The Río Pilcomayo flows through the northeastern corner of Formosa province, forming part of the border between Argentina and Paraguay before joining the Paraguay River near Asunción. The river passes through and defines the Parque Nacional Río Pilcomayo, a 51,889-hectare protected area established in 1951 and listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The park preserves a representative section of the eastern Gran Chaco district, characterized by a broad floodplain of marshes, lagoons, palm savannas, gallery forests, and forested islets — the dominant landscape paddlers will encounter in this region.

Canoeing is an established activity within the park, particularly on Laguna Blanca, a 700-hectare lagoon that serves as the primary paddling destination. Piraguas, kayaks, and rabaska-style canoes are available for use there, accommodating solo paddlers and groups. The Estero Poí area is another recreational zone within the park. Paddlers bringing their own non-motorized craft onto Laguna Blanca are required to disinfect their vessels with a 10% sodium hypochlorite solution before launching, a regulation designed to prevent the introduction of invasive species — particularly the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) — from the Río Paraguay system.

The park's two recreational areas, Laguna Blanca and Estero Poí, are open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Access to Estero Poí is restricted for 72 hours following heavy rainfall due to road conditions becoming impassable. Entry to the park is free. The park headquarters is located at the intersection of Pueyrredón and Ruta Nacional 86 in Laguna Blanca, reachable by phone at +54 3718 470045. The park sits approximately 120–130 kilometers from Formosa city via Ruta Provincial 2.

The climate is subtropical humid with a defined dry season. Wildlife in the surrounding area is exceptionally diverse, with over 324 bird species, 85 mammal species, 42 reptile species, more than 30 amphibian species, and over 40 fish species recorded — including sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus), a common target for anglers in the river system.