Cartagena is most well known for its colonial era walled city, and its beautiful Caribbean beaches. However, you can also take a mud bath in Cartagena at one of its more unique attractions just out of town. Here, I’ll tell you all about the Mud Volcano of Cartagena. So read on to learn what to expect on a visit to the Volcán del Totumo, including how to get to this mud volcano from Cartagena and some tips to enjoy your visit.
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A Practical Guide to the Volcán del Totumo – Contents
- Just What is this Cartagena Mud Volcano Anyways?
- Why Visit the El Totumo Mud Volcano?
- Where is the Mud Volcano of Cartagena, Colombia?
- How to Get to the Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
- What to Expect on a Visit and Tips to Enjoy it?
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Just What is the Volcán del Totumo?
The Volcán del Totumo, sometimes referred to as the Volcán de Lodo el Totumo or simply the El Totumo Mud Volcano, is, well, a mud volcano located north of Cartagena.
It rises 15m from the ground (about 50 feet) and has a central crater full of mud.
Honestly, it feels like something that was built but it is supposedly an active mud volcano. Mud volcanos are formed from underground pressures forcing water upwards that then mixes with soil to produce a slurry of mud, according to Wikipedia.
Why Visit the Mud Volcano of Cartagena?
The Volcán de Lodo el Totumo supposedly has medicinal properties, most notably for exfoliation of the skin, according to local legend.
Of the many things to do in Cartagena, it is probably one of the weirdest and most unique experiences (see that link by the way for 75+ more ideas of what to see in Cartagena).
I remember going here all the way back in my first year in Cartagena in 2011.
It was…interesting.
Not an experience I’d necessarily want to repeat, but it was definitely something different and a story to tell people about. I wouldn’t consider this an absolute must see in Cartagena, but if it gets your attention, it’s definitely an experience.
If you would like to see it for yourself and see if it does in fact work wonders for your skin, read on to learn all about how to visit the only mud volcano in Colombia and what to expect during a visit to the El Totumo Volcano.
*Convinced to go yourself? Book a shared tour or a private tour.
Get your “mud face” ready.
Where is the Mud Volcano in Cartagena, Colombia?
The mud baths of Cartagena at the Volcán de Lodo el Totumo are located about 45 minutes north of Cartagena, near the town of Santa Catalina.
This area lies right by the border of Bolívar and Atlantico provinces and is not far from the Pink Sea of Galerazamba, another unique Cartagena attraction (learn how to visit both the same day below).
How to Get to the Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
The easiest way to visit the Mud Volcano by far is with a Cartagena Mud Volcano tour.
The area is fairly remote and the only way of getting there by public transportation that I know of is either via a mototaxi or combination of bus and mototaxi.
While I’m normally one for doing the cheapest and most adventurous way of visiting somewhere, I don’t think the little bit of money you save is really worth it given the time and remoteness of the destination.
Shared Cartagena Mud Volcano Tours are not very expensive and are easy to book online ahead of time.
For a more intimate experience you could also book a private tour via our partners at BnB Colombia Tours (use the discount code ExploreColombia10 for 10% off). You could also opt to do an all day tour to the Mud Volcano and mangroves of La Boquilla.
Although, if you’re interested in doing private tours, better to fill out this form and let them put together a complete package for you, and you’ll get better prices per tour.
Finally, as I mentioned above you can also combine a tour to the Volcán de Totumo with a visit to the Pink Sea of Galerazamba, although I wouldn’t recommend it during rainy seasons in March-April and October-November as the pink color goes away after it rains. It can be a bit unpredictable, though.
Honestly, my suggestion is if you book a tour that includes both, be prepared for the possibility that the pink sea isn’t pink. If you do do a larger package with BnB Colombia, they include it as a courtesy tour free of charge if you do the mud volcano.
You can also hire a taxi to take you there, wait for you, and bring you back. Expect to pay $150-200,000 pesos for this, which can be cost effective if you are a group and want to go at your own pace. If you’d rather wait and play it by ear, it should also be pretty easy to arrange a Cartagena Mud Volcano tour with most hotels or hostels.
Speaking of hotels and hostels, if you don’t have your accommodations for Cartagena reserved yet, see our lists of the best boutique hotels, best luxury hotels, best beachfront hotels, and best hostels in Cartagena or check out this guide to the best areas to stay.
What to Expect on a Visit to the Cartagena Mud Volcano
Upon arrival, you’ll be ushered up the staircase up the side of the volcano.
Once at the top, get ready to slide in. The natural consistency of the mud keeps you from sinking below about shoulder height so don’t worry about sinking if you can’t swim.
Before sliding in, be sure to hand your phone or camera to one of the guys to snap some photos while you’re enjoying the mud.
Also, it’s probably worth pointing out, the guys will cover your face with mud, put you on your back and sometimes start to massage you, so if you’re not a fan of being touched, it may be best to skip this.
They also pack in about 15-20 people at a time, so be prepared to get a little cozy with the people in your group.
*Convinced to go yourself? Book a shared tour or a private tour.
Honestly, I’m not sure how best to describe this experience, other than well interesting and frankly a bit odd.
The mud is a pleasant enough temperature and doesn’t feel dirty or anything, it’s just an odd, squishy consistency.
After a bit of time in the mud, it’s time to get out and let some other people enjoy it.
After heading down the stairs, you can wash off in the nearby lagoon. There you’ll find women who will wash you and also often give you a bit of a massage (again if you don’t like being touched, this is probably not the best activity for you).
And, well, that’s it, you can now tell everyone you’ve swam in a volcano.
Some Practical Tips
- It’s a good idea to use a bathing suit you don’t mind getting a little stained as the mud can be tough to get all the way out.
- Taking a change of clothes is also not the worse idea, although it isn’t entirely necessary.
- Take along some small bills to tip the camera men and the ladies who wash you off (about $5,000-$20,000 pesos each is a good amount).
- While you won’t need it in the mud volcano itself, some sunscreen isn’t a bad idea.
The Cartagena Mud Volcano – Conclusion
There you have it, a complete guide to the Volcán del Totumo Cartagena mud baths. Like I said, this is definitely a unique experience and a story to tell friends and family about.
If you do decide to experience it for yourself, I hope this guide was useful to planning your visit, and, more importantly, you have a great time!
Cheers and Happy Mud Bathing!
*Convinced to go yourself? Book a shared tour or a private tour.
Did you like this post?
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Guide to the Rosario Islands
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Guide to Playa Blanca
Guide to the Hip Beach Town Palomino
Guide to the Best Beaches of Cartagena
Planning your trip to Cartagena?
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Is it still open for tours now? Or closed due to covid?
Hi Hayley, it should be open. You may need to show proof of vaccination but to my knowledge it has not reclosed since reopening last year.