Cartagena , Colombia

Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena

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About this experience

Here are the key elements that make the El Totumo Mud Volcano Tour truly stand out:

1. A One-of-a-Kind Natural Spa

The Volcán El Totumo offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. The mud pool is a dense, mineral-rich slurry that makes it impossible to sink—you simply float effortlessly. This natural buoyancy is incredibly relaxing, while the mineral content provides a powerful natural exfoliation, detoxification, and renewal for your skin.

2. The Power of Customization

Unlike standard tours, you get to choose the pace and style of your day based on your schedule and preferences:
Relaxation Focus: Choose the Morning or Afternoon Option for a quick, focused wellness treatment.

Full Day VIP: Upgrade to the Full VIP Day Option to combine the volcano with a transfer to an exclusive Beach Club for a relaxing.

The entire tourism operation at El Totumo is managed by the local community in Santa Catalina. By booking this tour, you are directly supporting the families and residents

Available options

Volcano + Beach Time

Duration: 8 hours<br/>La boquilla Beach

Mud Volcanon+Snack AM

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Typical snack<br/>Pick up and Drop off

Volcano + Snack PM

What's included

Local guide

Driver/guide

Snack

Local taxes

Detailed itinerary

The day start when we pick up you at your hotel between 7:30 am and 8:00 am in a mini van.

You must be patient because the traffic sometime is a problem, but don't worried, we will pick up you anyway.

we will pick up another travelers too.

Stop 2

A Natural, Mineral-Rich Spa

Unlike volcanic cones that erupt lava, El Totumo is a mud volcano, which is a fissure in the earth that constantly vents mud mixed with water and gas from deep underground.

Size: It's small, standing about 50 feet (15 meters) high, accessible by a wooden staircase.

The Mud: The mud is highly viscous, warm, and packed with minerals like silica, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and iron. This composition is believed to have exfoliating, detoxifying, and therapeutic properties for the skin and muscles.

2. The Floating Sensation

The most fascinating part is the density of the mud. It's so thick that it's impossible to sink. When you climb down into the crater, your body is naturally held afloat, creating a bizarre and wonderfully relaxing sensation of weightlessness.
The Experience

Visitors climb the stairs to the top, descend into the crater (which can only hold about 10–15 people at a time), and immerse themselves in the buoyant mud bath.

If you choose to spend more time on the tour you will visit a club in front of the beach with facilities where you can enjoy the beach and the local vibe.

What's not included

Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

41 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

311 reviews

5★

263

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Valuables Security: Upon arrival at the volcano, please keep your valuables secure. We make the vehicle we travel in available as a safe space where all guests can leave their belongings. The vehicle will serve as your secure location.

Tipping and Local Community: The native community of this village relies solely on the commercial activity of the volcano. It is common for local residents to offer assistance with items you carry and subsequently ask for a tip. Tipping should be voluntary and at your discretion. To simplify the process and avoid solicitations, we highly recommend ascending the volcano without any personal items—just go in the clothes you intend to enter the mud with.

Massage and Exfoliation: Once inside the volcano, there are local individuals who offer massages. Please make it very clear if you do or do not want this massage and exfoliation service.

Cleaning Service: When exiting the volcano, a group of local women will offer to clean the mud off your body in a natural lake. If you do not wish to use this service, you are also welcome to clean yourself on your own.

Extra Costs: Please note that any assistance you receive, regardless of whether it is offered by the guide or not, will incur an extra cost.

Meeting point

Estar debajo el monumento de los pegasos en el centro historico de cartagena de indias

Important notes

Please get in touch with us through Whatsup App to confirm your pick up and send you more details about the activity.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Cartagena

Cartagena, a vibrant city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is renowned for its colonial architecture, rich history, and stunning beaches. Known as the 'Pearl of the Caribbean,' it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and tropical charm.

Top Attractions

Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)

The historic center of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful buildings.

Historical Half day to full day Free to enter, individual attractions may charge admission

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

A 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Playa Blanca

A beautiful white-sand beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Full day Budget to moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche de Camarones

Shrimp ceviche made with fresh shrimp, lime juice, and various spices.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Arepas

Cornmeal patties that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter with rice, beans, meat, plantains, avocado, and more.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset watching Exploring historic sites Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers sunny skies and lower humidity, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the city.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

UTC-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Stay vigilant and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Rafael Núñez International Airport • 3 km from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transporte Terrestre

Getting around

Public transport

A modern bus rapid transit system with air-conditioned buses and dedicated lanes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) Getsemani Bocagrande

Day trips

Isla Barú

15 km from Cartagena • Full day

A beautiful island with stunning beaches and clear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation and water activities.

Mud Volcanoes (Volcanes de Lodo)

45 km from Cartagena • Half day

A unique natural phenomenon where mud volcanoes can be climbed for therapeutic mud baths.

Palmar

20 km from Cartagena • Half day

A beautiful nature reserve with mangrove forests and a variety of wildlife.

Festivals

Hay Festival Cartagena • January Carnaval de Barranquilla • February/March

Pro tips

Visit the Walled City early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the neighborhoods of Getsemani and Bocagrande for a mix of history and modern luxury.
Use the Transcaribe bus system for affordable and convenient transportation.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for exploring the city.