The Río Dulce is the most important river in the Argentine province of Santiago del Estero. Known in Quechua as Misky Mayu, it originates in Tucumán Province as the Salí River before changing names upon entering Santiago del Estero, then runs approximately 450 kilometres southeast through the province before eventually emptying into the Mar Chiquita salt lake in Córdoba Province. The river flows through the Argentine Espinal ecoregion across sandy, arid terrain, and the banks are characterized by trees that frequently fall into the water, creating structure both above and below the surface. Large sandbars form regularly along the course of the river.

The river is navigable by kayak and canoe along multiple stretches. One popular route runs from the city of Santiago del Estero downstream to San Pedro, covering roughly 27 kilometres. A longer multi-day route of approximately 100 kilometres passes through the Paso de los Oscares area and can be completed in three days, with paddlers covering around 45 kilometres on the first day, 35 on the second, and 20 on the third. Another route runs from near Telares (off Route 7) to Route 13, covering about 42 kilometres, and is known for abundant wildlife despite sometimes low water levels. A further route connects Santiago del Estero to Puente La Dormida on Route 18, near Loreto and Brea Pozo, spanning roughly 96 kilometres. The stretch near Loreto is also popular for fly-fishing, with guides offering float trips on inflatable rafts and catamarans.

Wildlife along the river is a notable feature of the paddling experience, with capybaras, river otters, snakes, and a wide variety of birds commonly sighted. The river's sandy soils are subject to ongoing erosion, and fallen trees in the water represent a potential hazard for paddlers to navigate around.

A kayak school operates at the Costanera del Río Dulce in the city of Santiago del Estero, run through the Club Ciclista Olímpico, providing organized paddling infrastructure in the urban section of the river. Water quality concerns exist upstream, as the Salí River — which feeds the Río Dulce — has been affected by pollution from pulp mills in Tucumán Province, and this is worth considering when planning trips, particularly in upper sections of the river.