Volcán del Totumo Mud Volcano - A view of Mt Etna in the clouds. After an eruption a day prior, the landscape covered with fresh ash and rock.
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Volcán del Totumo Mud Volcano

4.3
·3k reviews·Santa Catalina, Colombia

Immerse yourself in a natural mud volcano for a unique floating experience and skin-rejuvenating bath.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Volcán del Totumo Mud Volcano - A view of Mt Etna in the clouds. After an eruption a day prior, the landscape covered with fresh ash and rock.

Volcán del Totumo Mud Volcano

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Immerse yourself in a natural mud volcano for a unique floating experience and skin-rejuvenating bath.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"You can literally stand up in the mud and just float at shoulder level. It's just something you have to experience for yourself."

Vertical photo
TIP

Clarify Parking Fees

Ask about parking costs BEFORE you park. Locals set prices, which can be high. :moneybag:

Wear Old Swimwear

The mud is persistent! Wear an old swimsuit you don't mind getting stained. :swim_brief:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mud Bath Experience

The Mud Bath Experience

Top of the volcano

Float effortlessly in thick, buoyant mud. It's a truly unique sensation you won't find anywhere else!

Professional Rinse-Off

Professional Rinse-Off

Natural lake below the volcano

Local 'bathers' will help you wash off the mud in the refreshing lake waters.

Scenic Surroundings

Scenic Surroundings

En route to the volcano

The journey to the volcano offers glimpses of the local landscape and rural life.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Mud (and the Cost!)

Prepare for a unique mud bath experience at Volcán del Totumo. While the mud itself is a novelty, be aware that locals often set their own prices for services like parking and mud removal. Clarify costs upfront to avoid surprises. Reddit

Post-Mud Management

The mud is known to linger! Pack an old swimsuit and be prepared to find traces of mud in unexpected places for days. A thorough rinse is essential after your volcanic dip. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sun is warm, good for rinsing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¡Conocí el Volcán de Totumo! ¿Tú te meterías? #colombia #cartagenadeindias #volcandetotumo #volcandelodo #turismo #quevisitar #mexicano
@ivangarcia.s
312K likes • 4.9M views

Clarify Parking Fees

Ask about parking costs BEFORE you park. Locals set prices, which can be high. Reddit :moneybag:

Wear Old Swimwear

The mud is persistent! Wear an old swimsuit you don't mind getting stained. :swim_brief:

It’s a Colombian tradition in Cartegna to enjoy the relaxing mud massage while in the Totumo volcano! 🌋 Travel there from Cartegna is approximately one hour and it’s very inexpensive to enjoy the mud. After the experience it’s a short walk down to the river to remove the mud.
@francety
179.5K likes • 14.3M views
Ever soaked in a volcano? 🌋✨ Volcán del Totumo is one of Cartagena’s most unique experiences, a natural mud bath said to have healing properties. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s unforgettable! Our July Cartagena Takeover 2026 trip is your chance to experience it with us. Ready to join? Tap the link in bio to secure your spot 🌍✈️ #VolcanDelTotumo #CartagenaColombia #InspireMe2Travel #Cart...
inspireme2travel
8 likes • 443 views

Embrace the Novelty

It's a one-of-a-kind experience. Go with an open mind and enjoy the unique sensation! :star2:

Expect 'Assistants'

Locals offer services like mud removal and photography. Agree on prices beforehand. :camerawithflash:

🌋🪨 VOLCÁN DEL TOTUMO - CARTAGENA DE INDIAS 🌋🪨 👉🏻 El Volcán se encuentra ubicando en Santa Catalina, Bolíva. Es uno de los atractivos de Cartagena. ya que para muchos visitantes es un paso obligatorio por este lugar. Los viajes llegan a este volcán de lodo por sus propiedades curativas v relajantes. Dentro del volcán podrán tomar un baño de lodo que lo relajara y además exfoliará la piel. Luego po...
safetravelcartagena
29 likes • 3.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Clarify Parking Fees

Ask about parking costs BEFORE you park. Locals set prices, which can be high. Reddit :moneybag:

Wear Old Swimwear

The mud is persistent! Wear an old swimsuit you don't mind getting stained. :swim_brief:

Embrace the Novelty

It's a one-of-a-kind experience. Go with an open mind and enjoy the unique sensation! :star2:

Expect 'Assistants'

Locals offer services like mud removal and photography. Agree on prices beforehand. :camerawithflash:

Rinse Thoroughly

You'll be finding mud for days if you don't rinse well in the lake. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe Volcán del Totumo as a truly unique and unforgettable experience, highlighting the incredible buoyancy of the mud and the novelty of floating. Many appreciate the natural setting and the feeling of rejuvenated skin afterward. However, some find the experience a bit disorganized and warn about unexpected costs for local services and parking, advising clear negotiation upfront.

"It was a great experience like nothing else. You can literally stand up in the mud and just float at shoulder level. It's just something you have to experience for yourself."

Jon Womack

"Such a fun experience! Do It!

You'll be finding mud in places you thought was clean for days afterwards. 😆"

Qiana Bridges

"The experience is one in a lifetime! You will enter the destination in a seemingly obscure location. You will then scale a two story volcano into a small pit that is more that 2,000 feet deep. Once you finish your volcano bath you will go down to the natural lake to be rinsed off by professional bathers. There are people there to assist you in all ways, for example: bather's, photographers, assistants, food and beverages."

