San Bernardino, Paraguay: travel guide
Lakeside resort on Lake Ypacaraí with a German-immigrant past
Lakeside resort on the west shore of Lake Ypacaraí, founded 1881 by German immigrants (originally "Nueva Baviera"). Known as "Sanber," Paraguay's premier summer beach getaway (~48 km from Asunción), lively Dec–Feb.
About San Bernardino
San Bernardino is a lakeside resort on the western shore of Lake Ypacaraí, about 48 kilometres from Asunción. It was founded by German settlers in the late nineteenth century, and many visitors still know it by the nickname Sanber.
The main draw is the water. The Costanera runs along the shore with cafés and restaurants, the public beach is the place for a swim, and the Mirador Bella Vista offers a view over the lake and the hills. The town fills with Paraguayan families, boat trips and evening gatherings during the summer, and has a livelier feel than most of the country.
San Bernardino suits families and anyone who wants a relaxed lake break near the capital. The warm months from December to February are the busiest, and the rest of the year is calmer and quieter.
- Country
- Paraguay
- Currency
- PYG
- Time zone
- America/Asuncion
- Nearest airport
- ASU
Last updated
Top places to visit in San Bernardino
Hotel del Lago
Heritage · 4.3 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic 1888 wooden hotel, a national heritage landmark and the cradle of San Bernardino tourism; grounds open to visitors.
Costanera de San Bernardino
Viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Lakefront promenade lined with bars and restaurants, the social spine of summer "Sanber".
Playa Pública de San Bernardino
Beach · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The town's public lake beach on Lake Ypacaraí, busy in the Dec–Feb summer season (swimming subject to water-quality advisories).
Mirador Bella Vista
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Hillside viewpoint over Lake Ypacaraí and the town.
Parroquia San Bernardino
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The town's parish church reflecting its German-immigrant founding heritage.
Things to do
- Lake Ypacaraí Boat & Kayak Tour Nature · 2 h · from PYG 120,000 per person
- Sanber Beach & Nightlife Experience Nightlife · 3 h · from PYG 80,000 per person
Where to stay in San Bernardino
- Costanera about PYG 550,000 per night
San Bernardino's lakefront strip — the heart of the summer scene.
Hotels
- Hotel Pueblo 4-star · PYG 400,000 to PYG 750,000 per night
- Hotel del Lago San Bernardino 4-star · PYG 450,000 to PYG 950,000 per night
- La Casa del Cerro 4-star · PYG 500,000 to PYG 1,100,000 per night
Where to eat
- La Casa del Barco Seafood, Paraguayan · about PYG 90,000 per person
- Parador Costanera Sanber Paraguayan, Street Food · about PYG 40,000 per person
Getting to San Bernardino
Nearest airport: Asuncion (ASU), about 24 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Car With Driver
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Paraguay
Frequently asked questions about San Bernardino
- What are the top-rated places to visit in San Bernardino?
- The highest-rated places in our San Bernardino guide are Costanera de San Bernardino, Mirador Bella Vista, Hotel del Lago.
- Where should I stay in San Bernardino?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in San Bernardino: Costanera.
- How do I get around San Bernardino?
- Ways to get around San Bernardino covered in our guide: City bus, Car with driver, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to San Bernardino?
- The nearest airport to San Bernardino has the code ASU.