Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano)
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano)
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano)
4
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Take a slippery staircase up a small hill to reach the pit of this active mud volcano and float in the viscous volcanic mud said to have healing properties. Get some great photos taken of you, enjoy a massage, and you’ll get all the help you need to clean the mud off at the end. Prepare small notes as you are expected to tip.
Wear a bathing suit and footwear that you’re happy to get dirty, as the mud can stain and may impart a lingering and unpleasant smell. Most people visit as part of a day tour or by taxi from Cartagena. – Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,475 reviews
Excellent
541
Very good
465
Average
259
Poor
103
Terrible
107
Cass H
15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
This was so much fun. Our guide Franklyn and Jesus did a great job. We got there early in the morning, got a quick snack and went to play in the mud. You also get a massage while in the mud. Fun and therapeutic experience. I don’t regret it.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vickie W
3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We went by ourselves instead of a tour group. There was no one else there, which was good as we didn't have to wait, but bad because everybody came at us to "help us" with our adventure. It is a "nickel and dime"place, and they will do anything to separate your from your money, so if you are on a tight budget, you may think twice about going.
The mud was very low, and we had to climb down some very slippery steps to get into and out of the mud. My shoulder is still a little sore from the pulling up to get out.
My recommendation is to go with a group, but then you will have to wait to get into the mud. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. You can opt for a shower(for a price, of course), which is what we did instead of the lagoon
The mud was very low, and we had to climb down some very slippery steps to get into and out of the mud. My shoulder is still a little sore from the pulling up to get out.
My recommendation is to go with a group, but then you will have to wait to get into the mud. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. You can opt for a shower(for a price, of course), which is what we did instead of the lagoon
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sammi_fleming
8 contributions
Mar 2023
So much fun! A very interesting experience, bring change to tip your guides and those who help you at the volcano along the way. Wear a bathing suit that you don't mind getting dirty.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cartagena Auténtica Experiences
Cartagena, Colombia26 contributions
May 2022
In this experience we head to El Totumo or mud volcano where you will have a therapy with volcanic mud with healing powers, that will have a very positive effect in your skin, and finally we go to a fishermen village to enjoy a typical lunch at a local restaurant. The Most loved by locals.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacy B
15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is a major tourist trap. It’s not appropriate for kids as we witnessed the men giving women highly sexual massages and then exchanging numbers/money with women. I’m not sure how this seedy behavior is allowed to continue. Do not visit this muddy hot tub full of testosterone! The women who wash the mud off pulled off my boyfriend’s shorts as well.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jorge
Vina del Mar, Chile2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This is absolutely amazing. Great place to visit for a couple of hours. *you need to make sure if the tour has Mansanillo beach included*
The only cons is that people there is way too insistent on askig for tips. *you need to give tips separately to the picture taker guy, to the mud massage guy, to the body cleansing lady and even the boy that takea your shoos from one spot to another*
The only cons is that people there is way too insistent on askig for tips. *you need to give tips separately to the picture taker guy, to the mud massage guy, to the body cleansing lady and even the boy that takea your shoos from one spot to another*
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gabrielle
Bronx, NY80 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
First things first, i 300% recommend doing this on your own as opposed to going with a group. We paid a taxi to go and stay, we had a special service taxi from the hotel so it was a little bit more pricey for “luxury” but you are definitely better finding a cab (look for ones with tinted windows they seem to have better air conditioner lol )
Second,
We went around 1 pm and as we were driving it started to DOWNPOUR literally scary rain. BUT in our favor when we got there EVERYONE but 1 person was gone and out of the mud. So we were able to experience it without 50 people inside.
I recommend wearing sandals you don’t really care about, i wore adidas slides and sadly couldn’t get the smell of mud out of them and ultimately left them in Colombia at the end of our trip.
Walking up is a little dangerous you can 100% slip and get hurt so go up slow. The people there were helpful making sure we got up safely.
The mud was .. interesting. You can’t sink only FLOAT! it’s hard to swim or walk because you can’t do what feels normal to your body in pool of liquid lol. I avoided putting it on my face because i knew i had to rinse it off in the water at the bottom. We gave the guy our phone and he took SO MANY AWESOME pics and videos. Literally he was not shy and got every shot!
