Editor's Note: On November 11, the International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports (MTOS) 2025 commenced in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. With the continued theme "Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports Presents a High Quality Life," this year's Conference featured a series of events including the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference 2025, the International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference 2025, a Field Trip to Guizhou Mountain Tourism Destinations, and the Bank of Guizhou·Mountain Culture, Tourism and Outdoor Sport Equipment Exhibition. Over 350 participants gathered, including representatives from international organizations, government and tourism departments of relevant countries, diplomatic missions in China, tourism-related enterprises, mountain tourism destination management agencies, experts, scholars, and media from more than 30 countries and regions. They explored new pathways for the integrated development of "Mountain Tourism +", shared new achievements in mountain tourism development, and worked together to build a prosperous new future for mountain tourism. Jimmy Guaquez Montenegro, Director of the Volunteering Without Borders Foundation and Jorge Eduardo Hurtado Duarte, Advisor of the Volunteering Without Borders Foundation, made a presentation at the 2025 International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference.

The following is the full text of the presentation:

Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon! It is a great honor to represent the Colombian delegation here in Guiyang. I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the organizers of the 2025 International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference for providing us with such a valuable platform for exchange and sharing.

This trip to Guizhou holds special meaning for us. We are deeply moved by the magnificent mountainous landscapes and the profound cultural heritage of this land. The Andes Mountains in Nariño, Colombia, seem to share a natural connection with the mountains and waters of Guizhou. As someone with a background in both tourism and engineering, I am delighted to be here with my colleagues. In the next few minutes, allow me to take you on a journey to southern Colombia, to unveil a hidden treasure—Nariño, a South American adventure destination where the Pacific coast, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon rainforest converge.

Nariño: A Land of Diverse Landscapes

Located in southwestern Colombia, bordering Ecuador, Nariño occupies a unique geographical position within one of the world's most biodiverse regions. It is a critical node where the majestic Andes Mountains converge and diverge, with three ranges traversing Colombia and two extending into Ecuador. This has resulted in the country's densest concentration of volcanoes—home to 15 volcanic zones and 25 volcanoes, six of which are active and have been developed for ecotourism.

Additionally, Nariño is where the Amazonian highlands, the Pacific biogeographic region, tropical rainforests, and the high-altitude Andean ecosystems meet. This unique natural endowment makes Nariño a paradise for nature tourism, combining relaxation, community immersion, and adventure experiences, further enriched by its distinctive shrublands.

Nariño: A Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Now, let me introduce Nariño’s three core adventure experiences:

First, the immersive hiking experience. In Nariño, hiking is not just a sport but an ecological exploration. In a single day, you can traverse Andean forests to the iconic páramo meadows of Frailejones, breathe in the pure mountain air, and witness ever-changing ecosystems, fully immersing yourself in nature.

Nariño Hiking Experience

Next, the active volcano climbing experience. With the guidance of our professional and reliable guides, you can summit volcanoes towering over 4,760 meters. Standing at the peak, you will feel the Earth’s raw power and behold breathtaking vistas—a truly transformative journey for the soul.

Nariño Volcano Climbing Experience

Finally, the high-altitude diving experience. Lake Guamues, nestled deep in the Andes at over 2,800 meters above sea level, derives its name from Quechua. This glacial lake is a natural bridge connecting the Andes to the Amazon, making it far from an ordinary body of water. Diving here is both a technical challenge and a mystical exploration. It requires specialized procedures and rewards you with an unparalleled freshwater ecosystem—exploring the lake’s deep landscapes while immersing yourself in ancient myths and legends.

Nariño Glacial Lake Diving

What makes this diving experience unique is not only the rarity of high-altitude diving but also the stunning underwater scenery. Here, you can combine mountain climbing and diving in a single journey, with professional safety support throughout your adventure.

Why Choose Nariño? Because it offers a comprehensive, in-depth experience—hiking volcanic peaks, traversing crystal-clear waters, exploring unique ecosystems, and adventuring in a sacred lake that connects two of the world’s most significant regions. Today, Nariño’s tourism infrastructure is increasingly well-developed. We remain committed to sustainable development, prioritizing safety and authenticity, and working hand-in-hand with local farmers and indigenous communities, the true guardians of this priceless heritage.

Scenery of Nariño | Image Credit: pepexels@juan-felipe-ramirez

Journey south to Nariño, where you can create unforgettable memories, explore nature freely, dream big, breathe deeply, and embrace vitality. What we’ve shared today is just a glimpse of Nariño’s extraordinary charm. It is a land of discovery, a home we deeply cherish. To help you better appreciate the allure of the Andes and the unique charm from across the Pacific, we have prepared some souvenirs for you to take home. Should you wish to explore collaboration further, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your attention!

All other images provided by: Volunteering Without Borders Foundation

This text is translated from the Conference transcript.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong