Many people are familiar with the coca plant only as the source of cocaine until they land in Cusco, where it is offered at every stop for helping with the effects of altitude. If this dichotomy has made you curious, stop by the museum of sacred plants to learn about the science and history of coca as well as its traditional uses, both medicinal and religious. Also covered are tobacco, ayahuasca, san pedro, and a host of other plants used for milennia by the Andean and
Amazonian people. It's a great opportunity to get a more thorough understanding about plants that were, and still are, a vital part of the indigenous cultures of Peru.