LATACUNGA

capital of Cotopaxi province, north central Ecuador, in an Andean basin on the upper Ro Patate, at an elevation of 9,055 ft (2,760 m). The city dates from precolonial times, when it was frequented by Incan royalty because of its thermal springs. Latacunga lies 20 mi (32 km) southwest of the active volcano Cotopaxi and has been seriously damaged by eruptions and by attendant earthquakes. Although completely destroyed in 1797, it was subsequently rebuilt. The city serves as a commercial centre for the surrounding cattle-raising and farming region. Industrial activities include flour milling and the manufacture of building stone (from local lava rock), furniture, pottery, and gunpowder. Latacunga has been a Roman Catholic episcopal see since 1963. Pop. (1981 prelim.) 55,979.