MOTAGUA RIVER

Spanish Ro Motagua, river in eastern Guatemala, rising in the central highlands near Chichicastenango, in southern Quich department. The Motagua is Guatemala's longest river, measuring approximately 250 mi (400 km). Flowing generally eastward and northeastward through Chimaltenango, El Progreso, Zacapa, and Izabal departments, it empties into Omoa Bay off the Gulf of Honduras at the Honduran border. Near its source it is referred to locally as the Silbapec River and further downstream as the Ro Grande. The Sierra de Chuacs, Sierra de las Minas, and Cerro de San Isidro rise from the left bank of the Motagua; the major tributaries, including the Chiquimula, flow from the south. Navigable by shallow-draft boats for approximately 125 mi (200 km) upstream from its mouth, the Motagua is a major transportation artery for the bananas, coffee, and other fruits raised in the valleys of the eastern portion. There is some placer gold mining along its course. The Puerto BarriosGuatemala City railroad and Atlantic Highway follow the river valley upstream as far as El Progreso.