The Coke Museum


Bolivia , Colombia, Peru - the so-called "Andean cocaine triangle". It is here that one of the most dangerous drugs in the world is born, because dependence on it is not even realized. Today we will tell you about a place in which you can learn the history of the appearance of this substance - the Coca Museum, located in the heart of Bolivia.

What is interesting about the museum?

The Coca Museum is one of the most unusual museums in the world. It was founded in 1996 by Dr. Jorge Hurtado Gumusio in La Paz , the actual capital of Bolivia. Already for 20 years, this unusual sight has never ceased to interest foreign tourists.

The museum occupies a small one-story building, more like a basement, rather than a popular tourist center. Among the exhibits an important place is occupied by the photo gallery: on numerous photographs and clippings from newspapers one can trace the long history of the conversion of ordinary coca leaves into a narcotic substance.

Few know that the original use of this plant was fairly harmless: Indians and other South American indigenous tribes chewed coca leaves for 40-45 minutes to relieve fatigue, quench their thirst and hunger, and cheer up. This effect is explained by the high content of vitamins and other useful microelements. Coca is also actively used in pharmacology, food industry and cosmetics.

Chewing coca leaves is one of the main symbols of the culture and traditions of the Bolivians. This product is sold everywhere: in the markets, in shops, pharmacies, etc. At the Coca Museum there is a café specializing in dishes and drinks that can be prepared from this plant. Do not be afraid: all recipes are absolutely safe and do not become addictive.

How to visit the Coca Museum?

As already mentioned, the museum is located in the central part of La Paz - one of the largest cities in Bolivia. To reach the sights you can by public transport : just 10 minutes from here, directly opposite the church of San Francisco , there is a bus stop Av Mariscal Santa Cruz. Crossing the road, head along Sagarnaga street and after 2 blocks turn left: just behind the turn and there is an entrance to the Coca Museum. Tourists who value comfort and are ready to pay for it can get here by taxi or a rented car.