Cartagena: Totumo Mud Volcano Private Tour & Snack Pickup

Summary

Cartagena’s floating mud volcanoes, laughter and a salty snack break

You’ll float effortlessly in warm volcanic mud at El Totumo near Cartagena, guided by locals who know every trick and story. Expect laughter, a quick massage if you want one, snacks like empanadas or arepas after your dip, and easy transport both ways. It’s messy fun that leaves you lighter somehow—maybe it’s the minerals or maybe just the mood.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really believe I’d float — not until I was halfway up the steps of El Totumo, mud volcano glinting weirdly under the sun. The air smelled faintly metallic, like wet clay after rain. Our guide, Dani (she wore a neon hat so we wouldn’t lose her), grinned and promised we wouldn’t sink. “Just lean back,” she said. So I did. And yeah — you actually can’t touch the bottom. It’s like being held up by invisible hands that smell sort of like earth and salt mixed together. There were a few locals around helping people in and out, laughing when someone tried to stand upright (impossible). They offered massages for a tip — my friend tried it and came out looking half asleep.

The whole thing felt surreal but oddly peaceful. You’re bobbing there with strangers who suddenly feel less strange because everyone’s giggling or making awkward faces as the mud squelches between fingers and toes. Dani told us about the minerals — magnesium, calcium, all that good stuff — while a woman from the village snapped photos on my phone (she had better angles than me). Afterward, we rinsed off in a lagoon that was cooler than I expected; I think I still had mud behind my ears hours later.

We finished with empanadas and arepas (honestly, nothing tastes better than salty fried dough after floating in mud), sitting under a plastic awning with soda cans sweating in our hands. The drive back to Cartagena was quiet — everyone sleepy or just staring out at the green fields sliding past. I keep thinking about how light everything felt for those couple of hours, even though we were covered in thick gray mud. If you’re looking for something different from the usual city buzz, this Totumo Mud Volcano day trip is… well, it’s hard to explain until you’re there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit and enjoy Lodo Volcano

• Arrive at Totumo Mud Volcano
• Learn about mud's healing properties
• Enter and float in the mud pool
• Optional: receive mud massage
• Take photos and videos with staff
• Remove mud with local assistance

Top questions

How far is Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena?

It’s about 45 minutes to 1 hour by car from Cartagena city center.

Is pickup included for this Totumo Mud Volcano tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

What should I wear to visit El Totumo?

Wear a swimsuit under light clothes; bring sandals and a towel for after.

Are massages at the volcano included?

No, massages are optional for an extra tip (about $3 USD per person).

Is food provided on this day trip?

Yes—each person gets two empanadas or arepas plus water or soda after the mud bath.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Do I need to be very fit for this activity?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended due to climbing steps and getting in/out of the volcano.

Who takes photos during the experience?

Local community members offer to take photos using your phone for a small tip if you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Cartagena, entrance tickets to El Totumo Mud Volcano, bilingual guiding throughout (Spanish/English), two empanadas or arepas plus water or soda per person after your soak—and plenty of help from locals if you want photos or even a quick massage before heading back home clean-ish but smiling.