Cumbal VolcanoCumbal Volcano at a Glance
About Cumbal Volcano
Cumbal is a prominent stratovolcano in Colombia’s Nariño Department, rising to an elevation of roughly 4,764 metres above sea level. It is one of the higher volcanic peaks in southwestern Colombia near the border with Ecuador.
The volcano presents steep, glaciated-looking slopes and a defined summit crater; it is a destination for experienced hikers and high-altitude trekkers rather than casual tourists. Local trails lead from surrounding agricultural valleys up toward the volcano’s higher slopes.
Cumbal is a Quaternary stratovolcano formed by repeated andesitic eruptions typical of the northern Andean volcanic belt. It has been part of local landscape and culture for centuries and has been mapped and studied in modern volcanology surveys.
Located in Nariño Department in southwestern Colombia, the volcano sits inland from the Pacific coast and is surrounded by high Andean valleys and settlements in the foothills of the Andean range.
- Climbing and access: Summit climbs are non-technical but require acclimatisation; the mountain is commonly approached from nearby towns that serve as base points for ascents.
Best Time to Visit Cumbal Volcano
Mountaineering visits are best planned for local dry months when routes are more predictable and access is easier.
Weather & Climate near Cumbal Volcano
Cumbal Volcano's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -2°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1148 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 7° | -1° | 77 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -2° - 7° | -1° | 89 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 7° | 0° | 108 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -1° - 7° | 0° | 122 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -1° - 8° | 0° | 95 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -2° - 7° | -1° | 96 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -2° - 6° | -2° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -2° - 6° | -2° | 73 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -2° - 7° | -1° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -2° - 7° | 0° | 109 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 8° | 0° | 121 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 7° | 0° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Cumbal Volcano
Cumbal is accessed from the department of Nariño, with the town of El Rosario and nearby settlements functioning as common trailheads. Regional roads connect to the mountain but expect long, sometimes rough drives and arrange local guides for climbing.
Tips for Visiting Cumbal Volcano
- For mountaineers, hire a local guide from nearby towns-routes are remote and conditions change quickly.
- Check season and weather closely; equatorial peaks can have sudden storms despite predictable dry seasons.
- Respect local agricultural areas on lower slopes-ask permission before crossing privately cultivated land.