A major problem for people traveling to Peru and Bolivia is the altitude. Many people succumb to some form of Altitude Sickness.
Coca Leaves are probably best well known because of its coca alkaloids (think cocaine!) Before any druggies out there start booking flights to Peru and Bolivia, I have to give you the bad news. The amount of the alkaloid that produces cocaine is so minuscule that you aren't gonna get a high from it! Coca Leaves are best used for altitude sickness, to curve hunger, and to help with fatigue.
When traveling to Peru and Bolivia, my major complaint was shortness of breath. It was amazing how a little hill can get a person so winded. I pretty much lived off of coca tea and coca candy while in Peru and Bolivia. Most locals like to chew on the leaves, but I wasn't a big fan of that! Several hotels we stayed at even had coca tea set up near reception. Even though it didn't have the best flavor, it definitely helped with the acclimation during my first few days in high altitude.
Date Accomplished: October 5th, 2009
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