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Most Uruguayans begin their day putting on the kettle so they can have some mate with breakfast. Due to its stimulant effect, Uruguayans drink mate in the mornings. Same as waking up with your first coffee. Mate is also a merienda staple, as in, it’s the Uruguayan afternoon tea. Around 5pm, Uruguayans love a mate with bizcochos (local pastries, both sweet and savoury) and if the weather’s bad, a firm favourite is mate with tortas fritas (deep-fried flatbread traditionally made when it rains).
Most Uruguayans drink mate from morning till night. Just watch them as they walk around the street, as they are on the bus, when they are in meetings, even during press conferences.
Drinking mate is a very, very social thing. If you are out and about in Uruguay you will see a bunch of people drinking mate, friends sitting in circles on parks or couples sharing as they walk hand in hand.
Here are five tips—indeed cardinal rules!—so that when you come to Uruguay, if somebody offers you a mate amongst friends, you’re not going to commit a faux pas.
We are being a little ironic, but then again, mate is a serious business in South America! Learn how to drink mate like a Uruguayan by watching our video:
More information
Watch our humorous and informative series on Drinking mate in Uruguay on YouTube to see mate drinking in action in and around Montevideo.
Namasté — Vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo
Namasté is more than just a vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo. This colourful, family-run spot has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2008. And the food is only part of the experience. Come for a relaxed meal, stay for the atmosphere, the friendly service and the chance to slow down for a while.
Dance tango in Uruguay. Whether a complete newbie or you already dance, the tango scene in Montevideo is a great way to make friends.
Estancia Los Plátanos – Authentic 6th generation ranch
Venture into deep Uruguay to Estancia Los Platanos, a working ranch. Just 3 guestrooms—and there’s a gorgeous indoor pool.
Nominate your favourites for the 2027 Montevideo Guru’Guay guide
Do you love a business in the capital that absolutely MUST be in our next best selling Montevideo guidebook?
Ignacio Fuentes, RE/MAX – Recommended Montevideo realtor
Montevideo real estate made easy—foreigners trust this realtor for smooth, reliable rentals and property purchases.
Estancia El Cangüé – Cattle & roses in Paysandú
Home to Uruguay’s biggest rose collection, this 200 year west Uruguay estancia is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure or a wedding.
Martín Pescador – Sierras ranch 1 hr from ocean
Just an hour inland from the beaches of Punta and José Ignacio, the perfect Uruguay estancia, horse riding and trekking.
Uruguay LGBT rights – A trailblazer for over a century
Did you know Uruguay is among the most LGBT-friendly countries worldwide? Small nation. Big equality record.
TEFL Uruguay: new qualification for foreigners and Uruguayans to teach English abroad
TEFL Uruguay comes to Montevideo in 2027: Four-week face-to-face training for foreigners and English-fluent locals.
Expats in Uruguay spill the beans: What life is really like
We interview foreigners in Uruguay who moved here from principally English-speaking countries so you can learn from their mistakes.
Did you know Uruguay is among the most LGBT-friendly countries worldwide? Small nation. Big equality record.
Despite its pint size population, Uruguay football has one of the most successful national teams in soccer history.
Discover what the weather in Uruguay is *really* like throughout the year, based on 25+ years experience living in Uruguay.
Inspired holiday gifts! Our favourite books on Uruguay or by Uruguayans to read yourself and treat the Uruguay lover in your life.
Uruguay makes history once again. Euthanasia in Uruguay is now legal. We learn what went on behind the scenes from the most visible campaigner.
La Celeste’s—Uruguay’s footy team—major matches deserve a great venue. A classic Montevideo football bar & the iconic city hall esplanade.
