflects off the blazing white salt. It echoes the snow capped peaks in the distance. Silhoutted against shining crystals, chicha is generously poured.