The Río Turbio flows through a remote valley in northern Patagonia, Argentina, draining into Lago Puelo in the Chubut province. The river originates deep within the Turbio IV valley, a largely unexplored area flanked by Yosemite-like granite walls that have drawn climbers since local mountaineers first began exploring the region in the 1980s. The river passes through Selva Valdiviana rainforest before reaching the lake, offering a corridor through some of the most intact backcountry terrain in the region.

For paddlers, the Río Turbio rates between Class I and II, with the difficulty varying depending on water levels. The current is generally smooth and manageable, making it accessible to those without prior whitewater experience, though the rafting section constitutes a full, long day on the water. Guided commercial expeditions typically use rafts with a safety kayaker running ahead to mark the line. The rafting descent covers roughly the same distance that takes three days to hike upstream — approximately 45 kilometers — and can be completed in around five hours of floating.

The standard approach to the river involves a boat crossing of Lago Puelo from the El Hoyo area, followed by a multi-day hike upstream with pack horse support. The put-in for the rafting descent is at La Horqueta, a river junction, and the take-out is back at the lake, where motorboats transport paddlers across to the trailhead side. The overall expedition distance is approximately 80 kilometers.

An alternative approach involves paddling on Lago Puelo itself to reach the mouth of the Río Turbio — a distance of roughly 21 to 25 kilometers by kayak from the Lago Puelo dock, depending on the route taken. This lake approach can be challenging when the lake is rough or windy.

The valley offers dramatic scenery throughout the descent, with granite walls, river crossings, and backcountry ranches along the banks. Fishing for trout is possible at certain points along the river. The area is accessed via San Carlos de Bariloche or El Hoyo, both of which serve as logistical bases for expeditions into the Turbio valley.