Cartagena: Totumo Mud Volcano Day Trip & Local Lunch

Summary

Float in warm mud at Totumo volcano then rinse off in the lagoon before a beachside Cartagena lunch

You’ll float weightless in the Totumo Mud Volcano near Cartagena, laugh with locals as you rinse off in a riverside lagoon, then share a typical lunch at an eco hotel by the beach. With pickup included and a guide who explains why this odd ritual matters here, it’s a day for getting messy—and letting go.

What’s the experience like?

Fingers dipped into gray mud, I hesitated—then our guide Luis grinned and just waded right in. The Totumo Mud Volcano outside Cartagena isn’t much to look at from the road, honestly, but once you’re up there (the steps are slippery, go slow), it’s like being let in on a local secret. You slide into this thick, warm mud—lighter than you’d expect—and suddenly you’re floating, giggling with strangers while someone offers to snap your photo. It smells earthy but not bad, and the way the mud clings makes everyone look equally ridiculous. Luis explained how locals believe the minerals are good for your skin; I still think my elbows felt softer after.

After enough time bobbing around (and trying not to get any in my mouth), we shuffled down toward the swampy lagoon nearby. There’s no fancy changing room—just women from the village who help you rinse off with buckets of water, laughing when you miss a spot behind your ear. My Spanish is terrible but they understood my gratitude anyway. The sun was already high by then and everything smelled like wet earth and river plants; I remember feeling both sticky and oddly refreshed.

The last stop was this eco hotel for lunch—nothing fancy, just grilled fish with coconut rice and fried plantain, but it tasted better than anything after that muddy swim. We could use the pool or wander down to the beach if we wanted; I mostly sat under a palm tree picking mud out of my hair and talking with another traveler about whether we’d ever do something like this back home (probably not). It’s one of those Cartagena day trips that sounds strange on paper but sticks with you long after—especially that feeling of weightlessness in the volcano. Still makes me smile thinking about it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mud Volcano visit and lunch

• Receive educational talk at Mud Volcano
• Enjoy mud therapy and massages
• Remove mud and bathe in the swamp
• Travel to Eco hotel
• Have typical Cartagena lunch
• Use hotel facilities and relax

Top questions

How far is Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena?

The Totumo Mud Volcano is located outside Cartagena; travel time varies but expect about 45 minutes by vehicle.

Is lunch included on this Cartagena mud volcano tour?

Yes, lunch is included at an eco hotel after your visit to the volcano and lagoon.

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

No special gear required—just swimwear and maybe an extra towel or change of clothes.

Is there somewhere to rinse off after being in the mud?

Yes, after leaving the volcano you’ll be guided to a nearby swamp where locals help you wash off the mud.

Can anyone do this tour? Is it physically demanding?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide provides educational talks; Spanish is spoken but some English may be available depending on group needs.

Are photos allowed inside Totumo Mud Volcano?

Yes, you can take photos inside the volcano; sometimes locals offer to help take pictures too.

What’s included

Your day covers travel insurance assistance throughout, guided entry to Totumo Mud Volcano with plenty of time for floating and photos, all transport between stops including pickup from your location, plus a typical Cartagena lunch at an eco hotel where you can relax by the pool or beach before heading back.