📌Location
Lake Ypacaraí (also spelled Ypacarai or Ypacaraí) is a freshwater lake located in the center of the Eastern Region of Paraguay, between the departments of Central and Cordillera, about 35 to 45 km east of Asunción. It has a surface area of around 90 km² (24 km long by 6 km wide) and is quite shallow (only a few meters on average). On its shores sit two of the country's most traditional resorts: Areguá, on the west coast, and San Bernardino, on the east coast. Its name comes from Guaraní and is usually translated as 'water that spreads' or 'lake water'. It is, without a doubt, the most famous and sung-about lake in Paraguay, immortalized in the guarania 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí'
📌Service city
The lake is not a city but a natural destination surrounded by several towns. The two classic gateways are San Bernardino (east coast, in the department of Cordillera) and Areguá (west coast, in Central, the departmental capital), both towns with hotels, inns, restaurants and tourist services. Areguá is connected by tourist train and road with Asunción; San Bernardino is reached via Route PY02 (the road to Caacupé and Ciudad del Este) with a turnoff. The capital, Asunción, is just over an hour away and concentrates the international airport (Silvio Pettirossi, in Luque), the bus terminal, hospitals and all services. Caacupé and Itauguá are nearby
📌Best time to go
Summer (December to February) is the high season for the lake resorts, with intense heat (often above 35 °C) and all the tourist activity, especially in San Bernardino, which fills with Asunción summer visitors. It's the time of the classic beach atmosphere, parties and nightlife. Spring and autumn (September to November and March to May) offer more pleasant temperatures and fewer people, ideal for touring the towns calmly. Important: the lake has suffered episodes of pollution and cyanobacteria (algae) blooms in summer, so it's worth checking the state of the water before swimming
📌Suggested days
For a day trip from Asunción, a single day is enough to tour one of the two coasts (Areguá or San Bernardino), stroll along the shore, have lunch and return. With a weekend (2 days) you can combine both towns: bohemian, craft-focused Areguá one day, and summery San Bernardino the other, adding a catamaran ride on the lake. With 3 days you can add Caacupé (the basilica) and Itauguá (the ñandutí), which are very close, putting together a complete circuit of the country's central region
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🌤️ Clima en Lake Ypacaraí
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There is a lake that all of Paraguay carries in its heart, though many know it more from a song than from having seen it: Lake Ypacaraí. That mirror of fresh water stretching between Areguá and San Bernardino, just over an hour from Asunción, is the country's most traditional summer destination and the protagonist of 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí', the guarania that went around the world and made the place legendary even before the traveler arrives.
The Ypacaraí is not a lake of crystalline waters or imposing mountains: it's a flat, wide, serene lake, with gentle shores, surrounded by towns with history. On its west coast is Areguá, the capital of Central, a town of cobbled streets, old mansions, pottery workshops and strawberry fairs that earned fame as a town of artists. On the east coast is San Bernardino, 'San Ber' to Paraguayans, founded by German-Swiss settlers and turned into the fashionable resort, with its beaches, its hotels and its summer scene.
This guide covers Lake Ypacaraí with a practical, warm eye: how to get there from Asunción, what to do on each of its two coasts, how to combine the outing with Caacupé and Itauguá, and what to keep in mind —including the lake's environmental situation— to enjoy it. More than a single attraction, the Ypacaraí is an experience of Paraguayan identity: that of summer holidays, the guarania and the sunset over the water.
