NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY 71; GUATEMALA; MILITARY GEOGRAPHY
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CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110049-0
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For NIS containing unclassified material, however, the
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tions are:
(U /OU) Unclassified /For Official Use Only
(C) Confidential
(S) Secret
e
r
This chapter was prepared for the NIS by the
Defense Intelligence Agency. Research was
substantially completed by October 1972.
F
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CONTENTS
This General Survey supersedes the, one dated
January 1969, copies of which should be destroyed.
A. Description 1
I. Topography
1
Surface configuration, drainage network, vege-
tation, and culture features.
2. Climate 7
Precipitation, cloudiness, visibility, relative
humidity, temperatures, and thunderstoms.
B. Military geographic regions 7
Effect of terrain on operations by conventional
ground forces, ainnobile and airborne forces,
amphibious forces, and irregular forces for the
follov.�ing regions:
1. Northern and Eastern Plains and Hills 7
2. Interior Highlands g
3. Southwestern Plains 9
CONYMENTIAL NO FOREIGN DIssEM
Page
E. Approaches 13
Description of boundaries with Mexico, British
Honduras, Honduras, and El Salvador.
1. Land 13
Conditions for movement across borders by
road and cross country.
2 Sea 13
Conditions for amphibious operations.
3. Air 14
Weather conditions and terrain in air ap-
proaches within 300 nautical miles of borders.
FIGURES
Page
C. Strategic areas
10
Location, population, primary activities, key trans-
7
portation elements, significant industries, and
(map)
refined petroleum products storage capacity for
Fig. 2
the following areas:
9
1. Guatemala City
10
2. Puerto Barrios Santo Tomas de Castilla
11
D. Internal routes
12
Tabular description of terrain, roads and railroads,
in the southern interior highlands
and conditions for offroad dispersal and cross
country movement along routes leading from land
3
and sea approaches to strategic areas and between
Plains in the southwest photo)
strategic areas.
Fig. 5
Page
E. Approaches 13
Description of boundaries with Mexico, British
Honduras, Honduras, and El Salvador.
1. Land 13
Conditions for movement across borders by
road and cross country.
2 Sea 13
Conditions for amphibious operations.
3. Air 14
Weather conditions and terrain in air ap-
proaches within 300 nautical miles of borders.
FIGURES
it
Page
Fig. 1
Location and comparative areas
7
Flat area in Rio Motagua Valley
(map)
1
Fig. 2
Military geographic regions and
9
Fig.
terrain map)
2
Fig. 3
Hills, upland plains, and mountains
9
Section of the business district in
in the southern interior highlands
(photo)
3
Fig. 4
Plains in the southwest photo)
e
Fig. 5
Vegetation map)
5
Fig. 6
Precipitation,. relative humidity,
Fig.
11
cloudiness, thunderstorm days,
and temperatures map and
approaches map)
12
graphs)
6
it
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ter.%
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Fig.
7
Flat area in Rio Motagua Valley
(photo)
9
Fig.
8
Guatemala City strategic area map)
10
Fig.
9
Section of the business district in
Guatemala City photo)
11
Fig.
10
Puerto Barrios .-Santo Tomas de
Castilla strategic area map)
11
Fig.
11
Strategic areas, internal routes, and
approaches map)
12
Fig.
12
Internal routes table)
15
Fig.
13
Boundaries (table)
16
Trig.
14
Land approaches (table)
17
Fig.
15
Terrain and Transportation
(map) follows
17
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ter.%
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Military Geography
901517 1272
A. Description (U /OU)
Guatemala is the third largest and the most
populous of the Central American republics. The
country, occupying tan area of 42,040 square miles and
having a population of 5,573,000, is nearly the same
sire as the state. of Ohio (Figure 1) but contains slightly
more than half the population. The maximum
dimensions are about 250 miles' cast �west and 280
miles north �south (Figure 15).
'Distances are in statute miles unless nautical miles are
specifically stated.
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FIGURE 1. Location and comparative areas (U /OU)
1. Topography
Guatemala has a diversity of topographic features,
comprising a rugged northwest southeast trending
mountainous belt flanked by steep hills and flat to
dissected plains (Figure 2). The area is co-ered mainly
by forests and scrub and is drained by seasonally
swollen streams. Volcanic activity and earthquakes are
frequent.
High, mainly sharp crested mountains, steep hills,
and scattered, dissected upland plains (v'igure 3) and
i
;MEXICO
i
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i
Qarillas r
Y a ua x 5
;MEXICO
i
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i
Qarillas r
Y a ua x 5
131?ITISH
HONDURAS
O Punta Gorda
t
f
yz.,. ,Yr' E�" z -z c 1- ti' I
'tom
r i4S ^t�+rr W Y r l Sari
n. J HuBtklaugo ti Kt`r s C
1 dro
INaiatbMd
SOUTHWESTERN
PLAINS
Feet
13000 I
I
i1000
I
9000 i
I
7000
I
5000
I
I
3000
1000-
0 AO 20
ti Rio st o 11
`f R
O 's f ryrypp
1 .r 1 +J4 t�,l aC.al.��J.v
f aE! Pragees HO NMI! RAS'
Fv 4748
I ,f
U/T_MAt
APitiatithl
O
A
Metap6n
6430- 084
Santa Ana I' L tiALVAI:)OIZ
,San Jose i
SAN SALVADOR
PROFILE -I
INTERIOR, HIGHLANDS NORTHERN AND EASTERN PLAINS AND HILLS
12333
40 60 80
Meters
4000
3500
3000
100 120 140 160 180 700
Statute miles
Approximate vertical exaggeration 30:1
a
1.500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
7.40 260 280 B
FIGURE 2. Military Geographic Regions and Terrain (C)
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i'.
