Cartagena: El Totumo Mud Volcano Day Trip with Beach Club

Summary

Floating in warm mud near Cartagena then rinsing off at a quiet beach

You’ll float weightlessly in El Totumo Mud Volcano’s mineral-rich mud before rinsing off in a natural lake with help from local women. If you choose the full day trip from Cartagena, you’ll also unwind at a laid-back beach club nearby — expect laughter, warmth from your guides, and skin that feels different for days.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start my day outside Cartagena by stripping down and climbing a wooden staircase into what looked like a giant molehill. But that’s El Totumo Mud Volcano for you — it’s not really a volcano, more like a 50-foot mound bubbling with thick, warm mud. Our guide, Luis, grinned as he handed us over to the local guys perched at the top. “Just relax,” he said, which is easy for someone who isn’t about to sink (or so I thought) into a pool of grayish goo.

The first step into the crater was weirdly cold on my feet but then suddenly warm and heavy around my legs. You can’t sink — the mud just holds you up. It’s hard to describe how it feels except maybe like floating in pudding? There were ten of us in there, all giggling or just staring at our hands covered in slick mud. A woman named Marta offered massages right there in the pit; I hesitated but ended up saying yes, mostly because she had this gentle way of asking that made it feel rude not to. My skin felt oddly tingly after — maybe from the minerals or maybe just from laughing so much.

Getting out is its own adventure. The locals help you up (and yeah, they’ll expect a tip — bring small bills). Then you shuffle down to the lake where women wait with buckets and big smiles to rinse you off. The water was cool and smelled faintly earthy, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that mud. I tried thanking them in Spanish; they laughed and corrected me gently.

If you pick the longer tour option, there’s time at a beach club nearby — plastic chairs in the sand, fried fish on paper plates, kids running past with kites. It’s not polished or fancy but honestly that’s what I liked most about it. By late afternoon when we drove back toward Cartagena, I kept touching my arm just to check if my skin really was as soft as everyone promised. It kind of was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mud Volcano and Beach Club Visit

• Pick up at hotel 7:30-8:00 am
• Travel to El Totumo Mud Volcano
• Climb stairs and enter mud crater
• Float and relax in mineral-rich mud
• Visit beach club for relaxation
• Enjoy beach and local atmosphere

Top questions

How far is El Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena?

It’s about an hour’s drive northeast of Cartagena by minivan.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included between 7:30 am and 8:00 am.

Do I need to bring anything special for the mud bath?

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy; leave valuables on the bus for safety.

Are massages inside the volcano included?

No, massages are offered by locals inside the crater for an extra tip if you want one.

How do you clean off after the mud bath?

You’ll be guided to a nearby lake where local women help rinse off the mud (tips appreciated).

Is lunch provided during this tour?

A snack is included; if you choose the beach club option, food can be purchased there.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

Who runs El Totumo Mud Volcano tourism?

The local community of Santa Catalina manages all tourism activities at El Totumo.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Cartagena, entry to El Totumo Mud Volcano with guidance from locals and your driver-guide Luis (or someone equally friendly), plus a snack along the way. If you opt for more time, transfers take you to a relaxed beach club where you can enjoy simple food and soak up some sun before heading back.