Coming down the volcano is scary because you are so slippery i kept thinking i was going to slip and slide down, but i didn’t the guys put sand down on my feet.
Here’s where my 5 stars go to 4, and it’s not because of service because the people who work there were nice, they do try to massage you but i just told them no and they kinda left us alone.
We walked to a legit swamp…. A swamp! Now i wasn’t expecting showers BUT maybe a hose ? Nope a legit swamp. The ladies who wash you are very nice BUT that water really skeeved me out. There were Lilly pads in the water and i just got very grossed out i was so happy i didn’t put it on my face! Because that water on my face was sure to give me a stomach ache if it got in my mouth. Also she stripped my boyfriend and washed his shorts. LOL no joke he was naked, it was funny but i was more concerned with parasites and bugs and frogs Than these two older women seeing him naked lol
We tipped every one in pesos since it’s hard for them to exchange dollars.
Overall it was a very interesting experience!
Second,
We went around 1 pm and as we were driving it started to DOWNPOUR literally scary rain. BUT in our favor when we got there EVERYONE but 1 person was gone and out of the mud. So we were able to experience it without 50 people inside.
I recommend wearing sandals you don’t really care about, i wore adidas slides and sadly couldn’t get the smell of mud out of them and ultimately left them in Colombia at the end of our trip.
Walking up is a little dangerous you can 100% slip and get hurt so go up slow. The people there were helpful making sure we got up safely.
The mud was .. interesting. You can’t sink only FLOAT! it’s hard to swim or walk because you can’t do what feels normal to your body in pool of liquid lol. I avoided putting it on my face because i knew i had to rinse it off in the water at the bottom. We gave the guy our phone and he took SO MANY AWESOME pics and videos. Literally he was not shy and got every shot!
Coming down the volcano is scary because you are so slippery i kept thinking i was going to slip and slide down, but i didn’t the guys put sand down on my feet.
Here’s where my 5 stars go to 4, and it’s not because of service because the people who work there were nice, they do try to massage you but i just told them no and they kinda left us alone.
We walked to a legit swamp…. A swamp! Now i wasn’t expecting showers BUT maybe a hose ? Nope a legit swamp. The ladies who wash you are very nice BUT that water really skeeved me out. There were Lilly pads in the water and i just got very grossed out i was so happy i didn’t put it on my face! Because that water on my face was sure to give me a stomach ache if it got in my mouth. Also she stripped my boyfriend and washed his shorts. LOL no joke he was naked, it was funny but i was more concerned with parasites and bugs and frogs Than these two older women seeing him naked lol
We tipped every one in pesos since it’s hard for them to exchange dollars.
Overall it was a very interesting experience!
Written 10 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Johanna
5 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
There isn’t an itinerary listed so here it is:
- Pick you up at your hotel
- drive to the volcano
- enter mud volcano + rinse off in nearby lake area
(there are lockers, bathrooms and open showers)
- visit salt ocean where the salt crystalizes
- eat at delicious restaurant (chicken or fish)
- drop off at hotel
When you enter the mud volcano there are men there that will massage you (they do not touch you inappropriately and work on tips)
You give your phone to a man who will take al the photos and videos you wish for tips
It was an absolute wonderful tour, so much to do and a once in a lifetime experience!
**I suggest not wearing a super nice bathing suit, my bathing suit turned from a nice red to a dark burgundy, a girl’s bathing suit was originally yellow and turned green from the mud**
Bring sandals not sneakers or else you will be walking down to the lake on hard rocks
Also bring small bills to tip the massage/phone guys, they live off of this!
- Pick you up at your hotel
- drive to the volcano
- enter mud volcano + rinse off in nearby lake area
(there are lockers, bathrooms and open showers)
- visit salt ocean where the salt crystalizes
- eat at delicious restaurant (chicken or fish)
- drop off at hotel
When you enter the mud volcano there are men there that will massage you (they do not touch you inappropriately and work on tips)
You give your phone to a man who will take al the photos and videos you wish for tips
It was an absolute wonderful tour, so much to do and a once in a lifetime experience!
**I suggest not wearing a super nice bathing suit, my bathing suit turned from a nice red to a dark burgundy, a girl’s bathing suit was originally yellow and turned green from the mud**
Bring sandals not sneakers or else you will be walking down to the lake on hard rocks
Also bring small bills to tip the massage/phone guys, they live off of this!