Amber Petree

What People Like

Unique floating sensation
Skin feels soft
One-of-a-kind experience

What People Dislike

Unexpected costs
Mud is hard to remove

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Volcán del Totumo is about an hour's drive from Cartagena. Many visitors opt for organized tours which include transportation. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Turbaco and then arrange local transport to the volcano. Reddit

Reviews are mixed. Some find it a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, while others feel it's not worth the journey unless you're already passing by. Consider your interest in unusual natural attractions. Reddit

Wear an old swimsuit or clothing you don't mind getting stained with mud, as it can be difficult to remove. Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after your rinse. :swim_brief:

Yes, you can drive. However, be aware that parking fees are set by locals and can be expensive. It's advisable to confirm the price before parking. Reddit :car:

Absolutely! It's a popular half-day trip from Cartagena, often combined with other nearby attractions like beaches. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There isn't a formal ticket booth. Entry is generally free, but you'll be expected to pay for services like parking, mud assistance, and the rinse-off. Clarify all costs upfront. Reddit

The volcano is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully experience the mud bath and rinse-off. There are no official opening or closing times posted.

While entry itself is often free, expect to pay for parking, assistance from locals in the mud, and the rinse-off service. Prices can vary, so negotiate beforehand. Reddit

Yes, numerous tour operators in Cartagena offer day trips to Volcán del Totumo, often including transportation and sometimes lunch. This can be a convenient option. Reddit

Facilities are basic. You'll find natural lake water for rinsing and locals offering assistance. Don't expect luxurious bathrooms or changing rooms. Reddit

🎫 🧽 Onsite Experience

The mud is thick, warm, and incredibly buoyant. You can literally stand up in it and float at shoulder level. It's a unique sensation unlike any other. Reddit

You'll typically climb a short, steep path or stairs to reach the mud pit at the top of the conical hill. Locals are usually on hand to help guide you. Reddit

After enjoying the mud, you'll descend to a natural lake where local 'bathers' will help you wash off the mud. Reddit

Many visitors report that their skin feels softer and smoother after the mud bath. The minerals in the mud are believed to have beneficial properties. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos. Some locals offer photography services for a fee. Be mindful of your belongings, especially if you're taking pictures while in the mud. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, local vendors often sell snacks and drinks. Some tours may also include lunch at a nearby beach club or restaurant. Reddit

Bringing your own water is recommended, especially on a hot day. Food options are available for purchase if you don't bring your own. :water_wave:

While there aren't many formal restaurants directly at the volcano, many tours include a stop at a beach club or restaurant for lunch after the mud bath experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Volcán del Totumo can be a fun and memorable experience for families, offering a unique sensory adventure. The buoyancy of the mud is often a hit with children, allowing them to float with ease. However, parents should be mindful of the mud's stickiness and ensure children wear old swimwear. The climb up the volcano is short but can be steep, so younger children might need assistance. It's also wise to clarify any costs for assistance or rinsing services beforehand to manage expectations. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Volcán del Totumo presents a unique challenge. While the 'entry' is often free, the costs for parking and local assistance can add up quickly. It's essential to negotiate prices for services like mud removal and rinsing before they are rendered. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially have more leverage in negotiations. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help save money. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The visual aspect of Volcán del Totumo is certainly unique, with people covered in mud against a natural backdrop. While you can take your own photos, be extremely cautious with your camera or phone, as they can easily get covered in mud. Some locals offer photography services, which might be a safer bet if you want high-quality shots without risking your equipment. Ensure you agree on a price for these services beforehand. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Mud Bath Experience

Volcán del Totumo offers a truly singular experience: immersing yourself in a natural mud volcano. The mud is exceptionally dense and buoyant, allowing visitors to float effortlessly, often with only their heads above the surface. This natural phenomenon is a key draw for those seeking unusual travel adventures. The conical hill itself is about 15 meters high, and the mud pit at its summit is said to be over 2,000 feet deep, though this is likely an exaggeration. The sensation of being suspended in the thick, warm mud is described as both relaxing and invigorating. Reddit

Navigating Local Services and Costs

A significant aspect of visiting Volcán del Totumo involves interacting with the local community who offer various services. These can include assistance climbing the volcano, helping you get into and out of the mud, and providing the crucial rinse-off in the nearby lake. Photographers are also often available. However, it's crucial to be aware that these services are not priced officially. Locals tend to set their own rates, which can sometimes be higher than expected, particularly for parking. Travelers strongly advise clarifying all costs before agreeing to any service to avoid unexpected expenses upon departure. Reddit

Post-Mud Practicalities

Be prepared for the mud's tenacity! The thick, mineral-rich mud clings to everything and can be challenging to wash off completely. It's highly recommended to wear an old swimsuit or clothing that you don't mind getting permanently stained. After your mud bath, you'll be rinsed in a natural lake by local attendants. While this helps, some visitors report finding traces of mud in their belongings or even on their skin for days afterward. Bringing a separate towel and a change of clothes is essential for comfort after the experience. Reddit

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