📖 History of Lake Ypacaraí
Lake Ypacaraí is a natural lake of tectonic origin, formed in a depression in the terrain into which streams like the Pirayú drain; it flows north through the Salado River, which connects it with the Paraguay River. Its name comes from Guaraní and is associated with the idea of 'water that spreads' or 'lagoon'. Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the region was inhabited by Guaraní peoples. During the colonial era and after independence, its shores were lands of ranches and small towns. Areguá, on the west coast, was for a long time a summer retreat for well-off Asunción families, who traveled on the Central Railway train. San Bernardino, on the east coast, was born on August 24, 1881 as a colony of German-Swiss immigrants led by Jakob Schaerer, and over time became the country's resort par excellence. The lake's international fame came through music: the guarania 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí', composed around 1950 by the Argentine Demetrio Ortiz with lyrics attributed to Zulema de Mirkin, turned the lake into a romantic symbol of Paraguay sung throughout the Hispanic world. In recent decades, the lake faces serious environmental challenges due to pollution and algae blooms, which have prompted recovery plans. The full history is on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
San Bernardino coast (the resorts)
The east coast of the lake, with the beaches and resorts of the most famous summer town in Paraguay.
San Bernardino, affectionately known as 'San Ber', is the resort par excellence of Lake Ypacaraí and of all Paraguay. Along its east coast are lined beaches, clubs, hotels and inns that in summer fill with vacationers arriving mainly from Asunción. The town was founded on August 24, 1881 by German-Swiss settlers led by Jakob Schaerer, and still keeps that air of a quiet villa with old mansions, groves and a tidy layout that contrasts with the summer bustle.
The coast offers various accesses to the water: there are resorts and clubs with sand beaches, docks and areas to sit and watch the lake. The waterfront promenade is ideal for walking at sunset, when the sun falls over the water and tinges everything orange, one of the country's classic postcards. In high season, San Bernardino also concentrates an intense nightlife, with bars, clubs and events that made it a hub of the young Paraguayan scene.
Important: due to the lake's environmental situation, it's worth checking the state of the water before swimming, since in some summers algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are recorded. Many still enjoy the coast, the catamaran rides, the water sports and the dining without necessarily getting in the water.
Getting there: via Route PY02 from Asunción (about 45 minutes to 1 hour) with a turnoff toward San Bernardino. Best time: summer for the scene; spring and autumn for tranquility. Tips: in high season book lodging in advance and keep the weekend traffic in mind.
ℹ️ Distance: East coast of the lake, department of Cordillera; Route PY02 from Asunción (about 50 km) · Best time: Summer for the scene; spring/autumn for tranquility · Admission: Free (access to the town and waterfront); private clubs and resorts with variable cost depending on the club, verified July 2026 · Duration: Half a day to a day (or more in season)
2
Areguá coast (town of artists and pottery)
The west coast of the lake, with the historic town of Areguá, its cobbled streets, pottery workshops and viewpoint.
Areguá, capital of the Central department, overlooks Lake Ypacaraí from its west coast and is one of the most charming towns in the country. Its historic center, with cobbled streets sloping down toward the lake, late-nineteenth-century mansions and the imposing church of the Virgin of Candelaria on high, was declared Cultural Heritage and earned it recognition as the City of Pottery and, also, as a town of artists.
Areguá is famous for its pottery and craft tradition: along the roadside and in the center are lined stalls and workshops selling pottery, pots, clay cooking pots and decorative figures, a classic postcard of the place. The town is also known for strawberries, celebrated in a seasonal fair, and for its plant fairs. In recent years, museums, galleries and cultural spaces have been added, reinforcing its bohemian profile.
The scenic point beside the church offers a beautiful view of the lake, and the descent toward the coast leads to Areguá's beach, quieter than San Bernardino's. Touring Areguá on foot, among its stone streets and old houses, is a charming outing.
Getting there: by road from Asunción (about 30 km) or by tourist train when it runs. Best time: year-round; the strawberry fair (usually between September and October) is an extra draw. Tips: combine it with San Bernardino on the other coast to see the two sides of the lake.
ℹ️ Distance: West coast of the lake, Central department; about 30 km from Asunción · Best time: Year-round; strawberry fair (September-October, check dates) · Admission: Free (touring the town); workshops and pottery pieces from Gs. 15,000, verified July 2026 · Duration: Half a day
3
Catamaran ride on the lake
Touring the Ypacaraí's mirror of water by catamaran, with the best view of the coast and the sunset.
One of the loveliest ways to get to know Lake Ypacaraí is by sailing it. From the San Bernardino coast depart the traditional catamaran rides, a classic activity of the resort that lets you tour the coast and enjoy the sunset with live music. The ride lasts about 25 to 30 minutes and is a different way to appreciate the serene immensity of this body of water measuring nearly 90 km².
For the more active, the lake also offers water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddle, jet ski and sailing, depending on the offering of each club and resort, especially in high season.
Sailing the Ypacaraí also has a symbolic value: it's the lake of the guarania 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí', and touring it at sunset, while the sun sinks over the coast, is one of those experiences that connect with the romantic sensibility the song immortalized.
Getting there: the docks are on the San Bernardino coast. Best time: summer for a greater offering of rides; sunset is the ideal moment. Tips: the rides can be taken at any time; bring sunscreen and water, and confirm the departure times when you reach the dock.
ℹ️ Distance: Dock on the San Bernardino coast · Best time: Summer (greater offering); sunset ideal · Admission: About Gs. 20,000 (US$ 2.5-3) per person, 25-30 min ride, verified July 2026 · Duration: 25 to 30 minutes
4
Sunset over the lake
The spectacle of the sunset over the water, the classic postcard of the Ypacaraí and of the song that made it famous.
If there's one thing no one should miss at Lake Ypacaraí, it's its sunset. Being a wide lake with low shores, the sky opens completely over the water, and when the sun begins to fall, the lake transforms into a mirror of golden, pink and violet tones. It's one of the most beloved postcards of Paraguay and, no coincidence, the image evoked by the guarania 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí'.
From the San Bernardino waterfront, from the viewpoint of the Areguá church or from a catamaran in the middle of the lake, the sunset offers a moment of calm and beauty hard to forget. Many visitors choose to accompany it with a tereré (the cold yerba mate infusion typical of the country) or seated at some bar or restaurant with a view of the water.
It's a free and universal plan, perfect for closing a day of touring either coast. The sunset light is also the best moment for photos of the lake and the towns.
Getting there: from any point on the coast (San Bernardino or Areguá). Best time: year-round; a clear sky heightens the spectacle. Tips: get to a good spot on the shore with time to spare, bring something to drink and enjoy unhurried.
ℹ️ Distance: Any point on the coast (San Bernardino, Areguá) · Best time: Year-round, with a clear sky · Admission: Free (open access to the waterfronts) · Duration: 1 hour
5
Nearby Caacupé and Itauguá
Two unmissable destinations a few minutes from the lake: the basilica of Caacupé and the ñandutí of Itauguá.
Lake Ypacaraí is in the heart of one of the most touristy areas of Paraguay, which lets you easily combine it with other nearby destinations. A few kilometers away, on Route PY02, is Caacupé, the country's spiritual capital, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles and the largest pilgrimage in Paraguay (every December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception). The basilica, with its great blue dome, is an imposing modern church worth visiting even outside the religious date.
Also very close is Itauguá, birthplace of ñandutí, the delicate spider's-web lace that is one of the most representative crafts of Paraguay. In Itauguá you can see and buy these weavings in workshops and shops, and the city holds the Ñandutí Festival each year. Its old town, with veranda houses, preserves much of traditional Paraguay.
These two destinations, added to Areguá and San Bernardino, let you put together a complete circuit of the country's central region in a couple of days, with nature, religiosity, crafts and summer holidays.
Getting there: via Route PY02, a short distance from the lake (Caacupé and Itauguá are on the same road that leads to San Bernardino). Best time: year-round; Caacupé overflows around December 8. Tips: if you go on pilgrimage to Caacupé, prepare patience for the traffic and the crowds.
ℹ️ Distance: On Route PY02, a few km from the lake (Caacupé, Itauguá) · Best time: Year-round; Caacupé massive on December 8 · Admission: Free (Basilica of Caacupé and ñandutí workshops with open access) · Duration: Half a day each
6
Water sports and lake clubs
Kayaking, stand-up paddle, jet ski and sailing on the calm waters of the Ypacaraí.
Being a wide, flat lake with relatively calm waters, the Ypacaraí is a good setting for water sports. Several clubs and resorts of San Bernardino, and to a lesser extent of Areguá, offer rental of kayaks, stand-up paddle (SUP) boards, jet skis and sailing lessons, especially in high season.
It's an active way to enjoy the lake beyond the catamaran ride or swimming (when the water conditions allow), ideal for those seeking some adrenaline or exercise with the lake view as a backdrop.
Getting there: clubs and resorts on the San Bernardino coast, mainly. Best time: summer, when the offering and demand are greatest. Tips: check availability of equipment and lessons at your chosen club; bring sunscreen and swimwear with a change.
ℹ️ Distance: Clubs and resorts on the San Bernardino coast · Best time: Summer (greater offering of equipment and lessons) · Admission: US$ 10–30 per hour depending on equipment, verified July 2026 · Duration: 1 to 2 hours
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Waterfronts and viewpoints of the lake (San Bernardino, Areguá) | Free (public access) |
| Private resorts and clubs (beaches with services) | About Gs. 15,000–40,000 (US$ 2–5) per person depending on the club, verified July 2026 |
| Catamaran ride on the lake (San Bernardino) | Gs. 20,000 (about US$ 2.5–3) per person, 25-30 min, verified July 2026 |
| Areguá workshops and museums | Free or voluntary contribution; pottery pieces from Gs. 15,000, verified July 2026 |
| Basilica of Caacupé (nearby) | Free (open access) |
| Sunset over the lake | Free |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Catamaran ride on Lake Ypacaraí | Gs. 20,000 (US$ 2.5-3) per person, verified July 2026 | 25 to 30 min | Nautical operators on the San Bernardino waterfront |
| Water sports (kayak, SUP, jet ski, sailing) | US$ 10–30 per hour depending on equipment, verified July 2026 | 1-2 h | Lake clubs and resorts |
| Cultural and pottery tour of Areguá | Free (open access to workshops); purchases separate | Half a day | Areguá workshops and local guides |
| City tour of San Bernardino and its German-Swiss history | US$ 15–25 per person (half day, with a guide, verified July 2026) | Half a day | San Bernardino local guides |
| Lake Ypacaraí + Caacupé circuit (day trip from Asunción) | US$ 40–65 per person (full day, with an agency, verified July 2026) | Full day | Asunción travel agencies |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Private or rental car | US$ 40–70 per rental day in Asunción (source: Asunción rent-a-car agencies, verified July 2026) | Variable | The most comfortable way to move between the two coasts and the nearby destinations (Caacupé, Itauguá), which are several km apart |
| Bus from Asunción (urban/interurban) | Gs. 3,400 the air-conditioned urban and Gs. 2,300 the regular within the Metropolitan Area; about Gs. 8,000–12,000 (US$ 1–1.5) the longer services to the lake towns (source: Vice-Ministry of Transport MOPC, verified July 2026) | 1 to 1.5 h | There are services from the Asunción Terminal toward San Bernardino, Areguá, Caacupé and Itauguá via Route PY02. IMPORTANT: Areguá and Ypacaraí are part of the Asunción Metropolitan Area, where the bus is paid ONLY with electronic ticketing (Jaha or Más card); you can't pay in cash on boarding. The card costs Gs. 10,000 and is topped up from Gs. 3,600 at kiosks and authorized points. The interurban services toward San Bernardino (department of Cordillera) do usually accept cash |
| Real-time transport app | Free (the app) | — | To see the route and the bus location in real time, people use Moovit (the one with the greatest coverage in Greater Asunción, updated by volunteers) and the Paraguayan app Buzzpy, which shows buses in real time with estimated arrival times. Google Maps also gives bus routes in the area (source: Moovit / Buzzpy / MOPC, verified July 2026) |
| Tourist train to Areguá | Seasonal service; fare depending on season (check availability, verified July 2026) | Variable | When it runs, a tourist train connects the Asunción area with Areguá; a seasonal and limited service, worth confirming availability before counting on it |
| Taxi and apps (Uber, Bolt, MUV) in the area | About US$ 20–35 from Asunción depending on destination (source: app fares, verified July 2026) | Variable | Useful for short trips within the towns or between the road and the coast. App coverage is better near Asunción; paid in cash or by card within the app |
| On foot within the towns | Free | Variable | Both Areguá and San Bernardino are comfortably walkable, especially their historic centers and waterfronts |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| Asunción → San Bernardino (Route PY02) | Private car, taxi/app or line bus | Gs. 8,000–12,000 by bus; US$ 25–35 by taxi/app, verified July 2026 | 45 min to 1 h (about 50 km) |
| Asunción → Areguá | Car, line bus or tourist train (seasonal) | Gs. 6,000–10,000 by bus; US$ 20–30 by taxi/app, verified July 2026 | 45 min to 1 h (about 30 km) |
| Silvio Pettirossi Airport (Luque/Asunción) → lake | Taxi/app or private transfer | About US$ 25–40 (verified July 2026) | 1 to 1.5 h depending on destination and traffic |
| Between the two coasts (San Bernardino ↔ Areguá) | Car (skirting the lake) | Fuel separate; no direct public transport between coasts | By road, about 1 h going around the lake |
| Lake → Caacupé / Itauguá (Route PY02) | Car or line bus | Gs. 5,000–8,000 by bus, verified July 2026 | 15 to 30 min depending on the point |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| Premium hotels and resorts of San Bernardino | $$$$$ | About Gs. 900,000–1,400,000 a night (US$ 120–190, double, verified July 2026); e.g. Villa María (Casa Del Val), Tava, La Suiza Suites, El Hallo Boutique |
| Mid-category hotels in San Bernardino | $$$$$ | About US$ 70–140 a night; verified July 2026; hotels with a pool and services near the coast, a good option for high season with advance booking |
| Charming inns in Areguá | $$$$$ | About US$ 35–60 a night; verified July 2026; inns, guesthouses and boutique lodging with the charm of the historic, artistic town, quieter than San Bernardino |
| Budget / simple guesthouses | $$$$$ | About US$ 25–45 a night (from US$ 28 in low season, verified July 2026); budget guesthouses and inns in the lake towns. You can also stay in Asunción and visit the lake for the day |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Restaurants with lake views | $$$$$ | Gs. 60,000–120,000 (about US$ 8–16) per dish; verified July 2026; on the waterfronts of San Bernardino and Areguá there are restaurants and grills with a water view, ideal for lunch or dinner watching the lake at sunset |
| Traditional Paraguayan food | $$$$$ | Gs. 30,000–55,000 (about US$ 4–7) per dish; verified July 2026; chipa, sopa paraguaya, mbejú, asado and empanadas, accompanied by tereré, in the lake towns |
| Cafés and pastry shops of Areguá | $$$$$ | Gs. 20,000–40,000 (about US$ 3–5) per order; verified July 2026; Areguá, with its bohemian profile, has charming cafés, tea houses and pastry shops, many in old mansions |
| Bars and nighttime dining in San Bernardino | $$$$$ | Gs. 30,000–70,000 (about US$ 4–9) per order or dish; verified July 2026; in high season, bars, breweries and nighttime dining in keeping with its fame as a young resort |
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Ypacaraí?+
It depends on the state of the water. The lake has suffered episodes of pollution and cyanobacteria (algae) blooms, especially in summer, which in some seasons force swimming to be discouraged. It's worth checking the state of the water at the time (through local media or the authorities) before getting in. Many visitors still enjoy the coast, the catamaran rides, the water sports and the dining without swimming.
Areguá or San Bernardino: which should I choose?+
They're two sides of the same lake. Areguá (west coast) is the historic, artistic, pottery town, with cobbled streets, museums and a more bohemian, quiet profile. San Bernardino (east coast) is the classic resort, with beaches, hotels, resorts and lots of activity in summer. Ideally you'd see both: if you have a weekend, devote a day to each.
