Learn to Prepare Mate in Buenos Aires: 45-Minute Class

Mate, bombilla, yerba, hot water, and the stories behind Argentina's everyday ritual

A 45-minute class in Buenos Aires where you learn to prepare mate from a local guide, tasting the infusion and Argentine pastries while discovering why this ritual matters to Argentine daily life. Each participant gets their own mate cup and straw to drink hygienically while keeping the spirit of sharing alive. The guide speaks English or Spanish.

The Experience

The bombilla—the metal straw with a filter at the end—is the first tool a local will place in your hands. From there, you'll learn how to set up the mate cup, add the yerba (the herbal tea leaves), pour hot water at the right temperature, and drink it the way Argentines do at home. A guide walks you through each step, explaining the little secrets that make the difference between a rushed cup and a ritual. You'll taste it yourself, and as you do, you'll hear how mate fits into daily life here—why it's something shared among friends or family, and how it differs from the way people prepare it across the border in Uruguay or Paraguay.

The experience includes Argentine bizcochos (pastries made in Buenos Aires), coffee or tea if you prefer, and a small gift to take with you. Even though mate is traditionally passed around a circle, here each person has their own cup and straw, so you can enjoy it comfortably while the ritual stays intact. It's designed to fit into your Buenos Aires itinerary without eating up half a day—45 minutes, no more—and it's the kind of thing you won't find in a café because mate belongs to home and to people you know.

You'll leave with new flavors and the knowledge to prepare it wherever you go. The class is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are nearby if you need them.

What’s included

• Mate, bombilla (straw), yerba (herbal tea leaves), hot water, Argentine bizcochos (pastries made in Buenos Aires).
• coffee or tea.
• a unique gift to take home.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Betty and Marcelo

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to learn a ritual Argentines practice at home rather than in a café—45 minutes is enough to master the preparation and taste it yourself, then carry the skill forward.

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Top questions

What exactly is mate and why do Argentines drink it every day?

Mate is an infusion made from yerba (herbal tea leaves) that Argentines share as a daily ritual, usually among friends or family. The guide explains its role in Argentine culture and how the preparation and sharing of mate connects people to each other and to the heart of Buenos Aires.

Do I have to share the mate cup with other people in the class?

No. Even though mate is traditionally passed around a circle, each participant in this class gets their own personal mate cup and straw, so you can taste it comfortably and hygienically while keeping the spirit of the ritual alive.

What tools and ingredients do I need to learn, and are they provided?

You'll learn to use the bombilla (metal straw with a filter), the mate cup, yerba, and hot water. All of these are provided, along with Argentine bizcochos (pastries) and your choice of coffee or tea. You also receive a small gift at the end.

How long does the class take, and will it fit into a busy itinerary?

The class is 45 minutes, designed to be short enough to add to your Buenos Aires schedule without taking up a large chunk of your day. It's ideal if you want something local and authentic without a long time commitment.

What language is the guide, and is the location accessible?

The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can choose. The location is wheelchair accessible, all surfaces are accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby.