The Río Neuquén originates at the confluence of the Ríos Vavarco and Pichi Neuquén at approximately 1,200 meters elevation in the northern Patagonian Andes of Neuquén province, Argentina. Fed by snowmelt from the eastern slopes of the Bío Bío and Ñuble drainages in the Andes, the river grows substantially as it descends, reaching a volume approaching half that of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon by the time it reaches the Paso de los Indios. The full descent covers approximately 419 kilometers (212 miles).

The river divides naturally into two distinct characters. The upper section, beginning at Lago Vavarco, presents class III–IV whitewater with some optional class V, running through terrain that includes accessible hot springs and established camp areas along the banks. This upper stretch spans roughly the first 200 kilometers and is best suited for experienced whitewater paddlers. The lower section transitions into a remote wilderness canyon with predominantly class II water, offering solitude and dramatic Patagonian desert canyon scenery for approximately 200 additional kilometers down to Paso de los Indios.

Spring offers the best paddling conditions, with October through December bringing normal higher flows driven by snowmelt. At these flows the river is well-suited for both raft and kayak descents. A full expedition covering the entire river typically takes 12 to 14 days, with daily paddling generally running from around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and covering 26 to 43 kilometers depending on the section.

Wildlife along the river corridor includes swans, ducks, white and purple herons, biguas, and turkey vultures. The scenery shifts noticeably as paddlers descend from the high Andean elevation of Lago Vavarco into the open desert canyon of the lower river. The lower wilderness section also offers opportunities for day hikes from camp. The river remains undammed along its paddleable length, which is a notable characteristic for a river of this size in the region.

The city of Neuquén, accessible by air via Juan Domingo Perón International Airport or by bus and road from Buenos Aires, serves as a practical logistics hub for the lower end of the river corridor.