Ancient salt extraction terraces carved into mountainside near Arequipa, Peru at midday
Traditional salt extraction ponds carved into a mountainside in Peru's Arequipa region, photographed December 30, 2011. The ancient salineras demonstrate pre-Columbian harvesting techniques still in use today.
Read more about this photo
High in the arid mountains of Peru's Arequipa region, ancient salt terraces cascade down the hillside like geological stairways carved by human hands over centuries. These salineras represent one of the oldest continuous salt extraction operations in South America, where mineral-rich spring water is channeled into shallow ponds and left to evaporate under the intense Andean sun.
The reddish-brown earth contrasts sharply with the crystalline white salt deposits, creating a striking patchwork that has drawn travelers and photographers to this remote corner of the Peruvian highlands. Sparse desert vegetation, including hardy cacti and drought-resistant shrubs, dots the foreground, testament to the harsh yet beautiful environment.
Viewed from a vehicle traversing the rugged mountain roads, these terraces offer a glimpse into traditional Andean livelihoods that have persisted since pre-Incan times. Local families continue to harvest salt using methods passed down through generations, maintaining a living connection to their ancestral heritage while supplying markets throughout the region.
Spot a mistake or location error? Let us know!
Photos from the day
