The Uruguayan Mate

A guide to savouring the best of Uruguayan Culture
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El mate is an integral part of Uruguayan culture and is deeply rooted in the locals’ customs. You’ll likely encounter people sipping mate at any hour of the day, in any corner of the city. This is why you shouldn’t miss the chance to discover and savour this incredible and renowned beverage. We invite you to connect with Uruguayan roots and explore the culture of mate in Montevideo.

Last updated: May 13, 2025

As we all know, mate is closely linked to the Río de la Plata tradition and Uruguayan culture. Strolling through the streets of Montevideo, you might come across individuals with a thermos under one arm and a mate in the other, as mate is more than just a simple infusion in Uruguay—it’s a way of life.  

Mate embodies tradition and the essence of Uruguayan roots. It brings people together and offers companionship to those who are alone. It awakens the senses, energises the body, and stimulates the mind, along with providing vitamins and minerals. For this reason, many have incorporated this infusion into their daily routine.

Spa Göteborg

Mate’s shops in Montevideo. © Ph. Thiago Santos

The Culture of Mate in Montevideo


If you find yourself visiting the Uruguayan capital, you can’t miss the opportunity to try a delicious mate and immerse yourself in this tradition that will connect you to the roots of Río de la Plata culture. Here, you’ll learn about its benefits, the customs and rituals of preparation, and discover the best spots to acquire everything you need to enjoy a delightful mate.  

If you wish to dive into the mate culture and gather your gear but aren’t sure where to buy the best mate in Montevideo, here are several options in the city.

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Mates Poco Sitio

Just a stone’s throw from Plaza Juan Pedro Fabini lies Mates Poco Sitio. This shop is not only recommended for its extensive variety of mate products, but it also stands out for the friendliness of its staff and their dedication to customers.  

Here, you’ll find classic Uruguayan mates made from leather, alongside a wide range of options for mate bags, bombillas, and thermoses. All of their products come with lovely details that make them the perfect gift for your loved ones.  

In this store, you can equip yourself with everything necessary to enjoy a good Uruguayan mate and immerse yourself in this Río de la Plata tradition. Mates Poco Sitio offers other artisanal products crafted from leather, as well as souvenirs from Montevideo.  

Among the various types of mates available in the shop are options in ceramic, gourd, or metal. They also have different types of straws, mate bags made from various materials, and thermoses covered in leather or featuring different designs.

Río Negro 1325, Centro.

Mates Del Este

Mates Del Este is a shop specialising in mate culture and is perfect for exploring this Uruguayan tradition. Here, you can find various products such as mates, thermoses, bombillas, and accessories.  

This store is known for the quality of its products, which include artisanal mates, leather-covered thermoses, alpaca straws, and high-quality yerba mate. They also offer personalisation services and corporate gifts.

Mates Del Este is ideal for gift shopping, as you can order personalised mates with letters and bronze embellishments.  

In their store, you’ll also find different types of bags, which are used to carry your mate kit: mate, yerba, and thermos. For example, you can choose a mate with a handle and strap to hang over your shoulder or carry by hand.

At Mates Del Este, you can also purchase the famous original Stanley thermoses, which come with a lifetime guarantee. These are some of the reasons why we recommend visiting their shop and letting yourself be surprised by their vast array of products.

San Martín 2997, Reducto.

La Casa del Mateico

La Casa del Mateico is a shop which specialises in the manufacture and sale of mates, materas, thermoses, bombillas, and accessories related to mate culture.  

Located near the Agricultural Market of Montevideo in the Reus al Norte neighbourhood, this shop boasts numerous options for exploring the mate tradition.  

You’ll be amazed by the wide variety of products available here, including artisanal mates made from leather, metal, or wood; alpaca straws of different shapes; and cloth or leather bags for transporting your complete mate kit. You can also choose from various types and sizes of thermoses, whether leather-covered, metal with designs or the traditional Stanley.  

This shop offers personalised products and corporate gifts, making it the ideal place if you’re considering bringing presents that reflect the mate tradition and culture.  

La Casa del Mateico provides personalisation services for mates, ensuring your gifts are unique and unforgettable. Additionally, you’ll find a great selection of artisanal products.

Profesor Doctor Juan Carlos Patrón 1838, Reus al Norte.

Luckey Uruguay

Luckey Uruguay is situated in the Galería Lo de Juan, nestled in the Unión neighbourhood. This shop is dedicated to the sale of mates, mate bags, thermoses, straws, and accessories related to the mate tradition.  

