The river rises as a small stream in the hills of Cuchilla Grande in western Treinta y Tres Department, just southwest of Santa Clara de Olimar.

The city of Treinta y Tres, capital of the department, appears almost surrounded by the Olimar River and its affluent, the Great Yerbal stream.

These small distances separating the three bridges create a beautiful view often depicted in photos of the Treinta y Tres.

An Uruguayan quote about it is "the river that sings more", because its surroundings have been inspiration of various local artists, mainly musicians and poets.

Annually a folk music and dance festival takes place on its banks by the city of Treinta y Tres, which gathers participation and audience from all over Uruguay as well as from abroad.