The Río Maule is one of central Chile's most significant rivers, flowing entirely through the Región del Maule.

It originates at the Laguna del Maule, a volcanic and glacial lake high in the Andes cordillera, and travels approximately 240 kilometers before emptying into the Pacific Ocean south of Constitución.

The river drains a watershed of roughly 20,300 km², fed by major tributaries including the río Claro, río Loncomilla, and río Melado. Average flow ranges from 170 to 230 m³/s depending on the measurement point.

Historically, the Inca Empire regarded the Maule as the southern boundary of their territory. Today the river supports agriculture, hydroelectric energy, and growing outdoor tourism across the region.