Plizio Visual Lab

Yungas Coca Terraces

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The coca terraces in the Yungas region of Bolivia are a striking example of agricultural adaptation to extremely steep terrain. The Yungas serves as a transitional zone between the high Andes and the Amazonian lowlands, characterized by dense cloud forests and precipitous slopes. For centuries, indigenous communities have utilized a system of 'tacanas,' or stone terraces, to prevent soil erosion and facilitate the cultivation of coca. The coca leaf holds profound spiritual and medicinal significance in Andean culture and is ritually chewed to alleviate altitude sickness. Despite international controversies, legal cultivation in the Yungas is protected by the Bolivian constitution as part of the nation's cultural heritage. Harvesting is a labor-intensive manual task, after which the leaves are dried in the sun on large concrete platforms known as 'secaderos.' This terraced landscape defines the visual character of the valleys and provides the primary livelihood for tens of thousands of small-scale farming families.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	19	19	19	18	17	17	18	20	21	21	20
Rain mm	189	171	124	76	46	39	35	41	37	73	93	152

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Yungas Coca Terraces are steep, meticulously maintained plots for growing coca leaves, a sacred and culturally significant crop for the Andean peoples. They play a central role in traditional rituals and Bolivia's local economy.

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Visiting

The terraces are often visible along roads and hiking trails in the Yungas, but access to the fields themselves is usually restricted as they are private agricultural land. However, many tour operators offer guided tours that provide a respectful insight.

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Where to view it

An excellent viewpoint is the "Coca Viewpoint" on the Death Road (Carretera de la Muerte), from where you can overlook the terraced slopes. The village of Coroico also has panoramas of the green, terraced hill ranges.

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Local products

In the region, coca leaves are harvested and traditionally processed into tea, flour, or for ritual purposes. Travelers can buy coca tea (mate de coca) at local markets, as well as artisan products like coca lollipops or cookies.

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Active season

Coca harvesting occurs multiple times a year, with main seasons from March to May and September to November. During these times, the terraces are especially lively as workers pick the leaves and lay them out to dry.

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Nearby

A visit to the coca terraces pairs excellently with a hike on the famous Death Road (Carretera de la Muerte). Nearby villages like Coroico or Chulumani offer cultural insights and accommodation amid the cloud forests.

Geography

Coordinates

-16.25000, -67.41670

Facts

The Yungas region produces over 90% of Bolivia's legal coca harvest.
Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer of coca leaves.
The 'tacanas' terracing technique dates back to pre-Incan civilizations.
One hectare of coca terraces can yield up to three harvests per year.
Leaves are traditionally transported in 50-pound bags known as 'tambores.'
The 2009 Bolivian constitution recognizes coca as a protected cultural heritage.