The Río Tupungato is located in the northwestern part of Mendoza province, flowing through the departments of Luján de Cuyo and Tupungato. It originates from the glaciers of Nevado El Plomo and Cerro Juncal, on the northern flanks of Volcán Tupungato, at an elevation of approximately 4,251 meters. From there it descends through a high mountain valley before emptying into the Río Mendoza. The river's drainage basin covers roughly 1,858 square kilometers.

The river's character changes significantly with the seasons. Between November and March, snowmelt substantially increases the flow, transforming the Tupungato into a river of rapids during this period. This makes the austral spring and summer months the most dynamic time for paddlers seeking whitewater, though the elevated flows also bring corresponding hazards typical of glacially fed mountain rivers. Outside of this window, flows are considerably lower.

Given its glacial origins and high-altitude headwaters, paddlers should be prepared for cold water temperatures, particularly during the early part of the melt season. The river's two principal tributaries are the Río Plomo and the Río Blanco, both of which contribute to the overall volume and character of the main channel.

The setting is a high Andean mountain valley, with the river running through terrain shaped by glacial and volcanic geography. The proximity to Volcán Tupungato and the surrounding peaks defines the landscape through which the river travels.