You’ll discover a wide variety of products at Luckey Uruguay, including mates of various materials, sizes, and shapes to suit all tastes and preferences. They also offer a vast selection of bombillas, which can be personalised.  

At Luckey Uruguay, you can also acquire bags, yerba holders, and thermoses to complete your mate kit. They even offer pre-assembled combos if you find it hard to decide what to take home.  

This is one of the most recommended places due to its customer service and the variety of products available, as they also have other items beyond just mates.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the mate culture at this shop in Montevideo and take home a special present.

8 de octubre 3630, Unión.

Matebom

Matebom is the first factory of mates and bombillas in Uruguay, boasting over 50 years of experience. Here, you’ll find a wide array of products, including gourd, ceramic, and glass mates, alpaca bombillas, leather-cut materas, and leather-covered thermoses.  

The store also offers personalised products and corporate gifts, ensuring your presents are extra special.  

Matebom provides personalisation services for its products and features a large selection of artisanal items to immerse you in this unmissable tradition. Another notable aspect of this place is that it sells in bulk and retail, as well as importing and exporting products related to the world and culture of mate.  

Visiting Matebom isn’t just a shopping experience; it invites you to immerse yourself in Uruguay’s mate tradition. Acquiring one of their products means taking home a symbol of Uruguayan hospitality and spirit.

Tu Mate

If you’re visiting Montevideo and wish to dive into the tradition and culture of Uruguayan mate, Tu Mate is the perfect place. Located in the Cordón neighbourhood, this shop specialises in providing a wide range of mate-related products, ideal for both locals and tourists.  

At Tu Mate, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of artisanal mates, alpaca straws, cloth mate bags, and leather-covered thermoses. Each product reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of Uruguayan artisans, ensuring you take home a piece of the rich culture of this country. Moreover, the shop offers the possibility of personalising products, making each purchase unique and special.  

Whether you’re looking for a mate for daily use or a unique gift for friends and family, Tu Mate has something to offer. The personalised attention and knowledge of the staff guarantee that you’ll receive recommendations tailored to your needs and preferences.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Tu Mate and discover why mate is an essential part of life in Uruguay. Taking one of their products home is more than just a souvenir; it’s a connection to Uruguayan tradition and culture. 

Carlos Roxlo 1327, Cordón. 

Lunera Mates

This mate shop in Montevideo stands out as a unique place that combines art and tradition in each of its products. Lunera Mates offers an extensive range of artisanal mates, straws, materas, and thermoses, all crafted with attention to detail and creativity.  

At Lunera Mates, you’ll find ceramic and carob wood mates, alpaca straws, and personalised materas, each with unique designs handcrafted by local artisans. The shop also provides personalisation services, allowing you to create a mate that reflects your style and preferences.  

In addition to the quality and beauty of its products, Lunera Mates is proud of its commitment to sustainability and supporting the Uruguayan artisan community. Every purchase not only supports local artisans but also offers you the chance to take home a piece of the rich Uruguayan mate culture.  

At Lunera Mates, the tradition of mate meets artistic innovation, and this is reflected in each of their products.

Andrés Lamas 3481, Brazo Oriental. 

Punto Mate

Punto Mate is an online store specialising in the manufacture and sale of mates, materas, thermoses, bombillas, and accessories. With a wide variety of products, including artisanal mates, alpaca bombillas, cloth materas, and leather-covered thermoses, Punto Mate offers everything needed to assemble your kit.  

This store not only provides high-quality products but also combines mate tradition with the convenience of online shopping. Punto Mate takes pride in its commitment to personalisation, allowing you to create unique and special mates that reflect your style and preferences.  

Punto Mate offers convenient shipping methods, including the option to pick up your order at their store or receive your products via delivery. Customer service is a priority for Punto Mate, evident in their service, with contact options available via email and phone.  

At Punto Mate, you can acquire everything necessary to enjoy a Uruguayan mate. Take one of their products home and share the authentic mate culture of Uruguay with friends and family.

Surraco 2491, La Blanqueada

Explore the Culture of Mate in Montevideo


The tradition of mate in Uruguay has deep roots, evident in every person who, almost constantly, is accompanied by a thermos and a mate. This inseparable pair is more than just a beverage; they are companions during moments of solitude, at work or study, and in gatherings with loved ones.  

We hope you also enjoy this delicious traditional beverage and immerse yourself in the Río de la Plata culture. 

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