The Rio Novo flows through the Jalapão State Park in the state of Tocantins, in the remote interior of Brazil. The river is reached via Ponte Alta do Tocantins, a village roughly 187 kilometers from Palmas, the state capital. The journey from Palmas takes approximately eight hours by road, with paved road giving way to dirt tracks about two hours out of the city. The surrounding terrain has no human or cattle habitation, which contributes directly to the river's exceptional water quality — the water is considered potable and can be drunk directly from the river.

The Rio Novo offers two distinct paddling experiences. Multi-day rafting expeditions cover approximately 60 kilometers over three days, encountering a concentration of Class III and IV rapids. Guided operators based in Ponte Alta do Tocantins run these trips, with camps set up on riverside beaches. Fixed tent camps operated by eco-tour companies provide hot showers heated by fire, and all waste is removed from the site and taken to incinerators in Palmas, reflecting a strong leave-no-trace ethic. Calmer sections of the river are also used for kayaking day trips, and the river features at least one notable beach near Cachoeira da Velha, a 15-meter waterfall located close to the Rio Novo that draws significant visitor interest.

The river runs through the cerrado, the Brazilian tropical savanna, and the surrounding landscape includes large orange sand dunes, flat-topped chapada formations, and the Serra do Espírito Santo. Wildlife and birds are commonly observed along the banks. The water is cold and crystalline, and the river is one of the few remaining potable rivers in Brazil.

Guided rafting and kayaking tours are available through operators in Ponte Alta do Tocantins and through eco-camps along the river. Multi-day trips typically include camping on river beaches, with all logistics handled by the guiding company. The remoteness of the area means self-supported paddlers should plan carefully, as the region is far from urban infrastructure. The quilombola community of Rio Novo is located in the broader area and is visited on some guided itineraries.