Y
K x
f. ,N
lY*^h ri�'A 1
131?ITISH
HONDURAS
O Punta Gorda
t
f
yz.,. ,Yr' E�" z -z c 1- ti' I
'tom
r i4S ^t�+rr W Y r l Sari
n. J HuBtklaugo ti Kt`r s C
1 dro
INaiatbMd
SOUTHWESTERN
PLAINS
Feet
13000 I
I
i1000
I
9000 i
I
7000
I
5000
I
I
3000
1000-
0 AO 20
ti Rio st o 11
`f R
O 's f ryrypp
1 .r 1 +J4 t�,l aC.al.��J.v
f aE! Pragees HO NMI! RAS'
Fv 4748
I ,f
U/T_MAt
APitiatithl
O
A
Metap6n
6430- 084
Santa Ana I' L tiALVAI:)OIZ
,San Jose i
SAN SALVADOR
PROFILE -I
INTERIOR, HIGHLANDS NORTHERN AND EASTERN PLAINS AND HILLS
12333
40 60 80
Meters
4000
3500
3000
100 120 140 160 180 700
Statute miles
Approximate vertical exaggeration 30:1
a
1.500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
7.40 260 280 B
FIGURE 2. Military Geographic Regions and Terrain (C)
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westward- flowing streams have irregular courses and
moderate seasonal fluctuations in depths and
discharges. Stream widths range front 15 feet near
headwaters to 100 to 200 feat in the lower reaches, and
depths range generally from 2 to 6 feet year round;
during low water, November through April, sonic
strearn depths are less than I foot. The high %%titer
period is early i1ay through Oetober. 'fie most
prevalent vegetation type is oak scrub, interspersed
with cultivated vegetation, grassland, and patches of
forest (Figure 5). Broadleaf evergreen and deciduous
forests occur mainly along the pc +ripitcry. Nceciielcaf
evergreen forests are predominant in the west central
part, and thorn scrub occurs around El I'rogreso.
There is a moderate to dense distribution of culture
features. 'Me people live chiefly in sn1,111 towns and
villages and in a few large cities scattered on the
upland plains, basins, and valleys. Urban settlements
are essentially residential, and most dwcflings are cn
4}
story. are constructed of adobe, stone. or wattle and
daub (wooden frame plastered with clay), and have
roofs of tile, tin, or straw. Si n ll subsistviwe farms are
numerous. and there are large plantations, mainly
grow ;ng cuffed. along the Pacific slopes and near
i :chart. INoacl and railroad networks are fairly dense.
Most stain roads are surfaced with gravel or enlshed
stone: some. however, are bituntinons surfaced or
cobbldstond. 'They are in fair to good condition.
Railroads and single track 3'0" gage and are in fair to
good condition.
Lo-lands occupy the north and the Caribbean and
Pacific coastal areas. The lowland in the north consists
of flat to gently rolling and dissected karst plains
interrupted in the south, east, and extreme west h,
hills. 'I'hc karst areas are characterized by steep -sided
`Fur diacritics on place names see tile list of names on the apron
of the Terrain and Transportation Map, Figure 13, the rnap itself,
and maps in the text.
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FIGURE 4. Areas of cultivation and grassland interspersed with patches of forest
are characteristic of the vegetation pattern in the southwestern plains. The partly
braided, mzandering stream is typical of many streams that drain the area. (U /OU)
,x
Ch
FIGURE 5. Vegetation (U /OU)
hillocks and by sinkholes and caves. "rhe lowland in
the soutl.west is mostly flat to gently rolling, near the
highlands, however, the plain is dissected into narrow,
nearly parallel north -south segments by closely spaced
streams. Most elevations are less than 1,000 feet, but
elevations are between 1,000 and 2,000 feet in most
hilly areas and near the highlands. Local relief on the
plains is less than 500 feet and in the hills ranges from
650 to 1,000 feet. Slopes are generally less than 3I. In
the dissected plains, however, they are commonly IO%
to 45% and in the hills, 30% to 45 Most major
streams are usually sluggish, meandering, and have
gentle gradients. Streams that drain into the Pacific
are short, closely spaced, and have roughly parallel
courses. Many streams are 60 to 500 feet wide,
perennially more than 3.5 feet deep, and frequently
overflow their banks, flooding adjacent swamps and
lowlands. In the north much of the drainage is
underground. During the high water period, May
ti
6roadfeaf evergreen and deciduous
forest, and scrub and grassland
Needleleaf evergreen and broadleaf
deciduous forest, and scrub
Oak scrub, with grassland and
patches of forest
501519 1292
Thorn forest
L___
Lowland savanna and
upland pasture
II V I Swamp or marsh
Mangrove
through October, large and small depressions are filled
by .water forrWtig shallow lakes, swamps, or marches.
During the remainder of the year the depressions are
dry or greatly reduced in sire. Lakes are common in
the lowlands. Vegetation is mainly dense broadleaf
evergreen and deciduous forest, scrub, grassland, and
crops. Oak scrub in a mosaic of cultivated vegetation,
grassland, and patches of forest occurs in large areas in
the lowlands along the Pacific, and mangrove forest
fringes parts of both coasts. The lowlands along the
Pacific contain most of the culture features, and
important population centers and agricultural areas
are served by a moderately dense network of
bituminous- and gravel- surfaced roads and an
adequate railroad network. Relatively large com-
mercial farms, consisting mainly of banana and cotton
plantations and cattle ranges, intermingled with
subsistence farms, are predominant in parts of the
lowlands adjacent to the Pacific. Plantations consist of
5
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JGVV%7IVV/ IV. \Id"1
OUEZALTENANGO
MEAN ANNUAL PRECIPITATION (INCHES)
SAN JOSE
100
6 1
D
20
li
1FMAMIJASONDI
MEAN REI
SAN JOSE
3
1 2D M11
GUATEMALA
.00
eo i I
I
60 i i 5
oc'jiilli I
l 'iill
01_
JFMAMJIASONDJ
10-
0 1FMAM1IASON
IVE HUMIDITY AT SPECIFIED
GUATEMALA
20
10
0 JFMAMJJASON,
MEAN THUNDERSTORM DAYS
0.5 DAY
GUATEMALA
120 -r-r-
COBAN
100 rT rT'
I 1
401i!li,
1201
lily i
JFMAMJIASONDJ
LST
rh11711111 11
'0 I I I
JFMAMJJASON
GUATEMALA
AD-
30- 1
20-
0 i
10
0
1FMAMIJASON
0 1 JFMAM11A7-
GUATEMALA
100 T7
Bo
1
60
AD lli
20 I i
0 1
J FMAM1 JASON
MEAN CLOUDINESS
AT SPECIFIED HOURS (LST)
GUATEMALA
20 I 1
Ii
10
0 1FMAMJJASON
MEAN NUMBER OF DAYS WITH PRECIPITATIOI
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM
ABSOLUTE MINIMUM
PUERTO BARRIOS
1201
100 ��I� �I�i�
I
0
i j
_20 I _i-1-+ -1-:_i
IFMAMIJASON
ELEVATION 6 FT.
