Dr. Bill, I tried maté in Mexico and wasn't too thrilled by the taste. A Columbian friend brought some from Bogotá. You should be able to purchase it at your local food co-op, though. I don't think you will find it in the A&P. It seems to be an aquired taste. As far as I know, it is drunk more for the buzz than the taste. If you have trouble finding it, pm me and I'll try to find you some.

Here is another URL http://www.guayaki.com/ It is a commercial site, but has some cool links. Buen aprovecho.