Río Negro is the most important river of the Argentine province of Río Negro, and Patagonia in relation to its flow rate. Its name comes from the literal translation of the Mapuche term Curu Leuvu, although the water is more green than black. Formerly, it was also known as "river of the willows" because of the big number of weeping willows that grow along the bank. It's 635 km in length. It originates from the junction of the Limay River and Neuquén River at the border with the Neuquén Province, and flows southeast to the Atlantic Ocean at, near El Cóndorbeach resort some downstream from Viedma, Río Negro province's capital. The river allows the Río Negro province to produce 65% of the pears and apples of Argentina. Besides irrigation, the river is also source of hydroelectricity with small dams on its course. The river served as natural demarcation between "civilization" and the aboriginal territories during the Conquest of the Desert of late 19th century.
Valleys
The river is divided into three parts: The [|Alto Valle] near the beginning of the river, [|Valle Medio] near Choele Choel, and [|Valle Inferior] near its end. The river crosses the steppe plains of the province through a forest of around in the Alto Valle, and as wide as towards the Valle Inferior. In the dry plain it is possible to find seashells and pebble.
Next to Choele Choel is the Choele Choel Island, in which are Lamarque, Luis Beltrán and Pomona, all of them on National Route #250. Besides apple and pear cultivation, tomato is also an important crop, being Lamarque the National Capital of the Tomato. Outside the valley, on the more arid lands around town such as Chimpay and Darwin, some cattle is also raised.
Valle Inferior
Although the term is not as used term as the previous two, Valle Inferior refers to Viedma and all the cities on the province's coast. Fruit is also produced but is not a primary activity. Onion is cultivated as well as some cereals. Alfalfa and maize is cultivated both for human consumption and for feeding cattle, which is the most important activity.
Name
In spite of its name of Negro the colour is more greenish than black. Nevertheless, the name is the literal translation of its aboriginal Mapuche name of Curú Leuvú. The river was also known by the name of Río de los Sauces for the abundant weeping willows along its lower course.
Regatta
The Regata del Río Negro, run in this river, is the longest kayak boat-race in the world with its. The competition is divided in six stages and last 8 days. The categories are
