Difficulty: Low 

ACCLIMATION WALK

We start this adventure at 9:00 am from the city of Pasto, the majestic surprise city, to head to the town of Cumbal where we will begin our acclimatization. There we will find the La Bolsa lagoon and the entire páramo ecosystem. After contemplating this natural beauty, we will have a typical lunch of the region and then rest in the mountain refuge.

Trekking distance 18.0 km
Vehicle 39. 3 km
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation difference: 1375 m

Ascent to the highest mountain in southern Colombia in the andes nariño.

We begin our morning in the municipality of Cumbal with a hearty breakfast, before starting our hike at 6:00 AM at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. We will cross through the best-preserved páramo ecosystem in Colombia; after this, we will admire the stunning landscapes of ochre and gray volcanic sands until we reach the crater and summit of the Cumbal volcano at 4,765 meters above sea level. The ascent takes approximately 5 hours and is led by local guides.
The Andean peak will undoubtedly reward us with a breathtaking view. If we're lucky enough to have a sunny day, we'll be able to see the Pacific coast from its summit. After reaching the top, we'll arrive at the village where we'll have lunch before returning to the municipality of Cumbal and then continuing on to the Ecuadorian border city of Tulcán, where we'll rest in a comfortable hotel.

Distance 5.8 km trekking
Elevation difference +594m –14m
38 km – Tulcán – Chiles paved road
Difficulty: Medium-High

Colombian-Ecuadorian Summit

We continue our expedition through the volcanic corridor and begin the morning with a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast. Afterward, we'll take our vehicle to the village of Chiles, where local guides will meet us at the mountain refuge and accompany us on our ascent. Chiles Volcano stands at 4,723 meters above sea level, straddling the Colombian and Ecuadorian borders. Depending on the weather and the group's pace, we will reach both summits. Although it doesn't have glaciers, it does maintain constant snow on its flanks and within the caldera. At its base lies the Chiles páramo, with its striking frailejones (Espeletia plants), an ideal spot for those who enjoy mountaineering and trekking adventures. After the climb, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch and then head to Otavalo to rest in the town known for its handicrafts.

Distance 4.0 km trekking
Departure from Otavalo – Cayambe Coca Village – Cayambe Refuge via dirt road
Difficulty: Medium High
Acclimatization hike for the summit of Cayambe.

With high energy and one day away from reaching our main goal, we start the morning with a typical Ecuadorian breakfast, then take our 4x4 vehicle towards the Cayambe refuge. During the journey we will have the opportunity to view attractive landscapes around the road, then enjoy a hike to the green lagoon and the face of the Inca, afterwards we will proceed to lunch and if the weather permits we appreciate the sunset and a panoramic view towards the Antisana and Cotopaxi volcanoes.

Trekking distance 11.73 km
Elevation difference +1413 -1413
Vehicle distance: 294.7 km Difficulty: Difficult
Maximum height: 5777
Minimum altitude 4424 From the refuge

CIMA CAYAMBE

After enjoying our alpine breakfast, we will begin our ascent to the glacier around 1:00 am. This trek is scheduled to take approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on our physical condition. Upon reaching the summit, weather permitting, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo volcanoes. During the descent, we will have the opportunity to photograph Ecuador's largest and most beautiful glacier before enjoying breakfast at the Cayambe Coca refuge. Our expedition concludes in the city of Pasto, Colombia.

These are the items you need for the tours pre- and post-summit events that will take place in forest and moorland environments:

To get to the top
– Boots (mid or high shaft)
– Jacket for the cold
– Windbreaker jacket
– Fleece bag
– Thermal trousers
– High-altitude gloves
– Thermal measurements
– Headlamp (spare batteries)
– Canteen or camelback
– Sunglasses with UV protection
Additional
– Personal medications
– Identity documents
– Basic hygiene kit
– Plastic bags for storing clothes
– Camera (optional)
– Backpack of 20 to 40 liters
– Sneakers or boots with good grip soles
– Quick-drying trousers
– Lycra T-shirt
– Sunscreen and lip balm
– Fleece hat
– Hydration bottle
– Snacks (chocolates, nuts, dried fruit (low-calorie)

Tour leader/mountain guides from Colombia and Ecuador
Private transport: Pasto–Laguna La Bolsa–Cumbal–Volcán Chiles–Termales–Pueblo Cayambe–Pasto
Boat trip on the lagoon.
PNNN entrance.
Hotel accommodation (3 nights) / Mountain refuge accommodation (1 night).
Food (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner (Cayambe refuge).
Hot drinks throughout the expedition.
Souvenir
Technical equipment (Peaks, helmet, harness, ice axe, crampons, gaiters).
Camping equipment (Sleeping clothes, cooking utensils).
Insurance policy with rescue in case of emergency (COLASISTENCIA).

Rigid Boots: Specialized boots are mandatory for the ascent to the summit of Cayambe due to a difference in snow density, altitude, and the time required to walk on the surface.

-Personal mountain equipment (clothing, items)
mountain etc)
-Airline tickets
-Hotel in Pasto (prior to the expedition)
-Unspecified services

If you don't have the right clothes or the
basic equipment for your adventure,
The Espeletia Expedition team provides you with the rental service.