Coca Museum Museo de la Coca y Costumbres
Discover the history, culture, and traditional uses of the coca plant, with a fun costume exhibit from the Candelaria festival.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Small museum, quick visit
Coca Museum Museo de la Coca y Costumbres
Best Time
Small museum, quick visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the history, culture, and traditional uses of the coca plant, with a fun costume exhibit from the Candelaria festival.
"A fascinating and affordable museum offering insights into coca's history and vibrant local traditions. "
Ring the Bell if Locked
If the door is locked, an employee might be upstairs. Ring the bell to get their attention. :bell:
Photos on Top Floor Only
Photography is restricted on the first two floors but allowed on the top floor with costumes. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coca's Rich History
First and Second Floors
Explore the fascinating historical and contemporary uses of the coca plant, with detailed English descriptions.
Candelaria Festival Costumes
Top Floor
Try on and photograph vibrant, colorful costumes from Puno's annual Candelaria festival.
Introductory Film
Small Theatre
A concise 10-minute film summarizes the museum's key information in English and Spanish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Two 'Coca' Experiences
Timing and Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ring the Bell if Locked
If the door is locked, an employee might be upstairs. Ring the bell to get their attention. :bell:
Photos on Top Floor Only
Photography is restricted on the first two floors but allowed on the top floor with costumes. :camerawithflash:
Learn About Traditional Use
Discover the proper use of the coca plant by native Americans and its nutritional benefits. :leaf:
Costume Fun
Don't miss the chance to try on and take photos with the colorful Candelaria festival costumes! :dancer:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ring the Bell if Locked
If the door is locked, an employee might be upstairs. Ring the bell to get their attention. :bell:
Photos on Top Floor Only
Photography is restricted on the first two floors but allowed on the top floor with costumes. :camerawithflash:
Learn About Traditional Use
Discover the proper use of the coca plant by native Americans and its nutritional benefits. :leaf:
Costume Fun
Don't miss the chance to try on and take photos with the colorful Candelaria festival costumes! :dancer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Coca Museum in Puno to be an interesting and educational stop, particularly for its insights into the coca plant's history and traditional uses. The highlight for many is the interactive costume exhibit on the top floor, offering fun photo opportunities. While photography is limited on lower floors, the overall experience is considered worthwhile and affordable. +1
"My family of 5 visited this neat little museum in Puno and spent about an hour there. There are 3 floors, and photos are not allowed on the first 2 floors, which is where all the information is about coca. Too bad - there are some pretty neat displays and excellent historical and contemporary information alongside some photogenic artifacts. On the first floor you can sit in a small theatre and watch a 10 minute movie which basically summarizes the museum’s info, and is quite interesting. The top floor has a wonderful collection of extremely colourful costumes worn in the annual February parade for Candelaria. You can try them on and take photos. Fun!
If the door to the museum is locked, the employee may be explaining items to tourists on the upper floors. I think there’s a bell to ring.
We enjoyed our visit and learned a lot. Recommended!"
Andrea Smith
"Really interesting museum about the history and current use of coca, with good English descriptions and a lot of information on local customs. There is a special exhibitions of costumes that are used in Puno's Candelaria festival on the first floor. S/10 entry."
AB
"Interesting museum with the history of coca, its historical and modern day uses, including instructions on how to process the leaves to obtain cocaine and crack.
The tour starts with a short video, English and Spanish.
On the top floor there are costumes, which you can also try on and have a photo taken.
Entrance fee is 10 Soles."
Richard Parker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museo de la Coca y Costumbres is located in Puno, Peru. It's a small museum, so it's easily accessible on foot if you're already in the city center. Ask locals for directions to 'Museo de la Coca'.
While not a major landmark, it's generally straightforward to locate in Puno. If you have trouble, don't hesitate to ask locals for guidance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable at S/10 per person.
Specific opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during typical daytime hours. If the door is locked, try ringing the bell.
Given its small size and modest fee, advance ticket purchase is usually not necessary. You can pay upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, which covers its three floors.
Photography is restricted on the first two floors where the historical information is displayed. However, you can take photos on the top floor, especially when trying on costumes.
The museum focuses on the history, traditional uses, and cultural significance of the coca plant, as well as local customs and the Candelaria festival.
Yes, the tour begins with a short, informative video (available in English and Spanish) that summarizes the museum's content.
📸 📸 Photography
The top floor is the best spot for photos, featuring colorful costumes from the Candelaria festival that you can try on.
Yes, photos are not allowed on the first two floors of the museum, which contain historical exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Culture Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Coca Plant: History and Culture
The first two floors are dedicated to this historical and informational aspect. While photos are not permitted on these levels, the displays are designed to be engaging and informative. A short introductory film, available in both English and Spanish, provides a concise overview of the museum's themes, making it easier for visitors to navigate the exhibits and understand the key takeaways.
It's important to note that the museum also touches upon the processing of coca leaves and the resulting products, offering a balanced perspective on its uses and misuses. This educational approach provides a nuanced understanding beyond common misconceptions.
Candelaria Festival and Costumes
What makes this section particularly engaging is that visitors are encouraged to try on these costumes and take photographs. This interactive element offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and create memorable souvenirs of your visit. It's a fun and photogenic experience that many visitors rave about.
The contrast between the historical exhibits on the lower floors and the festive, interactive display on the top floor provides a well-rounded experience, offering both educational insights and lighthearted enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit