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San Bernardino

Paraguay · Coast · PYG · -25.310700, -57.296300
Family friendly 9.3/10 · Rank 4 of 2 709
Best season: December-March

Best for

Beach holiday, family holiday, water sports and nightlife lovers

Best season

December-March

Daily budget
$80.00 (≈ 6 714 ₽)
For 7 days
$560.00 (≈ 46 995 ₽)
San Bernardino is Paraguay's most famous resort town, located on the shores of Lake Ypacaraí. Founded by German immigrants in 1881, the town has retained its European charm with German bakeries and cosy cafes. It is a popular destination for water sports, beach holidays, and summer festivals, attracting both locals and tourists.
Summer
38.0°C
Winter
12.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

San Bernardino residents are friendly, hospitable and proud of their German heritage. They value traditions and always welcome guests

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic Lake Ypacarai
  • Popular beaches
  • Vibrant nightlife in season
  • Many restaurants and cafes
  • Close to Asunción

Cons

  • Lake pollution in some areas
  • Seasonal resort
  • Limited nightlife outside season
  • Noisy in high season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.5°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
38.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
17.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
22.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
12.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
26.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
October-April
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
turbid
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Rotonda
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Lake is safe for swimming, but water may be polluted in some areas

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are absent in the freshwater Lake Ypacarai at San Bernardino — these organisms live exclusively in seawater
  • Swimming in the lake is safe from the point of view of sea urchins

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent in Lake Ypacarai at San Bernardino — the lake is freshwater and does not support the growth of reef-building corals. The bottom is predominantly sandy and silty
  • Freshwater fish inhabit the lake, but not corals. In 2024, cyanobacteria were found in the lake, but they do not pose a health risk

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are absent in the freshwater Lake Ypacarai at San Bernardino — water salinity is insufficient for their habitat. Freshwater hydras inhabit the lake, but they do not pose a danger to swimmers
  • Swimming in the lake is safe from the point of view of jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • Sharks are absent in the freshwater Lake Ypacarai at San Bernardino — these predators live exclusively in seawater. Freshwater fish inhabit the lake, but they do not pose a danger to humans
  • Shark attacks on humans have not been recorded in Lake Ypacarai
Attractions

Lake Ypacarai

Scenic lake with beaches, boat rides and waterfront cafes

Playa Rotonda

Popular public beach with golden sand and calm water

El Muelle Pier

Classic wooden pier, ideal for photos and fishing with locals

Casa Hassler Museum

Historic museum honouring Swiss botanist Emile Hassler

Mirador Bella Vista

Panoramic viewpoint overlooking the lake and wooded surroundings

Best areas

Costanera

Waterfront with restaurants, cafes and lake views

Town Centre

Historic part with museums, shops and restaurants

Must-try food

Asado

Traditional Paraguayan barbecue of beef, pork and sausages, served with cassava and salad

Sopa Paraguaya

Traditional Paraguayan corn bread with cheese and onion

Bollos

Sweet corn fritters popular for breakfast or as a snack

Chipa

Paraguayan cheese bread made from cassava flour

Where to go next

Areguá

Town of artists and strawberry festivals on the other side of the lake

Asunción

Capital of Paraguay 50 km away with museums and nightlife

Caacupé

Spiritual capital of Paraguay 40 km away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Сильвио Петтиросси (ASU).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-March
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
San Bernardino: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-March. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
San Bernardino: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +38.0°C, during the day — up to +32.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
San Bernardino: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +12.0°C, during the day — up to +22.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
San Bernardino: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
San Bernardino: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on October-April. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
San Bernardino: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, turbid water. The most popular beaches: Playa Rotonda. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
San Bernardino: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
San Bernardino: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $80.00 (≈ 6 714 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
San Bernardino: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $90.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
San Bernardino: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
San Bernardino: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
San Bernardino: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Lake Ypacarai — Scenic lake with beaches, boat rides and waterfront cafes; Playa Rotonda — Popular public beach with golden sand and calm water; El Muelle Pier — Classic wooden pier, ideal for photos and fishing with locals; Casa Hassler Museum — Historic museum honouring Swiss botanist Emile Hassler; Mirador Bella Vista — Panoramic viewpoint overlooking the lake and wooded surroundings. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
San Bernardino: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Asado — Traditional Paraguayan barbecue of beef, pork and sausages, served with cassava and salad; Sopa Paraguaya — Traditional Paraguayan corn bread with cheese and onion; Bollos — Sweet corn fritters popular for breakfast or as a snack; Chipa — Paraguayan cheese bread made from cassava flour. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
San Bernardino: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Costanera — Waterfront with restaurants, cafes and lake views; Town Centre — Historic part with museums, shops and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
San Bernardino: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
San Bernardino: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Сильвио Петтиросси (code ASU). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
San Bernardino: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — PYG. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $80.00 (≈ 6 714 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
San Bernardino: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
San Bernardino: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
San Bernardino: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Areguá — Town of artists and strawberry festivals on the other side of the lake; Asunción — Capital of Paraguay 50 km away with museums and nightlife; Caacupé — Spiritual capital of Paraguay 40 km away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

9.3/10
Overall rank: 4 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 2

Best season

December-March

Useful information

Currency: PYG
Coordinates: -25.310700, -57.296300