ItMYtKAIUKt5 �F)
FIGURE 6. Precipitation, relative humidity, cloudiness, thunderstorm days, and temperatures (U /OU)
6
y
u
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I
10
0
1fMAM1/ASON
FINCA SANTA TERESA
I M v,
lull
MEAN MONTHLY PRECIPITATION (INCHES)
0 "25 INCH
t
a
1 several large administrative office builcl',ngs, it
1 processing plant, owners home, and closely spaced
compact rows of one -story ;wood or adobe dwellings
having thatch or tin roofs. [n the north, the population
is widely scattered in small settlements. Dwellings are
mostly one stoat and are constructed of wood. The
1 road network is sparse, and there are no railroads.
i
i
2. Climate
The climate of Guatemala is primarily tropical, and
there are pronounced wet and dry seasons in most of
the country. The wet season usually lasts from early
May through October but varies slightly from place to
place. The dry season varies greatly in length and
intensity, ranging from practically rainless during It -t-
month period in some sections of the country to only a
small decrease in rainfall in some months in other
sections (Figure 6). Over much of the country,
however, the driest period occurs dining December
through March.
Rainfall is heaviest in central Guatemala along the
slopes that are exposed to northeast airflow from the
Caribbean and in the south along the slopes exposed
to southeast floe from the Pacific. Average annual
rainfall in exposed parts of the highlands and in the
plains near the coasts ranges from about 60 to more
than 200 inches; in parts of the sheltered interior
highlands and enclosed valleys, average annual
amounts range from about 20 to 45 inches. [it the
northern plains, average annual rainfall is mostly 60 to
80 inches. Wet season rainfall is often. t ,rential; most
places average over I0 inches in the wettest months
and the exposed locations usually over 20 inches per
month. During the dry season, averages Lire mostly less
than 2 inches in the driest months, usually January
and February, but near the Caribbean coast and oil
slopes exposed to the northeast trade winds many
locations receive considerable rainfall in all months.
Thunderstorms are frequent in the period May
through September, occurring as often as 10 days per
month over the lowlands and on the northern and
southern slopes of the highlands but much ICSS
frequently in the interior highlands. Maximum
cloudiness probably occurs during May through
October and minimum cloudiness in December
through March. Cloud types generally vary from Fair
weather Cumulus in the dry season to predominantly
cumulonimbus in the wet season. Visibility is
generally good, although limited at times by smoke,
morning fog, heavy showers, and by low clouds along
the exposed slopes and ridges.
Seasonal temperature variations are small;
regionally, however, the lowlands are hot throughout
4
the year and the higher elevations are cool. In the
lowlands, mean daily ntaxurutn temperature, are
generally in the 30's �F.) and low 90's and mean daily
minimums in the 60's and 70's. In the higher
elevations, temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees lower
during the afternoon and 15 to -10 degrees lower at
night. Freezing temperatures occasionally occur
during the dry season at elevations above 6,0(11) feet.
Relative humidity is high in all sections of the country,
particularly during the wet season. Relative humidity
generally ranges from about 85% to 954 in the
morning to 5551.- to 75% in the early afternoon.
Surface winds are locally strong during thun-
derstorms and on the rare occasions when tropical
storms reach the northern lowlands; however, speed
rarely reach 50 knots. Tropical storms, accompanied
by destructive winds and widespread flooding.
occasionally affect the Caribbean coast during June
through November. Only on rare occasions do these
storms reach Guatemala as full -scale hurricanes, an(l
only very rarely do tropical storms affect the Pacific
coast.
B. Military geographic regions (C)
There arc three military geographic regions�
Northern and Eastern Plains and 11ills, Interior
Highlands, and Southwestern Plains. The combina-
tion of environmental conditions within each region
would have a relatively uniform effect on military
operations, but there would be marked differences
between regions.
1. Northern and Eastern Plains and Hills
This region consists of flat to gently rolling and
dissected plains and a few scattered hill groups. The
region is covered mostly by broadleaf evergreen and
deciduous forest intermingled with scrub, grassland,
Linen cultivated vegetation. Although most of the
region is thinly populated and contains a sparse
transportation network, there is a small concentration
of population in and adjacent to the Puerto
Barrios �Santo Tomas de Castilla area.
Conditions are generally unsuitable for conven-
tional ground operations. There are few roads, and in
most of the region trails that are usable only during
dry weather are virtually the only means of land
transportation. Offroad dispersal and cross- country
movement would generally be infeasible except in
clearings and in cultivated areas during the dry season.
The dense forests covering most of the region afford
limited cover from small arms fire and excellent
concealment from ground and air observation. Small
7
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patches of open forest provide some cover and
concealment, but the grasslands, cultivated areas, and
marshes afford little or none. Road construction would
require considerable engineering effort because of
dense forests, poor natural foundations, and poor
drainage conditions. There are few sites that have
slopes adequate frr constructing tunnel -type
installations or soils sufficiently thick and well drained
for constructing bunkers.
