Mate silhouette

If there is one thing that the Uruguayans are famous for it is their love affair with the mate. Bitter in taste, strong as an ox and slightly addictive it is a traveller's acquired taste. But once you are in you are hooked.

They carry their mate with them everywhere and it is the thing to do down by the River La Plata as you watch the sun set over Buenos Aires on the other bank.

Like Australian's drink beer and Cubans their rum, it is the quintessential way to mix in the culture.