Fodor's Expert Review Museo del Mate

Mate drinking in Argentina is even more deeply culturally rooted than drinking coffee in the United States or tea in the United Kingdom. The mate gourd and the accompanying flask of hot water is ubiquitous throughout all social classes and age groups, whether one is sipping alone or sharing with a group of friends. The Museo del Mate is a great place to learn about the history of mate yerba—the shrub from which the bitter tea is made—and the sometimes very stylish mate gourds from which it's drunk. Many mate gourds, both antique and modern, are made from beautifully crafted porcelain or metal. Tours are available in English.