Los Viajes de Jham
Los Viajes de Jham
A practical guide to visiting Laguna del Cumbal: how to get there, activities, accommodation, costs, and tips for planning your trip.
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The Laguna del Cumbal is located in the municipality of Cumbal, Nariño, in the Andes mountain range. It sits at an altitude of about 3,400 meters above sea level, featuring paramo landscapes and a strong presence of local indigenous culture.
The usual route starts from Pasto. Here are the essentials:
From Pasto: Bus or shared van to Cumbal (≈ 2.5 hours). Fares start from 40,000 COP from the Pasto terminal.
From Cumbal to the lagoon: Van or truck from the market square for 12,000 COP or you can hike for about 2 hours.
From Ecuador (Tulcán/Ipiales): Cross via the international bridge of Rumichaca; from the bridge, you can take a taxi to Ipiales, and from Ipiales, take a bus to Cumbal.
🏨 Exclusive discounts on Booking
With Los Viajes de Jham, get 15% off selected accommodations. 👉 View discounted accommodations
The town is small but offers basic and comfortable options. Book in advance if you are traveling during peak season.
The lagoon holds significant spiritual value for the Pasto community. According to local tradition, Pachamama provided this place to sustain life in the area. Legends and ceremonies remain part of the collective memory.
Main activities to make the most of your visit:
Hiking: Trails around the lagoon, and you also have the option to hike up the Cumbal Volcano. Bring boots and warm clothing.
Boat Rides: Occasionally, there are artisanal canoes guided by locals.
Flora and Fauna Watching: Observe Andean species such as ducks and frailejones.
Landscape Photography: Ideal settings with the lagoon and the volcano in the background.
Dress Warmly: Cold temperatures can drop below 10°C. Bring thermal, waterproof clothing and gloves.
Hire a Local Guide: For safety and access to cultural information and safe routes. Book in advance if it’s peak season.
Bring Water and Snacks: There are few shops in the town.
Respect Nature: Do not leave trash, stay on trails, and avoid noise that disturbs wildlife.
Check the Weather: Rain can make paths more difficult.
Local Cuisine: Try local dishes such as roasted cuy, mazamorra, and trout.
Can you camp at the lagoon? Yes, although it is not very common. Bring equipment for extreme cold and leave the area clean.
Is a guide necessary to climb Cumbal Volcano? Highly recommended due to terrain conditions and safety.
Best time to visit? June to September usually has less rain and more passable roads.
Laguna del Cumbal combines nature, adventure, and culture. Plan ahead, check accommodation availability, and book in advance if traveling during peak season. Safe travels!
I say goodbye with a paila ice cream. Have a successful trip. 😉
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