Large -scale airmobile and airborne operations
would be impracticable because of the dense forests.
In addition, flying conditions are poor from earl- May
through October, when k �v ceilings and torrential
rains severely restrict visibility. A few scattered
grassland areas are suitable for parachute and
helicopter landings and landings of assault -type
aircraft on unprepared surfaces, out even in the dry
season operations would be hindered at times by mist
and early morning fog. Some of the existing airfields
and landing strips could be used for airborne
operations. Large airfields could be constructed in
much of the region, but extensive clearing would be
necessary, and access to many sites would be difficult.
The coast of this region is unsuited for large -scale
amphibious operations, mainly because of limited and
poor exits. Approaches are restricted to a broad
channel between an extensive reef off the British
Honduras and Guatemala shores and are through
shallow, partly obstructed waters. The shores are
narrow and are composed almost entirely of sand. The
protected shore of the region is generally backed by
sw.1mp or dense forest, and the exposed shore,
shortheast of Puerto Barrios, is isolated seasonally by
inundation. The best beach in the region is located at
Livingston. This beach has mostly clear approaches
and good exits, but it has no routes inland, and is
virtually isolated from the rest of the country by forest
and swamps.
The combination of dense vegetation, locally
rugged terrain, and generally sparse population makes
the region mostly suitable for irregular force
operations. The dense vegetation, although a
hindrance to small groups on foot, provides excellent
concealment from air and ground observation. Cover
from small arms and flat- trajectory fire would be
provided by local depressions, hills, hillocks, steep
banked streams, eaves, and Mavan ruins; some cover
from small arms fire would be afforded by large,
closely spaced trees. Most of the sparse population is
concentrated in small villages. There are a few
villages, mainly in the southeast, associated with
banana plantations and cattle ranches. Wood for fuel
and for building shelters is plentiful, and in the north
many caves and Mayan ruins provide good natural
shelters. This region abounds %with fish and edible wild
plants, but game is scarce in the densely forested
areas; additional food is potentially available from
local farms and large plantations. li&rc are mar�
physiological and psychological aspec!'s -,f this region
that would have an adverse effect on personnel. The
er,..vating climate and the scarcity of water during
the dry season tend to slow down physical activities.
Most of the area is infested by mosquitoes, lice, fleas,
ticks, and mites. Dangerous animals and poisonous
insects include jaguars and wild boars, black wido:v
and tarantula spiders, and several species of poisonous
snakes. Crocodiles and caimans are widespread in
sluggish streams. Clandestine entry would be possible
along the unguarded and poorly marked borders in
rugged forested terrain and from small isolated
heacncs along the Caribbean.
2. Interior Highlands
The Interior Eighlands region consists of high
rugged mountains, steep hills, upland plains and
basins, and a fe\v wide valleys. Vegetation is mainly
oak scrub interspersed with cultivated vegetation,
grassland, and patches of forest. Road and railroad
networks are fairly well developed and the region
contains most of the population.
The region is poorly suited for conventional ground
operations, especially in the wet season, early May
through October. The only area that is generally
suitable for most aspects of ground operations is the
valley of the Rio Motagua (Figure 7) between Morales
and Los Amates. Onroad rnw.ement in most of the
region would be impeded by sharp curves and steep
grades arid at times stopped by landslides. In addition,
many roads are traversable only in the dry season.
Cross- country movernent would be precluded nearly
everywhere all year, mainly by steep slopes and locally
by dense forest. Offroad dispersal would be possible in
the lower part of the valley of the Rio Motagua and
locally in the upland plains and basins. The lower part
of the valley of the Rio Motagua and the upland
plains and basins also are the most favorable areas for
road construction. In most of the region, building
roads would entail extensive grading, blasting, and
bridging, and alignments would be very restricted.
Concealment from ground observation and cover from
flat- trajectory fire would be provided by surface
irregularities. Concealment from air observation and
cover from small arms fire would be afforded by areas
of dense forest. There are many sites suitable for the
construction of tunnel -type installations, but bunker
type installations could be constructed easily only in
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the upland basins and plains. In parts of the region,
the possibility of damage by earthquakes would affect
the planning and design of underground installations.
The region is poorly suited for airmobile and
airborne operations and the construction of airfields
because of rugged terrain and scattered dense forests.
The lower part of the valley of the Rio Motagua and
the upland basins and plains contain the only suitable
areas of parachute operations. Sites suitable for the
landing of assault -type aircraft on unprepared surfaces
'are generally lacking. There are about 0 airfields
scattered throughout the region, but only three have
runways of over 5,000 feet. Small airfields could he
constructed on the upland plains and basins and in the
lower part of the valley of the Rio Motagua, but air
approaches and runway orientations would he locally
restricted.
Conditions for irregular force operations are
generally favorable. Dense scrub Lain forest and
surface irregularities provide good concealment from
ground observation and fair concealment from air
observation. The numerous surface irregularities and
local areas of mines and caves provide cover from
small arms and flat trajectory fire. The steep slopes
and dense vegetation would generally preclude cross
country movement of vehicles and would severely slow
the movement of foot troops. Most of the country
population lives in this region, mainly in urban
settlements. Generally, large amounts of wood for fuel
and, near urban settlements. large amounts of
foodstuffs are available. Dangerous animals and
insects include jaguars, black widow spiders,
bushmaster snakes, and blister beetles and assassin
bugs. Covert entry across borders would he fairly easy
because of dense vegetation and rugged terrain.
