If you’re planning to travel to Peru and haven’t yet tried coca tea, get ready to discover a drink that is a true cultural and medicinal tradition of the Andes. Used by travelers to alleviate altitude sickness, also known as ‘Soroche’, this infusion will help you enjoy your adventure without the effects of high altitude. In this blog, we’ll give you 5 reasons to try this drink, so valued in Andean medicine. Keep reading and find out why you can’t miss it!
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What is Coca Tea and Why is it So Important in Peru?
Coca tea is a traditional drink from the Andes, made from coca leaf and used for centuries by Andean communities. In Peru, its significance goes beyond being just an infusion: it is a part of the culture and a natural medicine with properties that relieve altitude sickness, help reduce fatigue, and provide energy.
This tea is consumed by both local communities and tourists, especially in the mountainous areas. In addition to its medicinal benefits, It symbolizes the connection with our Inca ancestors, representing a tradition that has endured through time. Drinking it not only helps with adjusting to the altitude but also brings us closer to the cultural roots that are an integral part of Peruvian identity.
5 Reasons to Include Coca Tea in Your Peru Trip
If you visit Peru, coca tea could become your best ally. Here’s why you should try it during your trip.
Relief for Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a common issue for travelers arriving in destinations like Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, or Machu Picchu. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and nausea, and can affect your experience. Coca tea improves oxygenation in the blood and reduces these symptoms, helping you adapt better to the altitude.
Naturally Energize Your Body
If long walks or intense days of exploration leave you feeling drained, coca tea can give you an energy boost without the harsh effects of caffeine. Its properties gently stimulate the nervous system, helping you stay active throughout your trip. Whether you’re hiking to Humantay Lake, trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or exploring the Colca Canyon, this medicinal infusion will help fight fatigue and make the most of every adventure.
A Unique Cultural Experience
Coca tea is not just a beverage, it is an integral part of Andean identity. For centuries, pre-Inca and Inca civilizations used coca leaves in rituals, ceremonies, and as a source of energy in daily life. Today, it remains a symbol of tradition. Drinking it will not only help you feel better at high altitudes, but it will also allow you to connect with the customs and ancestral legacy of the Peruvian Andes.
Improves Digestion After a Heavy Meal
Peruvian cuisine is flavorful, but it can also be rich and packed with new tastes for travelers. If you feel bloated after enjoying a traditional dish like rocoto relleno or causa limeña, a cup of coca tea can help soothe the discomfort and aid digestion.
Where and How to Enjoy Coca Tea in Peru?
Coca tea is easy to find in Peru, especially in the Andean regions. It’s offered in hotels, restaurants, markets, and cafes. In places like Cusco, many accommodations provide coca leaves and hot water in the lobby, allowing visitors to help with their acclimatization at any time. You can also purchase coca leaves or tea bags in supermarkets and souvenir shops to enjoy throughout your trip. Even on trains to Machu Picchu, it’s common to find it as part of the experience.
Precautions When Drinking Coca Tea During Your Trip
- You can’t take it outside of Peru: Coca leaves are prohibited in most international airports, so it’s not recommended to transport or take coca tea outside of Peru.
- Not recommended for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure: While coca tea is natural, its stimulating effects may not be suitable for some. It’s better for them to stay hydrated with water or mild teas like chamomile or mint during their trip.
- Avoid excessive consumption at night: While it helps with altitude sickness, its energizing effect is similar to coffee and may interfere with sleep.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Coca Tea?
Coca tea is the perfect companion for your journey through the Andes, offering a natural way to adapt to the altitude and maintain your energy during your explorations. This infusion, which is part of traditional Andean medicine, has been used for centuries to help local communities face the challenges of high altitude. As you explore iconic destinations in Peru, such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Humantay Lake, coca tea will be your ideal ally, providing both physical and cultural support.
To make the most of it, it’s recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 1 or 2 days before your adventure, allowing your body to better acclimate and be ready for the challenges of the altitude. Coca tea will be essential for your well-being, but it’s also important to rest and take the time to adapt. With these precautions and coca tea as part of your experience, your adventure in Peru will be much more special!
And remember…
Traveling is about discovering, learning, and creating unforgettable memories, and Peru is the perfect destination for all of that. Its landscapes, history, and culture make every experience unique, filled with moments that will change your life.
We invite you to explore our Peru packages Your experience in Peru is just one step away. Contact us now and start living the unique adventure you’ve always dreamed of.
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