Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Paraná River System
The great Río Paraná is the longest river in Argentina and the second longest in all of
South America. This mighty waterway flows 2,479 miles (3,990 km) from its source in
tropical Brazil to its mouth at the temperate Atlantic, draining an area of more than
380,000 sq miles (100,000 sq km). On its course through Argentina, it forms a natural
border with Paraguay before snaking southwest, marking the western limit of Argentina's
islandlike Litoral region. In its far south, the river forms the Paraná Delta, a floodplain and
great labyrinth of drainage channels, wetlands, and river islands. A subtropical
microhabitat at the heart of a temperate zone, the junglelike delta forms a dramatic
contrast with the arable pampas that surround it.
The Yacyretá Dam
is a huge
hydroelectric project completed in
1994. It is reported to be affecting
the water flow and level of the
region's two biggest natural
spectacles: Esteros del Iberá and
the Iguazú Falls.
MISIONES
Corrientes
Resistencia
Posadas
o s
r
Mercedes
Wildlife
is rich along
the Paraná riverbanks,
and the delta supports
a wide variety of fauna.
Mammals found here
include otters,
capybaras, and deer;
among the many
reptiles are caiman,
turtles, and snakes; and
birdlife includes herons,
storks, coots, and kites.
CORRIENTES
SANTA FE
Paso de
los Libres
0 kilometers
0 miles
150
Federal
150
Santa
Fe
Concordia
ENTRE
RÍOS
Paraná
Rosario
Santa Fe
is located at
water level and is prone
to flooding, at great cost
to human life.
Fishing
provides sustenance
for numerous communities
along the river. Species such
as
surubí sábalo
and dorado
are also exploited for their
commercial value.
Tigre
Buenos Aires
Río de
la Plata
La Plata
The Paraná Delta
is an alluvial basin of silty
channels and humid, densely vegetated islands.
The delta starts to form between Santa Fe and
Rosario. Its gateway is the town of Tigre
(see
pp120-21)
, near Buenos Aires.
