The 10 Longest Rivers in South America
Some of the river measures in South America are contested. The placement of these rivers on the list may change with time. As new techniques for finding the headwaters of a river become available, the true lengths (and thus the rankings) will become less fluid.
10. Orinoco River 1,400 miles
9. Paraguay River: 1,584 miles
The Paraguay River begins in the Parecis plateau in Brazil and flows southwest throughout its run. The river measures 1,584 miles long, and it eventually reaches its mouth at the Paraná River, a location that runs between Paraguay and Argentina.
8. Japurá River: 1,750 miles
The Japurá River is also known as the Caquetá River, and it flows from the western portion of Colombia into Brazil. The total length of the river’s run is 1,750 miles. Throughout this run, the river helps provide water for agriculture in areas that have been recently cleared for farmland.
7. São Francisco River: 1,976 miles
The São Francisco River flows solely in Brazil despite being one of the largest rivers on the continent. The waters rise in Canastra Mountains and flow until the river hits the Atlantic Ocean. This river is known for flowing through diverse climates in the country as well as being home to hydroelectric projects that generate power. Like some other rivers on this list, the São Francisco River’s true length is up to debate. Some sources list 1,976 miles and others stick to 1,802 miles; we’ve chosen the latter.
6. Juruá River: 2,040 miles
The length of this river is up for debate. Some sources list it as being as short as 1,500 miles or 1,926 miles, but others grant it the length of 2,040 miles, the measure used for this list.
5. Madeira-Mamoré River: 2,100 miles
Image needed: Madeira-Mamore River The Madeira-Mamoré River is a major river that forms from its confluence with the Mamoré River, a river that begins at the Sierra de Cochabamba. The combined lengths of these two rivers, which form a long, connected body of water, measure 2,020 miles or 2,100 miles.
4. Purús River: 2,101 miles
The river flows through areas of South America with high levels of biodiversity for mammals and fish alike.
3. Tocantins-Araguaia River: 2,270 miles
The combined length of the Tocantins-Araguaia River system is 2,270 miles. The Tocantins portion is a clearwater river that begins in the state of Goias, Brazil. The river is known for the massive hydroelectric dam on its borders. Both rivers are known for being high in biodiversity. This river basin for this river is home to hundreds of species of birds and fish, including some of the largest and rarest animals in Brazil.
2. Rio de la Plata-Paraná River: 3,030 miles
The Rio de la Plata-Parana River system measures over 3,000 miles long. The Parana River makes up the bulk of the river. The Parana River begins at the Paranaiba River and flows almost to the end of its run before it reaches its mouth in the Rio de la Plata. However, the Rio de la Plata is interesting in its own right for being such a wide river. In fact, the Rio de la Plata is widest river in existence if it’s not considered an estuary, gulf, or other body of water instead. The river is famous for being the site of the Battle of the River Plate in World War II. Buenos Aires is situated on the southern coast of the river. The Rio de la Plata runs into the Atlantic Ocean at its end.
