While known throughout the world as an ingredient incocaine, the coca leaf has had a long and positive role in Bolivian history,which you can learn about at the Museo de la Coca (Coca Museum). Browse themuseum’s exhibits to learn about the many ways in which Bolivian and Andeanpeoples have used the plant over time. Learn about the local love for theplant, and even taste some for yourself at this one-of-a-kind museum.
Start out by exploring the exhibits on pre-Hispanic uses forthe coca leaf. Learn how Andean tribes like the Inca incorporated the leaf intotheir rituals. Then, follow the development of coca’s role in Bolivian societythrough the colonial era. For instance, area miners used the leaf to relaxafter a long day of physical labour. Due to the important cultural role longheld by the coca leaf, Bolivia’s laws safeguard it as “cultural patrimony” tothis day.
Part of the Coca Museum is also dedicated to modern uses forcoca. See displays on how soda and pharmaceutical manufacturers have used theplant. Also, learn about the plant’s use as an ingredient in narcotics. Themuseum’s displays show how the plant is transformed to be used in drugs likecocaine, since it is not naturally narcotic.
The Coca Museum’s café is an essential part of theexperience. Here, you can find a variety of foods and drinks that contain thecoca leaf. Purchase cookies, cakes, beers, juices, teas and coffees infusedwith the plant. Plus, buy some of the plant itself the museum staff will teachyou various ways to use it. Learn how to chew the leaves in order to get anumbing sensation on your tongue. Ask how to prepare “mate de coca,” which is acoca leaf tea known to cure headaches.
Located just a short walk south of Plaza San Francisco andPlaza Murillo, the Coca Museum is easily accessible from anywhere in central LaPaz. Visit the museum’s website to learn its irregular hours of operation. Youshould set aside about an hour to tour the museum. There is a fee to enter.
