Colombia · TOTUMO MUD VOLCANO TOURS
A warm crater of grey mud you float in, an hour up the coast, followed by a rinse in the lagoon. These 11 are compared on transport, lunch and how long you get in the mud.
Travel from Cartagena to Santa Catalina with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, then climb 50 steps to Totumo Mud Volcano. Float in warm mineral mud, arrange an optional massage or photo, wash off at the lake, and finish with an empanada or arepa and a drink.
“Great way of visiting the volcano! It’s super silly but we are really glad we did it. Special shout out to our guide who was great. Thank you Daniel!”
Start at 8 a.m. for a small-group trip to El Totumo, where you float in warm mineral mud before washing off at Ciénaga. Guides such as David, Nevis, Vanessa, and Yeniffer have earned praise for clear help. Lunch and use of a beach hotel’s pool and grounds are included.
“The enjoyment was superb! The our guides Oscar &(forgot the other) were awesome .! Very informative and knowledgeable . The lunch was like dinner portion. I tried the fish soup & fried fish dinner and everything was delicious. This is a really good deal compared to other rates ! Awesome experience . Book here”
Spend seven hours outside Cartagena with a bilingual guide such as Cesar, Kevin, Vanessa, or Eliana. Float in Totumo Volcano’s mud for 15 minutes, then enjoy lunch, pools, hammocks, swings, and beach time at a private club. Bring swimwear, sandals, a towel, and cash for optional local services.
“Surprised not more people know about this. Very cool thing to do and it feel like you’re floating!! Bring cash”
Spend part of the day at Cartagena’s Totumo Mud Volcano, where you float in warm mineral mud for up to 15 minutes, then enjoy lunch, beach access, pools, and hammocks at Arena Beach Hotel. English and Spanish guides, hotel pickup, and return transport are included. Expect rustic conditions and optional local services.
“Had an awesome time. Guides were very friendly and spoke English as well as Spanish so they translated everything said. Enjoyed ourselves at volcano and was able to relax at pool afterwards. Lunch provided was delicious. Highly recommend.”
Start before dawn with Miguel or another bilingual host at El Totumo mud volcano, then continue to San Basilio de Palenque for music, medicine, sweets, history, and lunch. This eight-hour trip combines a mud bath with a thoughtful look at Colombia’s Afro-Colombian heritage.
“This tour was the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!!! It was worth every dollar!!! I traveled to Colombia solo, so I wanted to make sure that I felt safe at all times and my driver (now mi amigo) ensured that every step of the way. While the drive was a bit far to the volcano mud and village, Miguel spoke with me about the history and places we were passing by. Miguel was extremely nice, personable, and knowledgeable on Colombian history. I HIGHLY recommend this excursion if you’re traveling solo, with friends or with your family. You won’t regret it!!!!”
Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle from Cartagena to Volcán del Totumo with an English-speaking guide such as Omar or Andrés. Float in warm mineral-rich mud, receive a local massage, rinse in a lagoon, and enjoy a cold drink. Choose an early time for the quietest visit.
“You have to walk up quite a bit of stairs to get up to the volcano. You also do get naked after in the ocean so they can clean your shoes and swimsuits throughly. I had so much fun and I would do this tour again.”
Ride by air-conditioned car from Cartagena to Totumo Volcano, climb a short staircase, and float in warm mineral mud. Private guides such as Christian help with transport and timing, while local workers may take photos, massage you, and wash off the mud. Plan for tips and limited washing facilities.
“It was a pleasant ride back and forth, as well as helpful to have a Spanish speaker with us there at the site of the volcano. Also wonderful to get there around 8:45 before the crowds arrived. I will say all it really is is a ride back and forth, so don’t expect them to inform you about the volcano or any history, or stay with you the whole time. But that was what I wanted and was expecting. It also only took us about 3 hours start to finish. 45 min drive there, about an hour there, 45 mins back. Bring tips for the men and women who will…”
Leave Cartagena early for El Totumo, where you spend about 20 minutes in warm medicinal mud before rinsing in the nearby swamp. Then enjoy a typical lunch, pool, hotel facilities, and beach time. Air-conditioned transport, a guide, and hotel pickup are included.
“Le bain de boue était amusant et original, on a bien rigolé. En revanche, on était vraiment entassés avec d’autres personnes, donc pas très intime. Après ça, on se baigne dans le lac à côté pour se rincer de la boue. Mais attention : il y a toujours quelqu’un qui vous propose de vous laver, de prendre une photo, ou de faire autre chose — et tout est payant. À la fin, plusieurs personnes vous entourent presque de force pour réclamer de l’argent. C’est un peu agressif et ça peut gâcher le moment. Bref, à faire pour l’expérience, mais prenez de la monnaie sur vous !”
Travel from Cartagena to El Totumo Mud Volcano and San Basilio de Palenque in one day. Miguel handles the drive and logistics, while local guides lead the Palenque visit, music, dance, medicine house, sweets tasting, and traditional lunch.
“If you’re visiting Cartagena, this tour is a must! Miguel, our guide, made the entire experience unforgettable with his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the culture. The volcanic mud bath was such a unique experience—we were the first ones there and had the place to ourselves, which made it even more special. The trip to Palenque was just as incredible; the music, history, and warmth of the people created a truly memorable experience. Everything was well organized, the transportation was comfortable, and Miguel ensured we had an amazing time. I would highly recommend it!!!”
Travel from Cartagena to Totumo Volcano for a 20-minute mud bath, guided background, and a possible beachside stop. Transport, entry, water or beer, and a bilingual guide are included, while massages, photos, and lagoon cleaning cost extra. Confirm the guide’s language before booking.
Spend seven hours traveling from Cartagena to El Totumo for a guided mud bath, a rinse in the nearby lake, and lunch at a Beach Club. English and Spanish guides provide safety help, belongings protection, and hotel or meeting-point pickup.
Pick a coastline, a mural or a coffee farm.
