An unfortunate claim to fame of this highland town, the capital of Cotopaxi Province, is its propensity for catastrophe. In 400 years it has been devastated or destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions of nearby Volcan Cotopaxi about 10 times and subsequently rebuilt. The most recent disaster, an earthquake in 1996, left several dead and thousands homeless. Not surprisingly, light grey pumice stone that comes from the volcano is a favoured building material.

The name Latacunga means “God of the Waters” in Quichua though it has also been suggested that it is derived from words meaning “land of my choice” in another Indian language. If the latter is true, perhaps this is why Latacunganos are so obstinate in living in their disaster-prone town. It is usually said that the danger of another eruption is very small, but an old man who lives nearby told me he had four healthy children, no debts but one major nightmare — that one day Cotopaxi would erupt again and destroy his farm.

Latacunga has some pretty squares and gardens. Otherwise it doesn't offer a great deal to the visitor except for its proximity to natural wonders, remote Andean villages and the nearby market of Saquisili, which many consider to be the best Indian market in Ecuador. In such an eruptive, volatile area it isn't surprising that on a clear day you can see many of Ecuador's tallest volcanic peaks from Latacunga.

 

Last updated 18th July 2006

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||

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