:3. Southwestern Plains
The Southwestern Plains region consists of a narrow,
flat to rolling coastal plain that is part of a long coastal
lowland extending southeastward from Mexico into EI
Salvador. The dominant vegetation is oak scrub in a
mosaic of cultivated vegetation. grassland, and
patches of forest. A moderately dense network of
bituminous- and gravel- surfaced roads and an
adequate railroad network serve the area. Population
density is not as great as in the highlands; however.
there are numerous large plantations and several large
inland and coastal towns.
Conditions for conventional ground operations are
generally fair. Cross country movement of tracked
vehicles on the predominantly scrub- covered plains
would be fair to poor but would be severely restricted
in direction by numerous parallel streams. Movement
of wheeled vehicles would be feasible local]\ when
soils are firm. Conditions for the cross country
movement of foot troops generally are fair. Offroad
dispersal generally would be feasible. Roads having
gentle to moderate grades could he constructed
throughout the lowlands Considerable clearing would
be necessary in swanpy coastal areas, and roads
parallel to the coast would require construction of
numerous bridges and culverts. Cover from small arras
fire and concealment would be available in forested
and swampy areas but would be limited elsewhere.
g
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FIGURE 7. The Rio Motagua valley is generally flat but has small areas of rolling
surfaces. The dissected, mostly forested mountains in the background afford excellent
cover and concealment, particularly for irregular forces. (U /OU)
Blanker -type installations could easily '.)e constru:tcd
in most of the region; sites suitable for tunnel-type
installations are few because bedrock generally is
deeply buried.
The southwestern lowland generally is suitable for
airmobile and airborne operations, although flying
weather is poor in the wet season. There are numerous
sites suitable for parachute operations and landings of
assault -type aircraft on unprepared surfaces and for
the construction of airfields having unrestricted
rumvav orientations. In addition, there are it large
number of existing airfields. Air approaches would be
unrestricted except from the north.
The coast of this region is generally poorly suited for
large -scale amphibious operations because of
restricted approaches and difficult exits. Offshore
approaches contain scatter::' rocks, reefs, and shoals.
Nearshore approaches are partly obstructed, chiefly by
shoals and banks off lagoons and streams. The shore is
sandy and is interrupted by numerous streams and
lagoon inlets and closely backed by swamps, lagoons,
and areas of wet ground. A backs most of the
eastern third of the shore. Numerous sandy beaches
are mostly 1 mile or less in length and less than 190
yards in width. Exits general!\ are by cross country
movement to loose surfaced roads. The inland terrain
consists of a !)road coastal plain extending 15 or more
miles to hills and mountains.
Conditions for the operation of irregular forces
generally are unfavorable. Although there are some
areas that would support irregular force operations,
most of the region lacks good cover arid concealment.
Concealment for foot troops and vehicles would he
afforded by dense forests between Champerico and
San Jose and locally by patches of scrub and forest,
surface irregularities, and steep banked streams. Most
patches of scrub and forest, owever, could be easily
encircled. Some cover from flat trajectory fire would
be afforded by surface irregularities and steep- banked
streams. Vehicular cross country movement generally
would he feasible except In forested or swampy areas.
Movement of foot troops generally would be
unobstructed but :would be slowed locally by dense
vegetation and by flooded streams and miry soils in
the wet season. The population is fairly dense and is
concentrated near the highlands, and most of the
people live either on large commercial farnis or small
subsistence farms. Cultivated foods are generally
abundant; small game and edible wild plants are
scarce. Except in the dense forests, only small amounts
of wood for shelter and fuel are available.
Physiological and psychological aspects detrimental to
personnel are similar to those in the Northern and
eastern Plains and lfills Region, but dangerous
animals are riot as prevalent.
C. Strategic areas C)
There are two strategic areas Guatemala City, and
Puerto Barrios �Santo "Tomas de Castilla, which
contains the two most important parts and the second
largest oil refinery in the country (Figure 11
1. Guatemala City
Guatemala City (Figures 8 and 9) is the national
capital. the political, commercial, and industrial
center of the country, the huh of the transportation
:.!nd telecommunication networks. and the largest
urban area (estimated 1970 population, 731,000). In
addition, the strategic area contains the military
academv and the most important army bases.
Although the majority of industries are located here,
most are small and produce mainly consumer goods.
Two of the more important installations are a c:ernent
plant and it rubber tire factory. Other industries
include textile mills, leather goods producers, truck
body plants, and food processing plants. Guatemala
City dominates the main natural corridor through the
highlands, a nd most of the principal highways and it
major railroad radiate from it. The railroad repair and
Road 90'30' Y
Railroad
Autoeld
0 3 2
L r a
Steute miles
14'39 9013
Mi
GUATEMALA Sju sF
11'36'
rr
IIi
FIGURE 8. Guatemala City strategic area (C)
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assennbly shops in thc city are the largest in the
country. Commercial and rulitary air traffic also focns
upon the capital cite. The airfield is die largest in the
country and is the principal military and civil facility.
POL (petroleum fuels, oils, and lubricants) storage
facilities in the strategic area have it capacity of more
than 73,200 barrels.
2. Puerto Barrios �Santo Tomas de Castilla
"This area, which had it population estimated at
38.500 in 1970. includes the two major seaports of the
country (Figure 10). It is it major transportation,
telecommunication, and military center and has the
second largest petroleums refinery in Guatemala. Santo
"Tomas de Castilla, built in 1955, has surpassed Puerto
Barrios in the total arnount of cargo handled. It also is
the country *s main naval base and is within it few
miles of tile: petroleum refinery. The refinery is located
on the road to Puerto Barrios and is connected to Santo
"Tomas de Castilla by it 1.1 -inch crude -oil pipeline 2.8
miles long. Its refining capacity. 12,000 barrels per
day, accounts for -155(" of the Country's total, and 1
storage facilitie.; have it capacity of about 600,000
barrels. "The port Facilities at Puerto Barrios are used
lllainly by the United Fruit Co., largely for the export
of bananas. Puerto Barrios has it direct rail link to
Guatemala City, and an airfield is located at the
northeastern outskirts of the city. An armv insthtllation
Puerto Barrios,
8A H,bl
Refinery
WV
i
Santo Tomas
de Castilla
Pipeline
I
Road a�i Railroad Airfield
0 l 2 Landing place
i
Statute miles
FIGURE 10. Puerto Barrios Santo Tomas de
Castilla strategic area (C)
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FIGURE 9. Although Guatemala City is the commercial
center of the country, most businesses are small and
housed So single story structures (U /OU)
al the
airfield is t.Itc� I w Itiarters of tl:e Barrios
snclI us soft (I rinks.
rice :oul other cereal grains.
