The Neuquén River is considered one of the most important rivers in Argentine Patagonia. With a great flow of water where you can enjoy some activities. Let’s find out more.
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Neuquén River
The Neuquén River is considered one of the most important rivers in Argentine Patagonia.
It flows through the province whose name is the same as the river itself. That is, Neuquén (see Palena River).
In the Mapuche language, the word Neuquén means bold, impetuous, vehement.
Although, in its last kilometres, it forms the border with the province whose name is Río Negro (see Río Vaupés).
Together with the Limay, it is considered one of the most important rivers in the province in which it flows.
Where the Neuquen River originates
It rises in the Cordillera del Viento, to the east of the Neuquén Transitional Mountain Range. Where just between the framed mountain ranges. The Neuquén River has its source.
This occurs at approximately 1470 metres above sea level. In the foothills of the Cordillera de los Andes.
Between the Transitional Mountain Range and the Wind Mountain Range, the streams called Los Chenques and Pehuenche meet and give birth to the Neuquén River.
The Neuquén River collects its waters from the tributaries that flow from west to east along the eastern slopes of the mountain range.
The course of the River Neuquén
It begins its course by flowing from north to south. In this way it receives the first contributions to its flow from some small tributaries.
About 15 kilometres downstream from its source, it receives water from the Pichi Neuquén from the west.
Continuing on its way to about 1300 metres above sea level, being that the journey has been of about 34 kilometres down, it makes its encounter with the Varvarco River. This river delivers its waters on the left side of its banks.
It continues its course in a north-south direction, so that it runs between the so-called Límite and Viento cordilleras.
From there, it receives water from some smaller tributaries and then passes through the town of Andacollo.
The headwaters of the River Neuquén from Andacollo
From the town of Andacollo, the Neuquén River receives, at different distances, the waters of the following rivers
- Nahuave
- Lileo
- Guañacos
- Reñileuvú
- Curi Leuvú
At the end of this journey it joins the River Agrio, considered to be the most important of its tributaries. This is considered the most important of its tributaries (see River Cabriel).
From here, the river goes from north-west to south-east, and immediately, on the right side of its banks, it receives the confluence of the river Covunco, and together they go to the place known as Paso de los Indios. This is the end of the basin.
The Nuequén basin covers almost half of the province. Since it comes from the Andes. When it joins the Limay River, they form the so-called Negro River.
Map of the Neuquen River
Ballester Dam
The Ballester Dam was built on the Neuquén River. It is located in the northern part of Patagonia in Argentina.
Being the provinces whose names are Neuquen and Rio Negro where this dam is built.
The purpose of having made the work was that there was a comprehensive system for irrigation in the towns of Alto Valle belonging to the Rio Negro.
This system was also used on the lower reaches of the Neuquén River. Its purpose was to mitigate the floods that were typical of the Neuquén.
In this way, it was possible to advance urban development and agricultural work on the natural lands of this valley.
Let’s take a look from the air at the beautiful scale of the work and nature. Spectacular.
Ballester Dam, Neuquén River, summer 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYwAGmKwKDc
Curiosities
OK, let’s go sailing on the waters of the Neuquén River. With its calm and not so calm waters.
Make a spectacular journey for a long stretch where you can enjoy all the environment that surrounds this activity.
How peaceful it is to sail on the calm waters of the Neuquen River and admire the great beauty that nature offers us under a blue sky.
Let’s go! Enjoy it!