Ypacaraí Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ypacarai Lake |
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View of the lake from San Bernardino
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 Ypacarai Lake
Location in Paraguay
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| Location | Central Department |
| Coordinates | 25°18′0″S 57°21′0″W / 25.30000°S 57.35000°W |
| Primary outflows | Salado River |
| Basin countries | Paraguay |
| Max. length | 14.9 mi (24.0 km) |
| Max. width | 3.7 mi (6.0 km) |
| Surface area | 55.9 km2 (21.6 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 10 feet (3.0 m) |
| Settlements | San Bernardino, Ypacaraí & Areguá |
Ypacaraí Lake is a beautiful and important lake in Paraguay, a country in South America. It's located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Asunción, the capital city. This lake is one of Paraguay's two main lakes. It provides water for people to drink and for farms to grow crops. Many people also visit the lake for fun activities like relaxing by the water.
The lake is surrounded by three cities: Areguá, Ypacaraí, and San Bernardino. These cities are popular spots for tourists and locals.
However, Ypacaraí Lake has a problem. It is the most polluted lake in Paraguay. This pollution comes from tiny living things called algae, and also from nearby farms, homes, and cutting down too many trees. Because of the pollution, it's not safe to swim in the lake right now.
Contents
Lake Ypacaraí: Geography
Ypacaraí Lake covers an area of about 90 square kilometers (35 square miles). It stretches about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from north to south and 6 kilometers (4 miles) from east to west. The water in the lake is usually about 1.72 meters (5.6 feet) deep on average.
The lake's water flows into the Salado River. The Salado River then flows into the larger Paraguay River. The lake also gets water from several smaller rivers and streams, like the Yagua Resau and Yuquyry.
Lake Ypacaraí: Weather and Climate
The area around Ypacaraí Lake has a humid subtropical climate. This means the weather is generally warm and sunny most of the time. During the summer, temperatures usually range from 20 to 38 degrees Celsius (68 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). In winter, it's cooler, with temperatures typically between 3 and 25 degrees Celsius (37 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Lake Ypacaraí: History
The lake's first name was Tapycua. The name Ypacaraí means "holy lake." This name is linked to an old story about Luis de Bolaños, who is said to have blessed the lake around the year 1600.
Lake Ypacaraí: Art and Culture
Ypacaraí Lake is famous around the world because of a song called "Recuerdos de Ypacarai" (which means "Memories of Ypacarai"). This song was written by Demetrio Ortiz. Many famous singers, including Julio Iglesias, have performed and recorded this song.
The nearby town of Areguá is a great place to see art and crafts. There's a special center called La Cuenca where local artists show and sell their work. Visitors can also find information at the cultural center Estacion A. Another art center, the Guaggari Center, has a sculpture exhibition. La Casa de la Cultura is a history museum that also hosts temporary art shows. It opens especially for the Ypacaraí Festival in September.
The Ypacaraí Festival has been held every year in the city of Ypacaraí since 1971. This festival in September celebrates folk traditions and Paraguayan art. It includes concerts, dance performances, and theater shows. The festival aims to "rescue and reinforce the artistic heritage of the Paraguayan culture." Casa Hassler, a cultural center, is open all year. It has permanent and temporary art exhibitions, a history museum, a public library, and offers classes in acting and dance.
Lake Ypacaraí: Tourism
The cities around Ypacaraí Lake have many things for tourists and visitors to enjoy. The beaches along the lake are open for everyone to visit.
San Bernardino: The Summer City
This city is about 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Asunción. San Bernardino has beaches, cultural centers, fun pubs, and interesting restaurants. It's often called the "Summer City" because it offers so many activities and attractions for visitors during the warm season.
Areguá: Artistic Charm
Areguá is about 31 kilometers (19 miles) from Asunción. It has a charming and artistic feel, making it a favorite place for writers and famous people. There is also a public beach here. Areguá hosts fairs throughout the year where local artisans sell beautiful pottery and other handmade goods.
Lake Ypacaraí: Travel
You can easily see the lake when you visit one of the cities around it. Buses to San Bernardino and Ypacaraí leave from the Asunción Bus Terminal. If you want to go to Areguá, you can catch a bus from Avenida San Martín or Aviadores del Chaco in Asunción.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Ypacaraí para niños
