Mud Volcano in Cartagena: Float in Mineral-Rich Sludge & Lunch

Float weightless in warm mineral mud, then wash it off in a lagoon surrounded by mangrove

This activity takes you to El Totumo Mud Volcano on Isla Grande, where you float in naturally warm, mineral-rich sludge for therapeutic relaxation, then rinse in a freshwater lagoon and eat a typical Cartagena lunch at a beachside eco-hotel. Roundtrip transport from the Clock Tower in Cartagena's historic center, entrance to the volcano, a guide in English or Spanish, and five hours total are included. You need your full name and passport number for travel insurance assistance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mud Volcano tour with lunch

• Meet at Clock Tower
• Transfer to mud volcano
• Enjoy mud therapy
• Remove mud in swamp
• Transfer to Beach Club
• Have lunch and relax
• Return to hotels

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport from the Clock Tower in Cartagena's historic center.
• entrance to El Totumo Mud Volcano.
• guided accompaniment in English or Spanish.
• lunch at the beachside eco-hotel with access to pool and beach areas.
• travel insurance assistance.

Times

• Every day 08:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 15 2 private ›

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Pets welcome Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Unique Travel Colombia

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

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The experience

The mud at El Totumo is not a gimmick. It is genuinely buoyant, rich in minerals that locals say ease muscle tension and soften skin. You float in it the way you would in salt water, lying back without effort while the sludge supports your weight. The volcano itself is a crater filled with warm mud that rises and falls slightly, a geological oddity that works as a natural spa. After you have spent time in the mud, you wade into a nearby lagoon to rinse off, surrounded by mangrove and the sound of the Caribbean.

Transport picks you up from the Clock Tower (the main entrance to Cartagena's walled historic center) starting at 8:00 a.m., with pickups continuing through the northern hotel zones. The drive to Isla Grande takes you out of the city, and the whole experience runs about five hours from start to return. A guide travels with you in English or Spanish, explaining what you are walking into and what the minerals do. The volcano is accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. The minimum age is 15.

After the lagoon rinse, you move to lunch at a large eco-hotel on the island with pool access and beach areas. The meal is a traditional Cartagena spread, and you have free time to rest, swim or walk the grounds before the return trip to your hotel. The activity is short enough to fit alongside other plans in Cartagena (you are back by early afternoon), and the mud and lagoon make for striking photographs.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly happens when you float in the mud at El Totumo?

The mud at El Totumo is naturally buoyant and warm, so you float on your back without sinking, the way you would in salt water. The sludge is rich in minerals that locals believe ease muscle tension and soften skin. You spend time relaxing in the crater, then wade into a freshwater lagoon nearby to rinse off before moving on to lunch.

Where does the pickup happen in Cartagena, and what time does it start?

Pickup starts at 8:00 a.m. from the Clock Tower, which is the main entrance to the walled historic center. The driver continues picking up travelers from hotel zones in the northern part of the city before heading to Isla Grande.

Is there time to swim or rest after lunch?

Yes. After you rinse off and eat lunch at the beachside eco-hotel, you have free time to use the pool, walk the beach, or rest in the common areas before the return drive to your hotel in Cartagena.

What do I need to bring or know before booking?

You will need your full name and passport number to add to the travel insurance assistance that is included with the activity. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is suitable for all fitness levels. The minimum age is 15.

How long is the whole experience, and when will I be back?

The activity runs about five hours total, including transport, mud time, the lagoon rinse, lunch and free time. Pickup starts at 8:00 a.m., so you are typically back at your hotel by early afternoon.

What is included in the price?

Roundtrip transport from Cartagena, entrance to El Totumo Mud Volcano, a guide in English or Spanish, lunch at the eco-hotel, and travel insurance assistance are all included. You have free time to enjoy the volcano and the beach facilities after eating.