Mata de coca is the drink of choice in Peru, Bolivia, and other South American nations deep in indigenous roots. It is consumed in the same way that we consume coffee in the United States. When you arrive in Cuzco, Peru the first thing they will do is offer you a cup . They say it cures altitude sickness. This is also the main ingredient in the soft drink Coca-Cola. Consumed as a tea it is probably no more harmful than coffee. However, once it is processed into white powder it becomes the dangerous drug known as cocaine. Approximately, 10% of the county is dependent on coca production for their livelihoods. Only about 10% of the coca production in Peru is legal and the Peruvian authorities themselves are very aware of the horrors of drug addiction. Because they recognize the seriousness of the problem they will punish you severely if they catch you with this form of the drug. This woman is selling leaves for tea in the Blue Box Ghetto.