AN EXTRAORDINARY CRAFTING OF CURIOUS & EXCEPTIONAL BOTANICALS
Cocalero takes its name from the local Andean farmers who dedicate their lives to cultivating the alluring and mystical Coca plant, a source of spiritualism, economic well-being, nutrition and energy since the time of the Incas.
Like the community it celebrates, Cocalero embraces a selection of indigenous botanicals and superfruits to create a range of spirits like no other – a range of spirits that encapsulate and celebrate the vibrant heart and soul of real Andean culture.
The core inspiration for Cocalero lies with the mystical Coca plant, said to hold the wisdom of the earth. The plant, the community & culture it has influenced over a milllenia, and the rugged, inhospitable landscape they share to this day, provide a rich source of inspiration, including:
The Andean region captivates with its breathtaking beauty. Majestic peaks, vibrant jungle, and rich salt flats cradle life amidst the formidable mountain backdrop, a testament to nature’s artistry. Yet, beneath this alluring facade lies a realm of inhospitability, where the thin, biting air challenges even the hardiest of souls and sudden weather shifts can turn serene mornings into fierce storms. In this paradoxical environment, beauty and peril intertwine, creating a landscape that inspires reverence and humility, echoing the resilient spirit of those who call the Andes home.
Cocalero takes its name from the farmers who dedicate their lives to cultivating the magical and mystical coca leaf. Cocaleros are the traditional cultivators of the coca leaf, preserving ancient agricultural practices passed down through generations.
The “kintu” is a gratitude ritual that consists of holding three coca leaves in the hand towards the sky, each one representing the three Andean worlds: Hanan Pacha (the world above), Uku Pacha (the world below, the Pachamama) and Kay Pacha (the world of humanity). Coca acts as a bridge that connects the three worlds and contains the wisdom of mother earth.
The Carnaval of Oruro is a religious and cultural festival in Oruro, Bolivia. Originally an indigenous festival, the modern festival demonstrates the ongoing pagan-Catholic blend of religious practice in the region. A UNESCO Masterpiece, the festival is a celebration of Andean culture culminating in a three-day parade of over 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians in 150 bands.
