Cartagena / Totumo Volcano: Mud Bath Tour with Pickup

Summary

Mud Volcano Experience with Local Guide & Relaxing Massage

Float weightlessly in the warm mud of Totumo Volcano near Cartagena, guided by locals who know every story behind this place. From hotel pickup to a muddy massage and a quick rinse at the lagoon, you’ll get an experience that’s messy, funny, and surprisingly relaxing — one you’ll remember every time you see a splash of gray on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the line of flip-flops at the base of El Totumo. The air was sticky, and my nerves were louder than the chatter around me. Our guide, Andrés, grinned and handed me a locker key like it was no big deal. “You’ll float,” he promised, which sounded impossible until I actually slid into that warm, gray mud. It’s thicker than you think — like pudding mixed with clay — and there’s this odd silence once you’re inside, just the soft plop of someone else settling in nearby.

There’s a moment when you realize you can’t sink, no matter how much you try to touch the bottom (I did try). A local woman massaged my shoulders with practiced hands while telling me about her family’s history with the volcano — apparently her grandmother used to work here too. The mud is supposed to be good for your skin and hair; I’m not sure about that but it definitely made my arms feel weirdly buoyant for hours after. Getting out is a bit awkward — slippery steps and everyone laughing at themselves or each other. There’s a little station where women help rinse off the mud with buckets of water from the lagoon nearby; it’s brisk and kind of shocking but honestly refreshing after all that warmth.

The drive back to Cartagena was quiet — maybe everyone else was replaying their own clumsy moments in the crater or just enjoying the AC after all that sun. I kept thinking about how strange it felt to trust gravity in a place like that, surrounded by strangers who suddenly didn’t feel so strange anymore. If you’re looking for something different from the usual city tours, this day trip to Totumo Mud Volcano is probably it. Not perfect, but real — and I still catch myself smiling at how ridiculous we all looked covered head-to-toe in gray mud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Totumo Mud Volcano

• Pickup from hotel and transfer to Totumo volcano
• Lodotherapy session at Totumo volcano headquarters
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How far is Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena?

It’s about an hour’s drive from Cartagena to Totumo Mud Volcano.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your booking.

What should I bring for the mud volcano tour?

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sandals or flip-flops, and some cash for tips or snacks.

Are there showers available after getting out of the mud?

Yes, showers are available at the headquarters near Totumo Volcano for rinsing off after your mud bath.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed but infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Does this day trip include entrance fees?

Yes, entrance to Totumo Mud Volcano is included in your tour price.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; only mud massage and access to facilities are part of the package.

Do I need to be physically fit for this activity?

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

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Cartagena by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees for Totumo Mud Volcano, use of lockers and changing rooms at our headquarters, a local mud massage inside the crater itself, plus showers and help removing all that stubborn gray sludge before heading back home again.