Ildantr%
lialtaIimI. L'uerlo Barr,os has three Nt)1,
ftlrnit.nre. lumber. and
c�eruent blocks :.cud pipe.
storage facilities
that have a total capacitc of :370.500
barrels.
Fxcept for petroleum mf:niug, industrial
D. jnternal routes
(C)
ac�ti\
is of sec�ondar`, importance. ;About 15 minor
industries
are located \\ithin the strategic area and
The intermil route-,
iFigure I I I pro\idc the easiest
produce
or process only items for local consumptitvt
avenues of uxrxemenl
bet\ \rt�n stra', �-gic� areas.
CIP_1 IDG 1'. Cfrnfonir nreas. internal routes, and approaches (C)
l I GOJNCARY REPRESEITATIGN IS
NOT NECESSARILY AJTNOR:TATIVE
cit
Trka7 ..Belmo
tl1
British cle,
La Libertad Honduras Caribbeart
1di a X C t
r^ A
`J f: a
dI` 1 M d to
L v 'gRlr. Srt:nl entl �Y. P erin
t, e'r'1.Y/ ,;.4ya. hT I r' �S,a� t n T
Hha Honduras
wit
Approach
t
cm t ;la Internal route
Cp
Amphibious landing
OcOC 'I I' area
Rai,IOad
ChampencJ Vii. a
lY Trquiaata
Road
T. c:, iit .J t- ^ti. c I d 0 i 4;, h In nclr..s
I l E1 0 I'1'
Pacific Ocean
=i. San Sal aifor
500833 1272 CI
12
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1
1
t
between land approaches and strategic areas, air(]
between amphibious lauding areas and the
Guatemala City strategic area. Data on the interna!
routes are given in Figure 12.
E. Approaches
The perimeter of Guatemala consists of approxi-
mately 1,010 miles of land boundaries and 250 miles
of coastline. All boundaries are demarcated and
unfortified. Guatemala has 85 miles of coastline along
the 21aribbean Sea arid 165 miles along the Pacific
Ocean and claims territorial waters extending 12
nautical miles offshore. Guatemala also claims
sovereignty over British Honduras. Figure 13 presents
data on land boundaries. (U jOU)
I. Land (C)
Movement across the borders of Guatemala would
be difficult. Because of the predominance of high,
rugged hills and mountains in the northwest and
southeast and wet or densely forested plains in the
north, conditions for cross country movement are
generally unsuited aril good roads are few. The
approaches shown on Figure 11 are the best means of
land access to Guatemala. Detailed information on
land approaches is presented in Figure 14.
2. Sea (C)
Offshore approachws to the Caribbean coast are
through the Gulf of Honduras. A barrier reef off `lie
coast of British Honduras is it major restriction. This
reef is separated from the Guatemala mainland by a
broad channel that contains a few shoals. Nearshore
approaches are slightly encumbered by shoals, rocks,
and reefs. Nearshore bottoms are composed mostly of
mud, aril gradients are gentle to flat. Surf I feet or
higher occurs a maximum of 25% of the time from
October through December along the exposed eastern
part of the coast. Tides are mixed and the diurnal
range is 1'/2 feet. 'There are no beaches suitable for
large -scale amphibious operations; however, two
landing places in the strategic area of Puerto
Barrios �Santo 'Tomas de Castilla (Fi %tire 10) provide
access to the internal route leading to the Guatemala
City strategic area.
Offshore approaches to the Pacific coast are slightly
obstructed by scattered rocks, reefs, and shoals.
Nearshore approaches are partly obstructed, mainly
by shoals and bars off lagoons arid streams. Nearshore
bottoms are composed of sand with some mud. Surf 4
feet or higher occurs a maximum of 20% of the time
from July through September. Tides are sernidiurnal
and the spring tide is about 6 feet. Numerous sandy
beaches are scattered from San Jose westward. The
beaches are mostly 1 rnile or less in length; the longest
is about 3 miles. Beach widths range. frorn 38 to 150
yards at low eater and 14 to 82 yards at high water.
Beach gradients are gentle to steep between low water
arid high eater and are estimated to be steep in the
high -water zone. The beaches are backed by a broad
coastal plain containing numerous s%%amps, lagoons,
and streams close behind the shore. Exits are mostly
cross country to loose surfaced roads. Inland of these
immediate coastal features, movement on the plain
wwould be relatively easy, but lateral movement
generally would be difficult because of numerous
streams traversing the plain.
The amphibious landing :areas (Figure 1 I provide
the hest access to internal routes leading to the
Guaterala City strategic area.
The landing area at San Jose has it small area of foul
ground and mooring buoys ill the offshore arproach
and it pier in the nearshore approach. The nearshore
bottom is sand with sonic mud, and the gradients
range from 1 on 2 to I on 34. The beach is usable for
dry -ramp LST landings. Stirf 4 feet or higher occurs up
to 24l of the time from July through September. The
beach is sand and is l li; miles long. V`dtlis at low
water range front 35 to 45 yards and at high water
from 10 to 20 yards. The beach gradient ranges from l
on 9 to I oil 16 from low water to high .water and
about I on 3 in the high -water zone. The beach is
backed by i t barrier bar separated front the mainland
by a partly marsh fringed canal. The canal is backed
by a broad grass- and tree covered plain containing
saltpans behind the eastern part of the beach. San Jose
is behind the center part. Exit is by a road, surfaced in
Places, closely backing the beach and leading over it
bridge to town. There is also it 3'0" -gage railroad
bridge over the canal. A surfaced road and a railroad
extend inland from San Jose.
The landing area at Champerico has clear
approaches except for it pier aril several mooring
buoys off the northwestern part. The nearshore bottom
is sand with sonic mud, and the gradients range from 1
oil 43 to 1 on 94. The Lz'ach is usable in places for dry
ramp LST landings. Surf 4 feet or higher occurs up to
20i' of the time from July through September. The
beach is sand arid is 1,580 yards long. Widths at low
water range. from 33 to -15 yards and at high water
from 10 to 20 yards. The average beach gradient is 1
on 13 behveen low water and high water, and is
estimated to be I on 5 in the high -water zone. The
beach is backed by sanely ground partly covered by
n
l,>
i
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grass and brush. Behind all but the center part, the
sandy ground is backed by lagoons, swamps, and
saltpans. All in turn is backed by a broad, grass- and
tree covered plain. Champerieo is immediately behind
the northwestern part. Exit is via the streets of
Champerieo. A surfaced road and 3'0" -gage railroad
connect Champerieo with the interior.
3. Air (U /OU)
There are three air approaches' to Guatemala �the
southern and western approach is over the Pacific
Ocean, the eastern is over the Caribbean Sea, British
Honduras, Honduras, El Salvador, and northwestern
Nicaragua, and the northern is over Mexico and the
Gulf of Mexico. The eastern and northern approaches
are mainly over mountains. hills, and some plains, and
maximum elevations are slightly over 9,000 feet in the
east and slightly over 11,000 feet in the north.
Weather conditions in all air approaches to
Guatemala are least favorable (luring May through
October. Mean cloudiness during this period ranges
from 55% to 75 occurring primarily as cumulus or
cumulonimbus. Thunderstorm activity is at a
maximum; the average number of thunderstorm days
per month ranges from as many as 20 to 25 along the
exposed mountain slopes to 5 to .15 elsewhere. Severe
turbulence is common within thunderstorms, and
The discussion zone for air approaches extends approximately
300 nautical miles beyond the borders of Guatemala.
14
orographic turbulence is frequently experienced near
rnountainor terrain. Aircraft icing may occur above
about 16,000 feet, the mean height of the freezing
level, but is seldom a problem. All approaches are
occasionally affected by tropical cyclones that bring
strong winds, increased cloudiness, turbulence, and
icing. These storms occur more often over the
Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico than over the
Pacific Ocean. Winds aloft are mostly lip;ht easterly to
40,000 feet in all approaches in May through October.
Weather conditions are hest during November
through April. Occasional incursions of cold air from
the north may produce periods of increased cloudiness,
turbulence, and possible aircraft icing, usually
confined, however, to approaches from the Gulf of
Mexico and the Caribbean. Minimum cloudiness
occurs in most approaches during these months; the
average cloud cover ranges from 20% to �40% except
along exposed ridges and slopes, where it is greater.
Thunderstorms are rare except near the mountains.
Most cases of turbulence during November through
April are orographically induced. Aircraft icing is
infrequent but may occur in clouds above 16,000 feet,
the mean height of the freezing level. In approaches
From the north, the winds a'oft are generally light
easterly below I5,000 feet and westerly above this
height, with average speeds of 30 to 45 knots at 30,000
to 40,000 feet in the extreme north. In approaches
from the south, the winds are light easterly below
25,000 feet and light westerly above this height.
7
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15
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7.
7
c 7
GC.
hc
U Z
-id
14
c 72
bc
hc
CL
bL
0
A C,
LC
CL
z
Lu
bc
'r
CL
15
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auxrwaanw.
n
O
z
v
z
a
'r
FIGURE 13. Boundaries (U /OU)
j
r.
11011SDAHY
LKNGTR
STATUS
TERRAIN
APPROACII
ROAD
RAILROAD
CROSS- COUNTRI' MOVEMENT
Mexico
7611
Dem arcated, unfortified.
Ne ar Pacific coast, across harrow coastal plan; ialiend,
covered plains and hilly having patches of
two lanes bituminous treated, ill good
through seruh- covered and forested rugged hills :trill
cultivated vegetation, grassland, and forest.
condition.
mountains: remainder, beyond mountains, along dis-
From Acajutla, El Salvador. Traverses low,
Two lanes, bituminous, in good condition.
oue
seeted and flat plains covered by forests, swamps, and
predominantly cultivated coastal plains, some
marshes. In places, stre�ama form parts of boundr.rr.
British Honduras.......
IW
do
Ilervil forested, flat to rolling and dissected plain..
From 3lexican port of Salina Cruz. Across nearly
do
Single track 4'8"2" gage,
Short section in south formed by Rio Anrstun.
Ilondurls
1611
da......................
Mostly rugged forested mountains; plains in north. -hurt
forest and, in north, cultivated vegetation,
gage n�ecss;lry at banter.
section nea; Caribbean along Rio Motagua.
la Salvador
125
do
Mostly erub- covered or forested mountains and hills: flat
From Tapanatepee, Mexico. Through high, rugged,
Section of Inter American Ilighway; two
None
to rolling, tltostly serab- covered pluin in south anti,
mostly forested or cultivated mountains and
lanes, bituminous, in good condition.
near Pacific coast, formed by Rio Paz.
FIGURE 14, Land approaches (C)
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OPFROAD DISPERSAL. AND
APPROACII
ROAD
RAILROAD
CROSS- COUNTRI' MOVEMENT
From Santa Ana, EI Salvador. ,Across brush-
Section of Inter American Iligliw:cy:
oil
Difficult in dissected plains and hills i
covered plains and hilly having patches of
two lanes bituminous treated, ill good
southern two- thirds: infeasible in hill
cultivated vegetation, grassland, and forest.
condition.
in northern one- third.
