where is the source of the Parana river?

Answer 1

The Paraná River is formed at the confluence of the Paranaiba and Grande rivers in southern Brazil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paran%C3%A1_River#Course
Check the map shown in the article and switch to Google earth to see a more detailed location.

Answer 2

Course
Map of the Paraná River
Map of the Paraná River

The Paraná River is formed at the confluence of the Paranaiba and Grande rivers in southern Brazil. From the confluence the river flows in a generally southwestern direction for about 619 km (385 miles) before encountering the city of Saltos del Guaira, Paraguay. This was once the location of the Sete Quedas waterfall, where the Paraná fell over a series of seven cascades. This natural feature was said to rival the world famous Iguazu Falls to the south. The falls were flooded, however, by the construction of the Itaipu dam, which began operating in 1984.


For the next approximately 190 km (120 miles) the Paraná flows southward and forms a natural boundary between Paraguay and Brazil until the confluence with the Iguazu River. Shortly upstream from this confluence, however, the river is dammed by the impressive Itaipu dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the world, and creating a massive, shallow reservoir behind it.
Overlooking the Paraná River from Encarnación, Paraguay. Across the river is downtown Posadas, Argentina.
Overlooking the Paraná River from Encarnación, Paraguay. Across the river is downtown Posadas, Argentina.

After merging with the Iguazu, the Paraná then becomes the natural border between Paraguay and Argentina. The river continues its general southward course for about 468 km (291 miles) before making a gradual turn to the west for another 820 km (510 miles), and then encounters the Paraguay River, the largest tributary along the course of the river. Before this confluence the river passes through a second major hydroelectric project, the Yaciretá dam, a joint project between Paraguay and Argentina. The massive reservoir formed by the project has been the source of a number of problems for people living along the river, most notably the poorer merchants and residents in the low lying areas of Encarnación, a major city on the southern border of Paraguay. River levels rose dramatically upon completion of the dam, flooding out large sections of the cities lower areas.

From the confluence with the Paraguay River, the Paraná again turns to the south for another approximately 820 km (510 miles) through Argentina, making a slow turn back to the east near the city of Rosario for the final stretch of less than 500 km (310 miles) before merging with the Uruguay River to form the Río de la Plata and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. During the part of its course, downstream from the city of Diamante, Entre Ríos, it splits into several arms and forms the Paraná Delta, a long flood plain which reaches up to 60 km in width.

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