The Rambla

You’re now walking along one of Montevideo’s most beloved landmarks: the Rambla. Stretching 24 kilometers along the bay, it’s the longest waterfront promenade in the world, and the heartbeat of the city. Can you really say that you’ve been to Montevideo if you haven’t walked the Rambla? This is the locals’ favourite gathering spot. Athletes, skaters, joggers, fishermen, couples, groups of friends, everyone comes here to share a moment, sip mate, and soak in the view. From sunrise to sunset, there’s always life here. It’s an essential part of Uruguay’s cultural identity, and it’s been declared a National Historical Monument. The government has even submitted it for UNESCO World Heritage status. Speaking of cultural identity, we have to talk about mate. You’ve probably already noticed that almost everyone is carrying a thermos under their arm and a little gourd filled with green powder, topped with a silver straw. If you’ve been to Argentina, you might already know this iconic drink from the Río de la Plata region, but Uruguay takes the tradition a step further. While Argentinians tend to drink mate at home, Uruguayans carry it everywhere. The streets, the Rambla, the bus, the beach, any moment is a good moment for mate. So here’s how it works: mate is actually the name of the container, and the drink is made from yerba mate, a plant over which you pour hot water, much like tea. It’s sipped through a bombilla, a metal straw with a filter at the bottom. You can drink it on your own, but it’s usually a social ritual: the gourd is passed around a group, one person at a time, and yes, everyone drinks from the same straw. People often finish their turn with a loud slurping noise. It might sound a little off-putting at first, but that sound actually means you’ve finished properly, and you’re not leaving any surprise for the next person. It may not sound super appealing. Plus, it’s very hot and very bitter. But once you get used to it, you’re hooked. It’s one of the most widely consumed natural stimulants in South America, and its popularity is steadily growing worldwide. The plant itself isn’t tea, it’s in its own category, and it only grows in a specific area that spans Paraguay, northern Argentina, and southern Brazil. These three countries are the only yerba mate producers in the world. In Paraguay, the indigenous Guaraní people began drinking it and even used the leaves as currency. They believed it had powerful, almost magical properties, which is why the Inquisition banned it at first, declaring it a temptation of the devil. Just twenty years later, it was not only legal again, it was being produced by the Jesuits! Today, Argentina leads in production and export, you’ve probably seen Pope Francis or Messi sipping mate before. So, the Paraguayans invented it, the Argentinians mastered its production, but when it comes to consumption, Uruguay wins hands down. With eight kilos of mate per person per year, this little country is the world champion. You’re really in the perfect place to try it! Studies have shown mate has real health benefits, anti-cancer properties, antioxidants, good for your liver, cholesterol, and cardiovascular system. Suddenly, that bitter taste doesn’t seem so bad. So go on, raise your gourd, and salud!