
Lake Ypacaraí
A tranquil lagoon in Paraguay, known for its scenic towns, artisanal crafts, and beautiful lakeside views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Lake Ypacaraí
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil lagoon in Paraguay, known for its scenic towns, artisanal crafts, and beautiful lakeside views.
"The lake is beautiful, it no longer looks polluted."

Check Water Quality First
Before swimming, verify current water conditions as pollution can be an issue. :warning:
Embrace Local Crafts
Areguá is a must-visit for unique artisanal ceramics and souvenirs. :shopping_bags:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Bernardino Waterfront
San Bernardino
Stroll along the beautifully maintained waterfront, enjoying serene lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Areguá's Artisanal Charm
Areguá
Explore Areguá, the capital of crafts, and discover unique handmade ceramics and local artistry.

Lake Ypacaraí Boat Ride
Various points (San Bernardino, Areguá)
Experience the lake from the water with a scenic boat ride, offering unique perspectives and tranquility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Water Quality & Access
Best Towns to Base Yourself
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Quality First
Before swimming, verify current water conditions as pollution can be an issue. :warning:
Embrace Local Crafts
Areguá is a must-visit for unique artisanal ceramics and souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
Scenic Boat Tours
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride for stunning lake views, costing around 25,000-30,000 Gs. :boat:
Responsible Tourism
Always clean up after yourself and avoid leaving trash behind. :recycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Quality First
Before swimming, verify current water conditions as pollution can be an issue. :warning:
Embrace Local Crafts
Areguá is a must-visit for unique artisanal ceramics and souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
Scenic Boat Tours
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride for stunning lake views, costing around 25,000-30,000 Gs. :boat:
Responsible Tourism
Always clean up after yourself and avoid leaving trash behind. :recycle:
Sunset Views
The sunsets over Lake Ypacaraí are breathtaking, especially from San Bernardino. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Lake Ypacaraí beautiful, with San Bernardino offering a peaceful atmosphere and lovely waterfront. While some note improvements in water clarity, concerns about pollution and limited public access persist. Boat rides are a highlight, offering scenic views.
"Is a place to entertainment 👌👌"
Pierre Florentín
"Super"
Mario Benitez
"Falta mais pontos de acesso, local inacessível por se tratar de areas particulares sem servidão pública"
marco souza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Ypacaraí is easily accessible from Asunción, located about 22 km away. You can drive or take public transportation to towns like San Bernardino or Areguá, which are situated on the lake's shores.
The primary towns bordering Lake Ypacaraí are San Bernardino, Areguá, Itauguá, Ypacaraí, and Luque. Each offers a different experience, from artisanal crafts to lakeside relaxation.
Yes, public transportation options are available to reach the towns surrounding Lake Ypacaraí. From Asunción, buses frequently run to these destinations.
Access points vary. While some areas offer public beaches like in Itauguá, many waterfront areas are private. Research specific access points in towns like San Bernardino or Areguá.
Lake Ypacaraí is approximately 22 kilometers (about 14 miles) from Asunción, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no direct entrance fees to access the lake itself. However, specific beaches, parks, or private establishments along the shore may charge admission or usage fees.
For general visits to the lakefronts or towns, advance booking isn't usually necessary. However, if you plan on specific activities like boat tours or staying at accommodations, it's advisable to book ahead, especially during peak seasons.
Operating hours vary greatly depending on the specific attraction, restaurant, or shop. Artisanal shops in Areguá typically open during the day, while restaurants and bars in San Bernardino may have evening hours. It's best to check individual business hours.
Recent reports and reviews indicate that the lake may not always be suitable for swimming due to pollution. It's crucial to check current local advisories before planning to swim.
While general access is open, be mindful of private property. Responsible tourism is encouraged, meaning no littering and respecting the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying the waterfront in San Bernardino, exploring artisanal crafts in Areguá, taking scenic boat rides, and relaxing by the lake. Canoeing is also available in San Bernardino.
Yes, boating is a popular activity on Lake Ypacaraí. You can arrange boat tours from towns like San Bernardino to enjoy the scenery and tranquility of the water.
Areguá is renowned as the 'capital of crafts' in Paraguay, famous for its vibrant artisanal ceramics and other handmade goods.
Absolutely! The lake offers stunning views, especially during sunset. The streets of San Bernardino and the waterfronts provide picturesque backdrops.
You can expect to see diverse birdlife, especially near the water. The surrounding areas offer natural landscapes, and you might even hear unique frog calls at night.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The towns surrounding the lake, particularly San Bernardino, offer a range of dining options from casual pubs to restaurants. You can find local Paraguayan cuisine and international dishes.
Yes, Areguá has local eateries and cafes where you can enjoy regional food while exploring its craft markets.
Some establishments in San Bernardino and other lakeside towns offer dining with lake views, providing a pleasant ambiance.
While specific recommendations vary, trying traditional Paraguayan dishes like 'sopa paraguaya' or 'asado' is recommended when dining in the region.
Exploring local markets and smaller eateries in towns like Areguá or Itauguá can offer more budget-friendly food options compared to upscale restaurants in San Bernardino.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront in San Bernardino, especially during sunset, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The streets of Areguá with their colorful ceramics and the lake views from various vantage points are also excellent.
Yes, Lake Ypacaraí provides beautiful landscapes, particularly with its expansive water views and surrounding greenery. Sunrises and sunsets create dramatic lighting for landscape shots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers clear views of the lake's color.
The piers and waterfront promenades in towns like San Bernardino and Itauguá are popular spots. The unique geological formations in Areguá also offer interesting photographic subjects.
Yes, the lake is home to various bird species, making it a good location for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for them along the shores.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art & Craft Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Areguá: Crafts and Culture
Beyond ceramics, Areguá offers a glimpse into local Paraguayan culture. The town's proximity to the lake provides scenic waterfront areas, perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's a place where artistic tradition meets natural beauty, offering a relaxed and authentic experience for travelers seeking local flavor and handcrafted treasures.
San Bernardino: Lakeside Relaxation and Views
This town is also recognized for its beautiful sunsets, painting the sky with vibrant colors over the lake, making it a prime location for photographers and those seeking a romantic ambiance. For those looking for unique accommodations or exclusive residences, San Bernardino also features modern developments like 'Lake View,' offering luxurious living integrated with nature by the lake.
Understanding Lake Ypacaraí's Water Quality
Travelers are encouraged to check current local conditions and advisories before planning water-based activities like swimming. Despite these concerns, the lake remains a significant natural and sentimental landmark for Paraguay, with its surrounding towns offering plenty of other attractions and activities.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit