After early encounters with folklore under his mentor Chango Farías Gomez, and three years at the conservatory, Cumbo discovered the quena flute.

In 1973, "Urubamba" became famous through their cooperation with Paul Simon ("El Condor Pasa").

After 1976, Cumbo cooperated with various members of the "Nueva Canción" movement in Argentina, such as Mercedes Sosa, León Gieco, and others.

In the mid 1980s, he formed a trio with Lito Vitale (piano) and Lucho Gonzales and later recorded with Manolo Juarez.

Cumbo performed all over the world, mainly in Europe, South America, and Japan, and was nominated for a Konex Award for the title of best instrumentalist in the decade from 1985 to 1995, along with Jaime Torres and Eduardo Lagos.