Buenos Aires: Mate Experience at the Río De La Plata

Buenos Aires is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and one of the must-try experiences is the Mate Experience at the Río de la Plata. This immersive tour takes visitors on a scenic train ride, a leisurely walk, and a hands-on lesson in the art of preparing and sharing traditional Argentine mate. Whether you’re seeking a cultural adventure or simply want to connect with the local traditions, this unique experience promises to transport you to the heart of Argentine social life.

Key Points

• An immersive 2-hour guided tour along the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires, including a traditional Argentine mate experience led by a local expert.
• Scenic train ride, picnic, and hands-on learning about the preparation and sharing of mate, a beloved social ritual in Argentina.
• Panoramic views of the Río de la Plata and insight into the daily lives and cultural traditions of Argentinians.
• Activity is wheelchair accessible and guides are available in French and English, but not suitable for children under 12 or those over 70.
• Priced from £16.70 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required for reservation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The traditional Argentinian mate experience offers a unique culture for visitors, with a 2-hour guided tour along the Río de la Plata.

Priced from £16.70 per person, the experience includes a scenic train ride and a picnic while learning how to prepare and enjoy the iconic yerba mate.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, with guides available in French and English, though it’s not suitable for children under 12 or those over 70.

Itinerary and Locations

The experience begins at Estación Maipú, the starting point for the Tren de la Costa trainline.

The experience begins at Estación Maipú, the starting point for the Tren de la Costa trainline.

Guests will take a 15-minute train ride to Juan Anchorena station. From there, they’ll enjoy a scenic walk along the river coast park, stopping for photo opportunities.

The group will then settle down for a picnic and a traditional Argentine mate experience, led by a local guide.

After the mate session, the 15-minute train ride returns participants to Estación Maipú, completing the 2-hour culture.

Highlights and Experience

Panoramic views over Río de la Plata await guests as they enjoy this authentic cultural experience.

They’ll learn how to properly prepare and partake in a traditional Argentine mate round. Under the guidance of a local expert, you will engage in this timeless ritual, sipping the earthy, caffeine-rich Yerba mate infusion from a shared metal straw.

Along with the mate, guests will enjoy organic snacks as they connect with the local culture. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the daily lives and social traditions of Argentinians.

Inclusions

Along with the immersive cultural experience, the tour includes organic Yerba mate, a traditional mate gourd, and a hot water thermos.

Enjoy the Argentine tea ritual with organic Yerba mate, a traditional gourd, and a hot water thermos.

A local guide and "cebador" (mate server) will teach participants how to properly prepare and serve the mate.

Plus, the tour provides Tren de la Costa train tickets for the 15-minute ride to and from the starting point.

Restroom facilities are available along the journey.

This all-inclusive package ensures guests can fully enjoy the beloved Argentinian tea ritual without worrying about any extras.

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Important Information

What’s the accessibility like for this experience?

This activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors. The live tour guide is available in both French and English, accommodating a range of language preferences.

However, please note that this experience isn’t suitable for children under 12 years old or people over 70 years.

For the tour, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. As is customary in Argentina, you’ll be sharing the same metal straw during the mate ritual.

Getting to the Starting Point

The activity begins at Estación Maipú, the starting point of the Tren de la Costa trainline. Participants take a 15-minute train ride to Juan Anchorena station, the location of the experience.

The journey offers:

1. Scenic views along the Río de la Plata.

2. A chance to admire the riverside park.

3. Photo opportunities during the short trip.

4. A relaxing ride to the picnic site.

Upon arrival, the local guide leads the group on a walking tour, sharing insights into the area’s history and culture before engaging in the traditional mate ritual.

What to Expect During the Mate Experience

Upon arriving at the picnic site, the local guide leads the group in preparing and enjoying the traditional Argentinian ritual of mate. Guests learn the proper steps to brew and serve the caffeinated beverage, and take turns sipping from the shared metal straw. As the group passes the mate gourd around, the guide shares insights into the cultural significance and history of this social custom. The experience culminates in a relaxing picnic along the Río de la Plata, where participants can appreciate the picturesque surroundings while continuing to bond over the communal mate experience.

| Step | Description |

| — | — |

| 1 | Fill the gourd with yerba mate leaves |

| 2 | Add hot water and let steep |

| 3 | Pass the gourd and shared straw around the group |

Preparing for the Mate Experience

To get the most out of the mate experience, it’s important to come prepared. The local guide will provide the traditional yerba mate, mate, and hot water, but there are a few things you should bring:

1. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

2. Sunscreen and a hat, as the walk along the river can be sunny.

3. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

4. An open mind and willingness to engage in this authentic cultural experience.

Proper preparation will ensure you fully learn about the ritual of sharing mate with your fellow travelers and the local guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Mate Cup and Bombilla?

Yes, you can bring your own mate cup and bombilla. The tour provides the necessary equipment, but using your own personal items is acceptable and adds to the authentic cultural experience.

Is the Experience Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans?

Yes, the experience is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The organic Yerba mate, snacks, and facilities provided cater to these dietary requirements, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable culture for all participants.

Can I Consume Alcoholic Beverages During the Experience?

No, alcoholic beverages are not included or permitted during the mate experience. The focus is on the traditional Argentinian ritual of drinking organic yerba mate tea with a local guide. Participants must refrain from consuming alcohol during the 2-hour tour.

Do I Need to Know Spanish to Participate?

No, you don’t need to know Spanish to participate. The tour comes with a live guide available in French and English, so you can fully enjoy the mate experience even if you don’t speak the local language.

Is There an Age Limit for Solo Travelers?

The activity has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for solo travelers under 12 or over 70 years old. But there are no language requirements, as the tour is available in English and French.

The Sum Up

The Mate Experience at the Río de la Plata is a unique culture that allows visitors to learn the art of preparing and sharing traditional Argentine mate. It’s a scenic and leisurely way to connect with the vibrant social traditions of Buenos Aires. Whether you’re an adult seeking a cultural adventure or simply want to experience the local customs, this tour is a must-do activity.

You can check availability for your dates here: