Parapetí River facts for kids

The Parapetí River is an important river in Bolivia, a country in South America. It starts high up in the eastern Andes mountains. The river then flows through a large, flat area called the Gran Chaco in Bolivia. Finally, it ends in a big marshy area known as the Bañados de Izozog. The entire area that collects water for the Parapetí River, including the Bañados de Izozog, covers about 61,903 square kilometers (about 23,900 square miles).

Journey of the Parapetí River

The Parapetí River begins in the southeastern part of the Central Mountain Range of Bolivia. It is formed when four smaller rivers join together.

Where the River Begins

First, the Portuguese River (Rio Portuguesa) and the Caravallo River meet at 20°08′48″S 64°15′11″W / 20.14667°S 64.25306°W / -20.14667; -64.25306. A short distance later, the Misco Mayu River joins from the right (south), and the Fernandez River joins from the left (north). After these rivers combine, the waterway becomes known as the Parapetí River.

The longest branch of the Caravallo River starts even higher up, at an altitude of 2,679 meters (8,790 feet). This is on the slopes of Tihu Kasa mountain.

The River's Path

After the Fernandez River joins near Comunidad Rodeo, the Parapetí River flows south. It travels between two mountain ranges: the Serrania Alto Fernandez to the west and the Serrania Recete to the east.

Around 20°20' South latitude, the river turns east. It cuts through the Serrania Recete, winding past the town of San Juan del Pirai. At San Pablo de Huacareta, the Parapetí turns northeast. It continues in this direction until the Rio El Banado joins it from the north.

The river then generally flows eastward through Luis Calvo Province. It then enters the Cordillera Province in the Santa Cruz Department. Once in Cordillera Province, it turns northeast again. Here, it forms the southern border of Lagunillas Municipality.

The Parapetí then turns east into Camiri Municipality. It cuts through the Serrania Choreti, passing the town of Choreti. The river then turns south-southeast towards the border between Camiri Municipality and Charagua Municipality. Here, it turns east and then northeast, forming the eastern part of Camiri Municipality's southern border.

After the village of Oquita, the Parapetí River enters the Gran Chaco. It flows east past San Antonio del Parapeti, then northeast, and finally north. Its journey ends in the large marshy area called the Bañados de Izozog.

Bañados del Izozog: A Special Wetland

The Bañados del Izozog is a large wetland area in the Santa Cruz department of Bolivia. Most of its water comes from the Parapetí River. Other smaller rivers also flow into it, mainly from the west.

Water Flow and Importance

Because of the high temperatures all year round, much of the water in the Bañados del Izozog evaporates. However, during very wet years, especially in the rainy season, the marshes can overflow. When this happens, some water flows into the Quimome River, which leads to Concepción Lake. Some water also flows through the Itonomas River into the mighty Amazon River. A large amount of water also flows southeast, eventually reaching the Paraguay River in the Río de la Plata Basin.

International Protection

The wetlands of the Parapetí River and the Bañados del Izozog are very important. On September 17, 2001, they were given special international protection under the Ramsar Convention. This means they are recognized as a "Wetland of International Importance." Part of these wetlands is also included within the Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area. This park helps protect the unique plants and animals that live there.

See also

In Spanish: Río Parapetí para niños