Agrio River

River in Argentina

Agrio River
Agrio River in Caviahue, Argentina
Location
Country	Argentina
Physical characteristics

Source
• elevation	Copahue

Mouth
• elevation	Neuquén River
Length	400 km
Basin size	10,000 km²

Discharge
• average	74.51 m³

The Agrio River is a river of Argentina. The river starts in the Andes Mountains and eventually joins the Neuquén River.

Course

The Agrio River originates from the Copahue Volcano and features seven waterfalls within a landscape of rocky terrains and araucaria forests. It forms Lake Caviahue on the plateau and continues as its effluent, producing the notable Cascada del Agrio waterfall before joining the Neuquén River. Along its course, the river passes through several towns.^[1]

The river has whitish, milky waters due to high sulfuric acid content, with a sour taste. The surrounding area, characterized by basalt mountains and araucaria forests, is a popular tourist destination, featuring the town of Caviahue-Copahue, ski slopes, and thermal baths known for their mineral-rich waters.^[1] The region also has geysers providing steam for medicinal baths.

Extending from Lake Caviahue's outlet to the Neuquén River, this 400 km segment receives water from streams like Yumu Yumu, Codihue, Hualcupén, and Huarenchenque. Settlements along its banks include Loncopué, Las Lajas, Bajada del Agrio, Agrio del Medio, and Quili Malal. Plans are underway to construct the Chihuido hydroelectric dam at its confluence with the Neuquén River, a significant project for the region.

Gallery

View to the west of the Agrio River
Salto del Agrio waterfall
The water path after the waterfall
Course of the Agrio River

References

^ ^a ^b Pedrozo, Fernando Luis; Geller, Walter; Beamud, Sara Guadalupe; Woelfl, Stefan; et al. (2017). "The acidic waters of the Copahue crater — Agrio River—Lake Caviahue system (Patagonia, Argentina)". Taylor & Francis. 28 (1): 112–113. doi:10.1080/03680770.2001.11902555.