Colombia · MUD VOLCANO TOURS
You climb a small volcano and lower yourself into warm grey mud with a dozen strangers. The 8 below cover transport from Cartagena, what the washing-off arrangement is, and price.
Travel from Cartagena to Santa Catalina, climb 50 steps, and float in the thick mineral mud of Totumo Volcano. Guides such as Franklin, Miguel, Jose, and Angel explain the process in English or Spanish. Afterward, wash in the lake and enjoy an empanada or arepa with a drink.
“It was such a good unique experience we will definitely do it again, our guid Franky was so helpful.”
Leave Cartagena at 8:00 a.m. for El Totumo, where you float in thick, body-temperature mud before rinsing at the Ciénaga. Then enjoy lunch and use of the pool and beach at an eco-hotel. Guides such as Nevis, David, and Yeniffer are praised for clear instructions. Expect a small, crowded site and extra charges for photos, massages, and washing.
“Vanessa was very experienced and knowledgeable. Made my friends and I feel welcomed. Translated all instructions in English for us so we were aware of all extra fees. The actual mud bath is pretty small compared to what we thought it would be. It was definitely something to experience.”
Spend seven hours from Cartagena at Totumo Volcano, floating in a 15-minute mud bath before lunch and time at a private beach club with pools, hammocks, swings, and beach access. A bilingual guide explains each step and helps you handle optional local services and tips. Hotel pickup is included outside the historic center.
“One of the best tours we did in all of Colombia. Beach club and lunch afterwards made it better than all the other tours.”
Travel by air-conditioned bus from Cartagena to Totumo Volcano with an English and Spanish-speaking guide such as Eliana, Samuel, or Liliana. Float in warm medicinal mud for up to 15 minutes, then enjoy lunch, pools, hammocks, and beach access at Arena Beach Hotel. Expect a rustic site and optional local services.
“The meal that was included in the tour. Lunch and the cocktail was amazing and delicious. The hostess Liliana was amazing and kind. She gave a brief background of the history and clear instructions of what we needed to do. The captain was also very kind and friendly. I definitely want to book another trip with them! I loved it all the way. Best experience so far! 😁”
Leave Cartagena at 6:00 AM for El Totumo’s therapeutic mud bath, then continue to San Basilio de Palenque. Guides such as Miguel, Moses, and Abraham lead visits to the museum, medicine house, boxing monument, music and dance performances, candy makers, and a traditional lunch. Expect a long, active day with local food and plenty of cultural contact.
“Tour exceeded my expectations! It was an amazing mixture of cultural history and relaxation. My tour guide Leandro was prompt in picking me up from my hotel. We arrived at the mud volcano and we were the only one there! It was a very relaxing experience and the breakfast offered was scrumptious. Palenque was a very informative tour and the lunch served was very scrumptious. This tour is a must do !”
Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Cartagena to Volcán del Totumo with an English-speaking guide such as Andrés, Omar, or Arleibby. You’ll float in warm volcanic mud, receive an optional-feeling local massage, rinse at a lagoon, and enjoy a cold drink. Early pickup gives you the quietest visit.
“On time. - just as described, good communication - air conditioned car out and back - would do again”
Ride in an air-conditioned private vehicle from Cartagena to Totumo Mud Volcano, climb a short staircase, and float in its thick mineral mud. Early departures help you beat the crowds. Local workers may take photos, massage you, carry your belongings, and wash off the mud for tips. English and Spanish support is available.
“The activity was good, we avoided the crowds and got round trip transportation from our Airbnb to Totumo Volcano. The guide was friendly and the entire excursion took about 3 hours (including transportation). This was a nice way to visit Totumo! The volcano itself was fun and really cool to be able to float. Bring cash for tips or tell them no thank you.”
Leave Cartagena for Totumo Volcano on a six-hour guided trip with air-conditioned transport, entrance, a 20-minute mud bath, and water or a national beer. Expect optional fees for massages, photos, and lagoon cleaning. The guide may explain the site in Spanish with phone translation rather than fluent English.
A coast, a city, or a hillside full of coffee.
