Page 169 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

ARGENTINIAN LIT OR AL  167

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, wet lands, 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.

Río Paraná

Corrientes MISIONES
Resistencia
Posadas
Esteros
Río Paraná del Iberá Río Aguapeay Río Uruguay

Wildlife is rich along Mercedes
the Paraná river banks, SANTA FE CORRIENTES
and the delta supports Paso de
a wide variety of fauna. los Libres
Mammals found here Río Salado
include otters, 0 kilometers 150
capybaras, and deer; Río Paraná Federal
among the many Santa 0 miles 150
reptiles are caiman, Fe ENTRE Concordia
turtles, and snakes; and Paraná RÍOS
birdlife includes herons,
Río Gualeguay Río Uruguay
storks, coots, and kites.
Rosario
Santa Fe is located at
water level and is prone
to flooding, at great cost
to human life.
Fishing provides sustenance
Tigre for numerous communities
Buenos Aires
along the river. Species such
Río de
La Plata la Plata as surubí sábalo and dorado
are also exploited for their
commercial value.
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.

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