If you’ve ever Googled “how to drink yerba mate,” chances are you’ve seen references to gourds, guampas, and bombillas. But what exactly are these vessels—and do you really need one to enjoy your yerba?
Let’s break down what a gourd is, what a guampa is, how they’re different, and how each connects to South American yerba mate and tereré culture, especially in Paraguay.
🥥 What Is a Yerba Mate Gourd?
A gourd (also called mate or calabash) is the traditional container used to drink hot yerba mate, especially in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Historically, these vessels were made from hollowed and dried gourds (the plant), though many modern versions are made from wood, ceramic, or stainless steel.
🧉 Key features of a gourd:
-
Typically used with hot water
-
Paired with a metal straw called a bombilla
-
Common in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Brazil
-
Often seasoned over time, developing a personal character
When people search for “traditional yerba mate cup” or “how to drink mate the traditional way,” they’re almost always referring to a gourd and bombilla setup.
🧊 What Is a Guampa?
In contrast, a guampa is the cup used to drink tereré, which is cold-brewed yerba mate, typically from Paraguay. Modern versions are often made of wood, aluminum, or stainless steel.
🧊 Key features of a guampa:
-
Used for cold yerba mate (tereré)
-
Always paired with a bombilla
-
Associated with Paraguayan tereré culture
-
Keeps drinks cold longer, especially in tropical heat
When people search for terms like “Paraguayan yerba mate cup” or “what is a guampa used for,” they’re tapping into this distinctly Paraguayan tradition.
🔍 Gourd vs Guampa: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Gourd (Mate) | Guampa (Tereré) |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Hot yerba mate | Cold tereré |
| Common In | Argentina, Uruguay | Paraguay |
| Material | Gourd, wood, ceramic | Horn, metal, stainless |
| Size/Shape | Round, squat | Taller, slimmer |
🧊 Do You Need a Gourd or Guampa to Drink Teko?
Here’s the cool part: No, you don’t!
Teko’s yerba mate is pre-powdered and fully water-soluble, meaning you can just mix it straight into cold water—no traditional equipment required.
That said, we still love the history. Our Passion Fruit, Lemon, Peach Orange, and Pineapple blends are all inspired by the traditional tereré rituals, including the guampa.
🌿 A Modern Take on Tradition
While gourds and guampas are steeped in history, you don’t need to own one to connect with the culture. At Teko, we honor that legacy while keeping things simple, clean, and ready-to-drink—with no prep, no mess, and no steeping.
