How to exchange a gift with Mateo in Pokémon Go

Introducing Mateo, the latest addition to Pokémon Go's Timeless Travel season, making waves since its December 2023 launch but how do you exchange a gift with Mateo in Pokémon Go?

This elusive researcher spices up your Routes experience, offering a unique chance to connect with trainers worldwide by swapping gifts. A treasure trove for Vivillion collectors, it's a game-changer for completing your collection.

But Mateo isn't just a collector's paradise. He is the added motivation you need to ace your Routes journey, right alongside the hunt for those elusive Zygarde Cells.

So, how do you connect with this enigmatic character in Pokémon Go and what's holding Mateo back from making a grand appearance?

Exchange a gift with Mateo in Pokémon Go

Hunt down Mateo using the Route feature, nestled snugly in the "Nearby" tab of your map screen's lower right corner. Follow your Route to its end, and voila! Mateo emerges at the final PokéStop, standing tall like Rocket Grunts and Leaders.

Engage with the PokéStop, and Mateo steps into action. Swap a discovered Gift from your adventure and select from a range of Gifts to receive one from a fellow trainer across the globe — a chance to snag a Postcard from a distant land.

While the mechanics of this gift exchange remain a bit hazy, it's similar to the Wonder Trade in the main games. Trainers trading gifts with Mateo might just be in for a random gift exchange with another trainer.

Where is Mateo hiding in Pokemon Go?

As of today (Tuesday, Dec. 5, Mateo's debut), rumour has it he might show up from 10 am local time. But there's a twist — associated research, "A Route to New Friendships," went live at midnight. Seems like Niantic might have fumbled the coordination between the two.

Speculations aside, Mateo might not spawn on every route, mirroring the elusive Zygarde Cells. Multiple routes might be the key. Like with Zygarde Cells, a little app juggling within the PokéStop radius might help summon Mateo. Give it a shot, or try another unique Route to coax Mateo out of hiding if luck doesn't favour you.