Laguna Cumbal is located in the department of Nariño at the foot of Cumbal Volcano, is a beautiful place where the cold will not bother while enjoying the natural landscape and full of frailejones that is presented there.
Photography: Andres Bolaños
How to get to the Volcano and Cumbal Lagoon
This tourist destination is located 8 kilometers east of the municipality of Cumbal, to reach the lagoon of Cumbal must go to Pasto, Nariño and at the bus terminal take other bus to Cumbal, in Cumbal should hire a motorcycle service or another vehicle to direct you to the lagoon or, according to your plan, at the beginning of the path up the volcano, this journey is about 30 minutes by road in good condition.
If you are going to venture up the Volcano, it is recommended to hire a guide, as the terrain is not signposted and there is a lot of fog.
Weather and recommendations in the Cumbal Lagoon
Laguna Cumbal is located 3.440 meters above sea level, so you will experience temperatures of 11°C approximately.
In the volcano, the temperatures are lower, for example, in the summit of the volcano the temperature is 0°C.
It is recommended to use very warm clothing, if you climb the volcano use waterproof clothing, sunscreen, gloves and hat, plenty of hydration and provisions with high calorie content. The best thing to do is to accompany the tour with a guide.
Cumbal Volcano Tourism
The Cumbal Lagoon is a fascinating place, with a beautiful landscape adorned by frailejones and an incomparable green landscape. The walk around the lagoon is obligatory, you will find different species of fauna characteristic of the ecosystems of paramo like eagles and deer.
In the waters of this lagoon inhabits the rainbow trout, so you can practice sport fishing. You will also have the possibility to travel the extension of the lagoon by boat.
The best thing about visiting the lagoon is to enter into a deep tranquility while you see the landscape and enjoy the sound of birds singing around.
Image taken from Turismonarino.wordpress.com
On the other hand, the Cumbal volcano keeps a series of myths and legends, it is said that the volcano was formed when a witch deceives a man and asks him to bring a unique article in the world, if she succeeded she was going to turn it into something very big, the man traveled the world to find a large necklace that delivered with much emotion to the witch, clearly, the witch turned him into something very big, in a volcano. In addition to this, in this volcano crashed a plane that left a number of wounded, it is said that the souls of these people still traverse the volcano. Despite these stories, the Cumbal volcano is a wonder and an excellent tourist destination for adventure.
Camping at Cumbal Volcano, Nariño
The Volcano and Cumbal Lagoon do not have buildings for restaurants or lodgings, therefore, it is necessary that you have your own provisions, with plenty of water and hydration and high calorie food.
The guides will show you the best camping areas. If you decide to spend the night in the volcano, keep in mind that you must take a warm blanket and very warm clothing, as the temperature can reach 0°C.
Another option to spend the night is to descend from the volcano and ask in one of the neighboring houses accommodation, people in this area are very friendly and will allow you to sleep at home for a very comfortable amount.
