Ypacarai Travel Guide

Explore the scenic beauty and cultural significance of Ypacarai in Southern Paraneña. Visit museums and historical places, hike/bike through natural attractions, taste local dishes and beverages, and experience the Ypacarai culture. We provide all information to help you plan your trip to Ypacarai.


Introduction to Ypacarai

Ypacarai is a small town located in Southern Paraneña, in Paraguay, in South America. The town is known for its beautiful lake and mesmerizing scenic beauty. The town has become a popular tourist attraction for people who love exploring the natural beauty of a place.

List of Places to Visit in Ypacarai

Whether you are looking for cultural significance or natural attractions, Ypacarai has something for everyone. Below is the list of places you must visit in Ypacarai.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of Francisco Resquin: This museum is dedicated to the life and works of Francisco Resquin, a popular Paraguayan musician.

  • Franciscan Monastery of Ypacarai: This was built in 1615 and has been preserved for over 400 years. It is a beautiful historical place to visit and explore.

  • Ypacarai Central Park: this Park has been newly renovated and a hot spot of attraction for locals and tourist for relaxing with the panoramic lake view

Natural Attractions of Ypacarai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Ypacarai: The Lake is the heart of Ypacarai, famous for its tranquility and scenic beauty. You can enjoy a boat ride or explore the lake on your own.

  • Cerro Akati: (Akati Hill): A stunning trek from which you can see the entire Ypacarai area. experience the tranquil beauty of nature.

  • Cerro Koi: This is an ideal site for camping and hiking. You will experience the beautiful view of the entire town of Ypacarai from the top of the mountain.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ypacarai

There are few popular Hiking and Biking routes in Ypacarai that every adventurer should not miss:

  • Cerro Akati: This is one of the popular hiking trails to explore the natural beauty of Ypacarai. The trek is not too difficult and is best for beginners

  • Las Vegas de Ypacarai: This is a popular biking trail that has a natural beauty all around to explore

Best Things to Do in Ypacarai: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting popular attractions and exploring natural beauty, there much more to do in Ypacarai.

  • Boat Rides: Explore the tranquil beauty of Lake Ypacarai by taking a scenic boat tour around the coast.

  • Paragliding: For a bird’s-eye view of Ypacarai, try paragliding over the greenish hills and scenic beauty of the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ypacarai

The best plan for a week-long itinerary for Ypacarai is as below:

Day Plan
1 Visit popular attractions
2 Hike or Bike through the natural attractions
3 Explore various outdoor activities
4 Take a boat tour around Lake Ypacarai
5 Relish the local cuisine and drinks
6 Participate in local cultural events
7 Explore nearby attractions or departing to the next destination

Food and Drink Scene of Ypacarai

Paraguay is famous for its delicious food and drinks, Ypacarai being no exception. Below are the must-try dishes and local beverages you should try in Ypacarai.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sopa paraguaya: A popular dish made with cornmeal, onions, milk, and cheese.

  • Chipa: A soft and cheesy bread made with cornflour, manioc flour, and cheese

  • Mbejú: A type of bread made with manioc and cheese

Local Beverages

  • Cocido: A tea made with yerba mate and served with sugar or milk.

  • Caña Paraguaya: A traditional cane rum brewed in Paraguay and a great drink to pair with Paraguayan food.

Where to Stay in Ypacarai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ypacarai has a range of affordable accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Below are few of the famous places to stay:

  • Ypacarai Lake Hotel: This is one of the best hotels to stay near Lake Ypacarai, with great amenities at an affordable price.

  • Altoparque Hotel: This hotel is located in a prime location and has an amazing view of Lake Ypacarai. A bit expensive but worth the view.

What to Buy in Ypacarai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

While in Ypacarai, make sure you shop for local souvenir items to bring back home, including:

  • Hammocks and Handmade Crafts: Handmade crafts like hammocks, embroidered clothes, and stickers are available in the local market.

Local Culture and Customs of Ypacarai

Ypacarai is famous for its friendly culture and customs. The town is very welcoming, and the people here are very warm and hospitable.

Best Time to Visit Ypacarai

The best time to visit Ypacarai is between September to December when the weather is pleasant and dry. Also, it is recommended to avoid visiting during the winter months of June-July when it can be cold and windy in Ypacarai.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ypacarai

Do:

  • Be Respectful: Ypacarai is a friendly town, and respecting local customs and culture is a must.

Don’t:

  • Litter and Pollute: It is highly recommended to keep the town clean and not litter or pollute the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ypacarai

Ypacarai is a safe town to visit. As with most tourist places, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when you are exploring the attractions.

Health in Ypacarai

The local hospitals are limited and mostly based in the nearby towns. It is always best to carry a medical kit when visiting Yapacari

Getting to Ypacarai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ypacarai

  • Silvio Pettirossi International Airport: The airport is located in Asunción, which is about two hours drive from Ypacarai

Bus Stations Near Ypacarai

  • Terminal de Ómnibus de Asunción (Asunción Bus Terminal): The bus station is located in Central Asunción but has frequent buses to Yapacari

Other Options

  • Hiring a car or taxi is another great way to get to Yapacari from the city center.

How to Get Around in Ypacarai

The best way to travel around in Yapacari is to hire a taxi or a car. The other option is public transportation which is not frequent

Where to Go Next from Ypacarai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Asunción: The capital city of Paraguay, is just two hours drive from Yapacari.

  • San Bernardino: Just located a few miles from Yapacari and famous for its natural scenic beauty and lake views.

Conclusion

Ypacarai is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the natural scenic beauty of Paraguay. The rich cultural history and the diversity of attractions make this town a perfect place to visit for any vacation. Plan your trip accordingly, and in this article, we have covered everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit to Ypacarai.