San Bernardino & Lago Ypacaraí: Paraguay's summer paradise

San Bernardino and Lago Ypacaraí are a perfect duo for a day trip from Asunción. The former German colony of San Bernardino combines European flair with a tropical ambiance, while Lago Ypacaraí, one of Paraguay's largest lakes, offers a natural experience, culture, and environmental themes.

🗺️ Location & Overview

San Bernardino, often called “San Ber” for short, is located about 50 km east of Asunción in the Cordillera Department and lies directly on the southern shore of Lake Ypacaraí.

The lake occupies approximately 56 km² and has an average depth of 3 m, located in the tectonic depression of the Asunción–Sapucai–Villarrica graben.

🏛️ History and cultural heritage

San Bernardino was founded on August 24, 1881, by German-Swiss settlers led by Jakob Schaerer and named after President Bernardino Caballero.

As one of the first cities in Paraguay, San Bernardino had electricity early on and quickly developed into a cultural center with a strong European influence.

In 1889, the tragic suicide of Bernhard Förster at the Hotel du Lac attracted the attention of the international press.

🌊 Lake Ypacaraí – Nature & Environment

Lago Ypacaraí flows into the Río Paraguay via the Río Salado and supplies surrounding villages with drinking and irrigation water. 

It is surrounded by San Bernardino, Areguá (known for its ceramic art) and the town of Ypacaraí, all of which are popular tourist destinations.

The lake became internationally known through the song Recuerdos de Ypacaraí by Demetrio Ortiz, which was interpreted by Julio Iglesias, among others.

Since 2012, Lake Ypacaraí has ​​been struggling with massive cyanobacterial blooms and other environmental problems caused by agricultural wastewater, urban runoff, and eutrophication.

Swimming in the lake is therefore not currently recommended; however, it remains a place of great scenic beauty and cultural significance.

🏛️ Sights & Activities

• Casa de la Cultura (San Bernardino)
  Historical museum of city and regional history.
• Mirador Bella Vista
  Viewpoint with panoramic views over the lake, accessible via the colorful “staircase road”.
• Arquitectura histórica
  Numerous well-preserved Art Nouveau houses bear witness to the colonial heritage.
• Deportes acuáticos
  Boating, kayaking and sailing on the calm waters (with ecological caution).

📸 Fotospots

• San Bernardino waterfront promenade at sunset.
• Colorful stairs to the Mirador Bella Vista.
• Ceramic factories in Areguá on the north bank.
• Reflections in the lake on windless mornings.

📚 curiosities

San Bernardino is often called the summer capital of Paraguay because many people from Gran Asunción spend their holidays here.

Lake Ypacaraí is a symbol of Paraguayan music culture through Recuerdos de Ypacaraí – a national identity mark.

👉 Conclusion

San Bernardino and Lake Ypacaraí combine European cultural heritage, natural beauty, and current environmental issues in a single region. Whether for sunbathing, photography, or contemplating sustainability, this destination offers something for every taste and is a must-see for every visitor to Paraguay.

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🖼️ Impressions

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