How do I get to the lake from Asunción?+
Via Route PY02. By car, San Bernardino is about 45 minutes to 1 hour away (about 50 km) and Areguá about 30-45 minutes. There are also line buses from the Asunción Terminal to both towns (Gs. 8,000–12,000), and a seasonal tourist train to Areguá when it runs. The international airport is in Luque, in Greater Asunción.
How much does the catamaran ride on the lake cost?+
The classic catamaran ride from the San Bernardino waterfront costs around Gs. 20,000 (about US$ 2.5-3) per person, lasting 25 to 30 minutes. It's one of the most popular activities of the resort, especially at sunset.
What's the best time to visit the lake?+
Summer (December to February) is the high season for the resorts, with heat, beach life and nightlife, especially in San Bernardino. Spring and autumn offer more pleasant temperatures and fewer people, ideal for touring the towns. Keep in mind that in summer the lake may have algae blooms, so check the state of the water.
Why is Lake Ypacaraí so famous?+
Above all for the guarania 'Recuerdos de Ypacaraí', composed around 1950, which turned the lake into a romantic symbol of Paraguay sung throughout the Hispanic world. Added to that is its historic role as a summer destination for Asunción families and the fame of its two coastal towns, Areguá and San Bernardino.
What else can I visit near the lake?+
Very close, on Route PY02, are Caacupé (the basilica and largest pilgrimage in the country, on December 8) and Itauguá (birthplace of ñandutí, the traditional Paraguayan lace). With a couple of days you can put together a circuit combining the lake, the religiosity of Caacupé and the crafts of Itauguá, all in the country's central region.
How do you pay for the bus to Areguá or the lake?+
Areguá and Ypacaraí are part of the Asunción Metropolitan Area, where the urban bus is paid only with electronic ticketing: the Jaha card or the Más card. You can't pay in cash on boarding. The card costs about Gs. 10,000 and is topped up from Gs. 3,600 at kiosks, supermarkets and authorized points; the urban fare is around Gs. 3,400 on an air-conditioned bus. The interurban services toward San Bernardino (which is in Cordillera) do usually accept cash (source: Vice-Ministry of Transport MOPC, verified July 2026).
Which app is useful for seeing the bus in real time in the lake area?+
In Greater Asunción the most-used app is Moovit, which shows routes, stops and the bus location in real time (kept updated by local volunteers). There's also Buzzpy, a Paraguayan app that shows buses in real time with estimated arrival times, and Google Maps offers bus routes in the area (verified July 2026).
Sources consulted (13)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Lago Ypacaraí»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lago_Ypacara%C3%AD
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Areguá»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aregu%C3%A1
- Wikipedia (ES) — «San Bernardino (Paraguay)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Bernardino_(Paraguay)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Recuerdos de Ypacaraí»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recuerdos_de_Ypacara%C3%AD
- Senatur Paraguay (Secretaría Nacional de Turismo): https://www.senatur.gov.py/
- ABC Color — Qué hacer en San Bernardino en vacaciones de invierno: https://www.abc.com.py/viajes/2025/07/07/que-hacer-en-san-bernardino-en-vacaciones-de-invierno/
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Areguá»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aregu%C3%A1
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Lago Ypacaraí»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lago_Ypacara%C3%AD
- Infonegocios — Alojamientos premium en San Bernardino: https://infonegocios.com.py/infoviajes/estancia-exclusiva-8-alojamientos-premium-en-san-bernardino-para-una-estadia-inolvidable
- Tripadvisor — Hoteles en San Bernardino: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1635342-San_Bernardino_Cordillera_Department-Hotels.html
- Senatur Paraguay — Información de destinos: https://www.senatur.gov.py/
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Ruta PY02 (Paraguay)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruta_PY02_(Paraguay)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Lago Ypacaraí» (sección contaminación): https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lago_Ypacara%C3%AD
