Recuerdos de Ypacaraí (Memories of Ypacaraí)
The guarania that carried the name of Lake Ypacaraí around the world.
What it is
With music by Demetrio Ortiz (sketched in 1948) and lyrics by the Argentine Zulema de Mirkin, it tells of a summer romance by the lake that never returned. It was inspired by the composer's encounter with a young woman in San Bernardino. It premiered in 1951 and has been recorded by Julio Iglesias, Mercedes Sosa, Caetano Veloso, Javier Solís and Jorge Drexler, among many others. According to Ortiz's biography, he composed it in 1948 while performing in Córdoba (Argentina) as a guitarist in Félix Pérez Cardozo's ensemble.
Did you know…?
The lyrics use the Guaraní word kuñataĩ, 'young woman'. Julio Iglesias sang it in Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Listen to
Versions by Los Cuatro Hermanos Silva, Luis Alberto del Paraná, Julio Iglesias and Caetano Veloso.
Music & dance
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 1 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.