Andrés González · CC BY-SA 4.0Yerba mate
Ilex paraguariensis · ka'a
The leaf Paraguay gave the world: the basis of mate, tereré and mate cocido.
What it is
An understory tree of the Atlantic Forest. Its dried, ground leaves are used for mate (the hot infusion), tereré (Paraguay's iced version) and mate cocido (a brewed, tea-like drink). The Guaraní were already drinking it before the Europeans arrived, and the Jesuit missions succeeded in cultivating it. Auguste de Saint-Hilaire described it in 1822 under a name that refers to Paraguay. Paraguayan yerba is traditionally dried in a barbacuá, a smoke-drying rack, which gives it its smoky flavor.
Did you know…?
Bella Vista (Itapúa) bills itself as the National Capital of Yerba Mate and promotes a “Yerba Mate Route” with visits to plantations and mills.
Season
Blooms in October and November, with small whitish flowers. Drunk all year round: mate in winter and tereré in the heat.
Where
Yerba plantations in Itapúa (Bella Vista and surroundings), Alto Paraná, Guairá and Canindeyú. It grows wild in the Mbaracayú Reserve.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 4 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.