Museo de la Coca

Frommer's Review

This museum provides visitors with a true "only in Bolivia" experience. Coca leaves have been an important part of Bolivian culture for thousands of years, and this tiny museum is dedicated solely to the coca leaf and its history. You'll learn tons of interesting facts about the coca leaf's healing properties, its nutritional value, and how it's transformed into cocaine. However, the real highlight is learning the proper way to chew coca leaves. Apparently, you must chew the bitter leaves for several minutes on one side of your mouth; once you've mashed up the leaves, the museum's owner will give you a pasty but sweet coca substance to add to the mix. Goodbye, altitude sickness! Set aside about an hour for your visit here.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.