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Coca leaf and other Cusco, Peru Local Custom Tips

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Cusco Local Custom Tips by SirRichard

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SirRichard    
When in doubt... move!


Real Name: Joaquin
Lives In: Madrid, ES
Member Since: May 14, 2001
VT Rank: 19

 
Local Customs: Coca leaf
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  • Written by SirRichard on May 11, 2005
  • Cusco Travel Guide
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  • Local people use to chew coca leaf here, or drink it like coca tea. Coca is not cocaine (though the drug comes from the leaf), so is not forbidden here, you can buy it at markets, or ask for a tea in a cafeteria.
    They say is good to fight altitude sickness. The way to chew it is:
    Take a handful of leaf (like 10-15) put them inside your mouth, at one side and slowly chew it. The first taste will be bitter but it gets softer after a while. Keep them in your miuth for about 15 minutes and then throw them away, don't swallow!

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    Comments for SirRichard about Cusco
    willy_wonka Wed Jul 8, 2009 07:29 UTC
     after uzbekistan this is the next destination, if all goes well of course! great page joaquin!
    roamer61 Mon Jul 16, 2007 13:07 UTC
     Hi Joaquin. Nice little page on Cuzco. I will go there one day when I have $$$$ and also overcome my fears of getting Soroche. :)
    Thestumps Mon Jul 2, 2007 02:17 UTC
     Man that sounds awesome. I could go for that pain. About the coca leaves. Do you feel an actual numbness? Do you feel it helps in the altitude?
    andrea.d Sun Jan 15, 2006 18:02 UTC
     Wow, great page! I don't think i would be able to handle the altitude though... But with a little coca leaves help? Who knows :)
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