Its name comes from the Lule Mepao language and it means "Honey People". Founded the 26th of May of 1859, in lands ceded by don José I. Sierra, it was the background for historical episodes such as the death of Marco Avellaneda in 1841, and the Las Piedras battle, 25 kilometres away.

Metán is currently an active agricultural and stockbreeding centre. It is located in a flat area, with mountains to the west of the pre-cordillera, crossed by numerous rivers and streams coming down from them.

Alongside the Río de Las Conchas River and the Rutas Nacionales Nº 9 and Nº 34 National Routes, the municipal resort offers its services. It has modern public buildings as well as some of colonial style, like that of the City Council. San José, the local patron, is celebrated on the 19th of March.

One of the main attractions is the ride to the Junta de Valderrama, at the foot of the Metán sierra, and at the junction of the two streams that form the Las Conchas River. Mountain climbing can be practised in the area.