All relevant discoveries bear witness to the fact that the use of Coca in South America was developed around 20,000BC. But without doubt the evidence of widespread use starts from 3000BC with the grouping of Laurincocha, Toquepala and Paccaicasa.

Garcilaso de la Vega said that the use of Coca was widespread amongst Andean and Altiplano (High Plains) peoples as evidenced the existence of the leaf in the sacred retreats of the Pukara, Tiwanaku and Chimu cultures. There mortal remains of people were found with their “ball” of Coca.