{"id":16572,"date":"2025-02-27T17:56:26","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T22:56:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/?p=16572"},"modified":"2025-05-30T15:07:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T20:07:29","slug":"coca-tea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"Coca Tea: Your Natural Solution to Altitude Sickness in Peru"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re planning to travel to Peru and haven&#8217;t yet tried <strong>coca tea<\/strong>, get ready to discover a drink that is a true <strong>cultural and medicinal tradition of the Andes.<\/strong> Used by travelers to <strong>alleviate altitude sickness<\/strong>, also known as \u2018Soroche\u2019, this infusion will help you enjoy your adventure without the effects of high altitude. In this blog, we\u2019ll give you<strong> 5 reasons to try this drink<\/strong>, so valued in Andean medicine.<strong> Keep reading and find out why you can\u2019t miss it!<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a810bc65229c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a810bc65229c\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#What_is_Coca_Tea_and_Why_is_it_So_Important_in_Peru\" >What is Coca Tea and Why is it So Important in Peru?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#5_Reasons_to_Include_Coca_Tea_in_Your_Peru_Trip\" >5 Reasons to Include Coca Tea in Your Peru Trip<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#Relief_for_Altitude_Sickness\" >Relief for Altitude Sickness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#Naturally_Energize_Your_Body\" >Naturally Energize Your Body<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#A_Unique_Cultural_Experience\" >A Unique Cultural Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#Improves_Digestion_After_a_Heavy_Meal\" >Improves Digestion After a Heavy Meal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#Where_and_How_to_Enjoy_Coca_Tea_in_Peru\" >Where and How to Enjoy Coca Tea in Peru?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#Precautions_When_Drinking_Coca_Tea_During_Your_Trip\" >Precautions When Drinking Coca Tea During Your Trip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/coca-tea\/#Ready_to_Experience_the_Benefits_of_Coca_Tea\" >Ready to Experience the Benefits of Coca Tea?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Coca_Tea_and_Why_is_it_So_Important_in_Peru\"><\/span>What is Coca Tea and Why is it So Important in Peru?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coca tea is a traditional drink from the Andes<\/strong>, 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 <strong>natural medicine<\/strong> with properties that <strong>relieve altitude sickness, help reduce fatigue, and provide energy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"935\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-tea-in-cusco.webp\" alt=\"person from the community offering coca tea to tourists\" class=\"wp-image-16554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-tea-in-cusco.webp 935w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-tea-in-cusco-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-tea-in-cusco-900x472.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-tea-in-cusco-600x314.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This tea is consumed by both local communities and tourists, especially in the<strong> mountainous areas<\/strong>. In addition to its medicinal benefits, It symbolizes the connection with our Inca ancestors, representing a <strong>tradition <\/strong>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 <strong>Peruvian identity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Reasons_to_Include_Coca_Tea_in_Your_Peru_Trip\"><\/span>5 Reasons to Include Coca Tea in Your Peru Trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you visit Peru, <strong>coca tea<\/strong> could become your best ally. Here&#8217;s why you should try it during your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relief_for_Altitude_Sickness\"><\/span>Relief for Altitude Sickness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Altitude sickness is a common issue for travelers arriving in destinations like <strong>Cusco<\/strong>, <strong>Arequipa<\/strong>, <strong>Puno<\/strong>, or <strong>Machu Picchu<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"935\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/drinking-coca-tea.webp\" alt=\"Tourists drinking coca tea and smiling\" class=\"wp-image-16550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/drinking-coca-tea.webp 935w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/drinking-coca-tea-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/drinking-coca-tea-900x472.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/drinking-coca-tea-600x314.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Naturally_Energize_Your_Body\"><\/span>Naturally Energize Your Body<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;re hiking to <strong>Humantay Lake<\/strong>, trekking <strong>the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu<\/strong>, or exploring the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/peru\/colca-canyon\">Colca Canyon<\/a><\/strong>, this medicinal infusion will help fight fatigue and make the most of every adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Unique_Cultural_Experience\"><\/span>A Unique Cultural Experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coca tea is not just a beverage, it is an integral part of <strong>Andean identity.<\/strong> For centuries, <strong>pre-Inca <\/strong>and <strong>Inca <\/strong>civilizations used coca leaves in <strong>rituals<\/strong>, <strong>ceremonies<\/strong>, and as a<strong> source of energy in daily life<\/strong>. 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 <strong>connect <\/strong>with the <strong>customs <\/strong>and ancestral <strong>legacy <\/strong>of the Peruvian Andes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"935\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves.webp\" alt=\"View of dried coca leaves for tea or eating\" class=\"wp-image-16552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves.webp 935w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-900x472.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-600x314.