Plizio Visual Lab

Bermejo River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

The Bermejo River is a major waterway in northern Argentina and a key tributary of the Paraguay River. It originates in the Bolivian Andes and travels roughly 1,450 kilometers, flowing through the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Chaco, and Formosa. The name 'Bermejo', meaning 'vermilion' in Spanish, refers to the characteristic reddish color of its waters, caused by the immense volume of sediment it carries. It is recognized as one of the rivers with the highest erosion rates in the world, which results in constant changes to its riverbed and course. The river traverses the Gran Chaco lowlands, an area known for extreme climatic conditions and rich biodiversity. Navigation is highly restricted due to the river's unpredictability and shallow depths during the dry season. Despite these challenges, it serves as a vital water source for agriculture and human settlements in an otherwise arid geographical region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	26	22	18	16	15	17	20	23	25	27
Rain mm	156	121	146	165	104	69	45	39	65	152	175	161

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching the river typically requires navigating remote provincial routes in northern Argentina, often starting from major regional towns like Salta or Formosa.

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Best season

The dry season, usually between May and October, is considered the absolute best time to visit, avoiding the heavy summer rains and dangerous seasonal flooding.

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Terrain & paths

The riverbanks can be muddy and densely vegetated, while the surrounding plains offer mostly flat but exceptionally wild terrain without any marked trails.

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What to bring

Essential gear includes sturdy waterproof boots, strong insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes, high-SPF sun protection, and plenty of drinking water for the journey.

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Parking

Travelers generally leave their vehicles in established settlements or guided tour base camps before heading closer to the untamed riverbanks.

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Safety

Wildlife encounters are entirely possible; remain cautious of muddy edges that could collapse, and always heed local advice regarding water levels.

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Time needed

A typical visit ranges from a half-day scenic stop to multi-day fishing or specialized boat tours, depending on the specific location and your planned activity.

Geography

Coordinates

-26.86810, -58.37560

Facts

The river carries approximately 100 million tons of sediment annually.
Its drainage basin covers an area of about 123,000 square kilometers.
In its middle course, the river splits into the Teuco branch and the old Bermejo bed.
The Bermejo forms part of the international border between Argentina and Bolivia.
The average annual temperature in its basin is over 22 degrees Celsius.
It is home to endangered species such as the jaguar and the giant river otter.