The Río Santa María flows through the Departamento Santa María in Catamarca, Argentina, running from south to north — a direction that stands out given the regional topography. It is an exorheic river, meaning its waters eventually reach the sea; it forms part of the Cuenca del Río de la Plata and ultimately drains to the Atlantic Ocean. Near the locality of Pie de Médano, the river executes a pronounced U-bend, a distinctive geographic feature visible from the road.

The river's character changes markedly with the seasons. During the austral summer (roughly December through February), water levels rise substantially, and the river runs with considerable force. This is also the period of greatest flash-flood risk: storms developing in the surrounding hills can send sudden surges of foamy, high-velocity water down otherwise dry tributary channels and riverbeds with very little warning. Anyone on or near the river during the wet season should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to move quickly away from low-lying channels. The badenes (low-water crossings) along Ruta Nacional 40 in the area are also subject to rapid inundation during storms.

The surrounding landscape includes the Cerros de Colores (colored hills), Cerro Pintado, and the archaeological site of Fuerte Quemado, giving the corridor scenic and cultural interest beyond the river itself. Several camping options exist in the vicinity, including Camping El Sol, a Camping Municipal, and Hostel Camping El Sol, which can serve as base camps for paddlers exploring the area.

Given the flash-flood hazard during summer, paddlers should treat any period of active storm development as a serious safety concern and avoid committing to channels or riverbeds that could fill rapidly.