The Rio Iguatemi is one of the principal rivers of southern Mato Grosso do Sul, flowing through the far south of the state before emptying into the Paraná River. Part of its course forms the border with Paraguay, and paddlers traveling in this region should carry identification documents. The river's mouth near the Paraná is accessible by boat from Mundo Novo. The nearest significant towns along the river are Iguatemi and Naviraí, both reachable from Campo Grande via the BR-163 and MS-141 highways — a drive of roughly 380 to 450 kilometers.

The river has an average depth of 3 to 6 meters, with some sections reaching up to 12 meters. The channel includes stretches of rapids (corredeiras) and deeper pools (poços), giving it a varied character. The region remains relatively unexplored from a tourism standpoint, which has helped maintain healthy fish populations including dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), pintado/surubim (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans), and pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus).

Water temperatures generally range between 20 and 28°C. The period from March through October offers the most favorable conditions to be on the water, with active fish and more predictable river levels. The river's coordinates place it at approximately 23°55′S, 54°09′W in southwestern Brazil.