From Acajutla, El Salvador. Traverses low,
Two lanes, bituminous, in good condition.
oue
Fair in most places.
predominantly cultivated coastal plains, some
areas of brush and savanna.
From 3lexican port of Salina Cruz. Across nearly
do
Single track 4'8"2" gage,
in good Difficult along forested coastal plain. Res
flat coastal plains covered mainly b dense
condition. Transshipment
to :3'(1" possibilities from Salina Cruz t
forest and, in north, cultivated vegetation,
gage n�ecss;lry at banter.
fapanatepec.
pasture and woodlands.
From Tapanatepee, Mexico. Through high, rugged,
Section of Inter American Ilighway; two
None
Genrall infeasible because of
mostly forested or cultivated mountains and
lanes, bituminous, in good condition.
moue
tainous terrain and dense vegetation
rolling hills and upland plains.
Numerous steep grades and sharp
some possibilities on upland plains.
e�un�es.
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Places and features referred to
COORDINATES
in this General Survey (U /OU)
COORDINATES
4 IN.
o I it'
o IN
O
A nguiatu
14 21
89 35
Popt6n................................
16 21
89 26
Antigua Guatemala
14 34
90 44
Puerto Barrios
15 43
88 36
Bahia de Atnatique (bay)
15 55
88 45
Q uezaltenango
14 50
91 31
Bahia de Galvez (bay)
15 42
88 38
Quirigui
15 16
89 05
Bananera
15 28
88 50
Retaihuleu
14 32
91 41
Barillas
15 48
91 1S
Rio Chixo stream
90 24
Canal de Chiquitnulilla (canal)
13 55
91 07
Rio de la Pasion (stream)
16 2s
90 33
Cantel
14 49
91 27
Rio Dulce (stream)
:o �19
88 45
Cha m perico
14 18
91 55
11 i Hondo
15 10
91 25
C hiehicastenango
14 56
91 07
Rio M otagua (stream)...................
15 44
88 1 -1
Chickasaw locality)
15 20
88 56
Rio Polochic (stream).......
15 28
89 22
Chimaltenango
14 40
90 49
Rio Salinas (stream)
16 28
90 33
C'hiquim ula
14 48
89 33
Rio San Pedro (strea m)..................
17 46
91 26
Ciudad Tectin U min
14 40
92 09
Rio Sarst6n (stream)
15 54
88 54
Coatepeque
14 42
91 ,`12
Rio Usumacinta (stream)
IS 24
92 38
Cobi n
15 29
90 19
San Cristobal Fcrapaz..................
IS 23
90 24
Cuilapa
11 17
90 18
San Josi
1:3 :i5
90 �19
Dos Lagunas
17 42
89 36
San Juan lxcoy........................
15 36
91 27
El Estor
15 32
89 31
San Juan Sacatepequez..................
14 13
90 39
El Progreso
i4 51
90 04
San Marcos
14 SS
91 48
E1 Rancho
14 55
90 00
Santa Cru:.(lei Q uiche..................
15 fit
91 08
Escuintla
14 18
90 47
Santiago Atitlin........................
14 38
91 14
Esquipulas
14 34
89 21 i
Santo Tomis de Castilla................
15 42
88 37
Flores
16 56
89 53 I
Sav axchi
I(i 31
90 10
G ualin
15 08
89 22
Sebol(archeologicalsin.
15 47
89 56
Guatemala City (or Guatemala)
14 38
90 31
Sl-)actste
1:3 56
91 09
Gulf of Honduras (gulf)
lb 10
87 50
1.1 1.1 46
91 11
H uehuetenango
15 20
91 28
Taimeb ula, Mexico.....................
14 5.1
92 17
Ixein locality
15 �19
91 0.1
Tikr'
17 20
89 39
Izabal
15 2-1
89 08
Tiquisate
14 17
91 22
Jalapa
1.1 38
89 59
Totonicaptin
14 55
91 22
Jutiapa
14 17
89 54
Uspantin
15 23
90 50
Lugo de Atitlin (lake)
14 42
91 12
Z
Lago de Izabal (lake)
15 30
89 10
acapa.
14 53
S9 32
Las Casas
15 12
90 56
Selected airfields
Livingston
15 50
88 45
Los Cipresales
14 47
90 47
Dos Laguna s...........................
17 41
89 :32
INIazatenango
1.1 32
91 30
Flores..
16 55
89 53
Melchor de Mencos
17 04
89 10
La Aurora
1.1 35
90 32
Miram undo
14 33
90 06
Peten Itza
17 02
89 39
Modesto M6ndez
15 53
80. 13
Puerto Barrios
15 44
88 35
M ontostenango
15 04
91 24
Quez alt. enango.........................
14 52
91 30
Morales
15 29
S8 49
Retalhuleu
14 31
91 42
Panzos
1;) 24
89 40
San Jose Nr 1..........................
13 56
90 50
Peten
14 37
90 17
Z acapa.
14 58
89 32
C0
�:,;r .air a;;. >;z._ft r. c'vs:c;r ca, cy-s ,:,a,,:
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f
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97. S 9ll
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rl Melchor
Y
Lago %o o OnU de Mend
US U rh /7 0
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Ufa La Libertad
300
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de 21J
Rto id P
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Sayache'
t
bk echa�u
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i aP P rJC Poptun
G
Comd6n
0 0 Q San �Luis,e I
P
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500
qu
Iri J r Cancue
Hdeh e i
't d'
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1 Francisco Vola Mendez
I
Ciudad E 1 ^rt> l al 98a'
Cu uhtemoc P t Q
N $fin Jua V e t Ca z a Felpe
SIERRA DE SAI T ;e}
�5184
n EI
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