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improves_Digestion_After_a_Heavy_Meal\"><\/span>Improves Digestion After a Heavy Meal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <strong>rocoto relleno<\/strong> or <strong>causa lime\u00f1a,<\/strong> a cup of coca tea can help soothe the discomfort and aid digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_and_How_to_Enjoy_Coca_Tea_in_Peru\"><\/span>Where and How to Enjoy Coca Tea in Peru?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coca tea<\/strong> is easy to find in Peru, especially in the Andean regions. It&#8217;s offered in <strong>hotels<\/strong>, <strong>restaurants<\/strong>, <strong>markets<\/strong>, and <strong>cafes<\/strong>. In places like <strong>Cusco<\/strong>, many accommodations provide coca leaves and hot water in the lobby, allowing visitors to <strong>help with their acclimatization<\/strong> 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 <strong>Machu Picchu<\/strong>, it&#8217;s common to find it as part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"935\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-machu-picchu.webp\" alt=\"Coca leaves with a view of Machu Picchu mountain\" class=\"wp-image-16553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-machu-picchu.webp 935w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-machu-picchu-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-machu-picchu-900x472.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/coca-leaves-machu-picchu-600x314.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Precautions_When_Drinking_Coca_Tea_During_Your_Trip\"><\/span>Precautions When Drinking Coca Tea During Your Trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>You can&#8217;t take it outside of Peru:<\/strong> Coca leaves are prohibited in most international airports, so it&#8217;s not recommended to transport or take coca tea outside of Peru.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not recommended for pregnant women or people with high blood pressure:<\/strong> While coca tea is natural, its stimulating effects may not be suitable for some. It&#8217;s better for them to stay hydrated with water or mild teas like chamomile or mint during their trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid excessive consumption at night:<\/strong> While it helps with altitude sickness, its energizing effect is similar to coffee and may interfere with sleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_to_Experience_the_Benefits_of_Coca_Tea\"><\/span>Ready to Experience the Benefits of Coca Tea?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coca tea is the perfect companion for your journey through the Andes,<\/strong> 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 <strong>Machu Picchu<\/strong>, the <strong>Sacred Valley<\/strong>, or <strong>Humantay Lake<\/strong>, coca tea will be your ideal ally, providing both physical and cultural support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make the most of it, it&#8217;s <strong>recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 1 or 2 days <\/strong>before your adventure, allowing your body to <strong>better acclimate <\/strong>and be ready for the challenges of the altitude. <strong>Coca tea<\/strong> will be essential for your well-being, but it&#8217;s also important to rest and take the time to adapt. <strong>With these precautions and coca tea as part of your experience, your adventure in Peru will be much more special!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"935\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tourist-drinking-coca-tea.webp\" alt=\"tourist drinking coca tea\" class=\"wp-image-16551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tourist-drinking-coca-tea.webp 935w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tourist-drinking-coca-tea-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tourist-drinking-coca-tea-900x472.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tourist-drinking-coca-tea-600x314.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 935px) 100vw, 935px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>And remember\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traveling is about <strong>discovering<\/strong>, <strong>learning<\/strong>, and <strong>creating unforgettable memories<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We invite you to explore our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/packages\/\">Peru packages<\/a> <\/strong>Your experience in Peru is just one step away. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/strong> now and start living the unique adventure you&#8217;ve always dreamed of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>More information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit our English website:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/\"><strong> <\/strong><strong>Peru Grand Travel<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit our Spanish website:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.viajesmachupicchutours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong> <\/strong><strong>Viajes Machu Picchu Tours<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit our Portuguese website:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.machupicchupacotes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong> <\/strong><strong>Machu Picchu Pacotes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re planning to travel to Peru and haven&#8217;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 \u2018Soroche\u2019, this infusion will help you enjoy your adventure without the effects of high altitude. In this blog, we\u2019ll give you 5 reasons to try this drink, so valued in Andean medicine. Keep reading and find out why you can\u2019t miss it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16549,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[135],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-peru"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16572"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16572\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16955,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16572\/revisions\/16955"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.perugrandtravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}