Written 14 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elaine M
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The mud volcano is so cool! I went on my own (had my hotel front desk arrange a driver - not expensive) which was way better than with a tour as there weren't very many people there. The mud pit is very small. It feels like you're suspended in pudding, super wild. When you get there, leave everything in the car, including your shoes and towel, except your phone/camera. Otherwise someone will want a tip for watching your shoes while you're in the mud pit. You'll go up the stairs to the mud pit, get massaged and hang out, then go into the lake where a lady will wash you off. You will be expected to tip this lady and your guide - about $2 each, per person. (Don't worry about bringing money to the lake/mud pit, they'll come find you after you dry off.) There are changing stalls for afterwards. If you go on your own bring money for the entrance fee. They also sell snacks and beers etc there.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terri
Baltimore, MD26 contributions
Nov 2019
I loved this experience. Me and my friends climb the steps and got the best mud bath I ever had. The locals were very nice and carried all our belongings and took pictures for us. Once I got in the mud, I got a massage and it was heaven. After we got out we went down to the river and got washed off. It was an experience I will never forget and if you visit Cartagena. You have to take this tour.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Real_in_NYC
New York City, NY86 contributions
Is it accessible? If you have trouble walking distances (more than 2 blocks) and with stairs, is this trip for you?
Real_in_NYC
New York City, NY86 contributions
Is it accessible? If you have trouble walking distances (more than 2 blocks) and with stairs, is this trip for you?
Are you able to just take a taxi there yourself or are you only allowed to go with a bus tour? We are visiting on a cruise and will need to be back to the port by 2:00 PM.
DMG
171 contributions
You can take a taxi but it's probably better value to take a tour
Was anyone daring enough to have the helpers there completely push them under the mud? Anyone post pics or videos of that?
DMG
171 contributions
When I was there the helpers were not offering to do this. It's not advisable imo to put your head under due to the impossibility of then removing it from your eyes.
Veeral S
Decatur, GA
Hello,
We are looking to book 9 people. The website only allows 8. Who should I contact to book for 9 ppl?
Tawny R
Salem, OR57 contributions
I’m not sure. We booked through Viator tours. You could maybe rent a driver with large van. Maybe your accommodations could tell you best way to get that many people
Can you go on your own in a taxi? I’m in Barranquilla so I have no options to go with your guide.
jessamyn t
5 contributions
Sure, but it is a good bit far from the city. You may want to try and join a group that's already going.
priscillapeete
Fort Lauderdale, FL2 contributions
Are you allowed to video record the mud bath experience?
CinthyaFHL
Ajman, United Arab Emirates32 contributions
Yes, you give your camera to a guide and they will record it for you.
Qué ropa llevo al volcán y al tour del yate.viajo el lunes. Soy una mujer madura
luberth123
Hialeah, FL1 contribution
Ropa muy ligera, vestido y salida de baño si va a meterse a la piscina de lodo.
Simone D
81 contributions
We stay in Cartagena and consider to drive to the mud volcano by bike - is that possible? (And safe)?
Can you pay for the “entrance” at the volcano if you find your own way to get there?
VOLCAN DE LODO EL TOTUMO (MUD VOLCANO) (Cartagena) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano)
- Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano) is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 43 Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano):
- Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena (From S$65.10)
- Lodotherapy in the Totumo Volcano with Visit to Galerazamba (From S$47.83)
- Full-Day Mud Volcano and Indigena's Town (Galerazamba) from Cartagena (From S$75.73)
- Half Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena (From S$53.14)
- Totumo Volcano Private Transportation from Cartagena (From S$126.22)
- Hotels near Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano):
- (0.12 km) Hotel 3 Banderas Manzanillo Del Mar
- (0.13 km) Hospedaje 31-235
- (0.72 km) Apartamento Cartagena Edificio Conquistador
- (9.23 km) Hotel Cartagena Plaza
- (9.24 km) Hotel Boutique Casa Isabel
- Restaurants near Volcan de Lodo El Totumo (Mud Volcano):
- (0.68 km) Friggi Friggi
- (9.13 km) Restaurante Kokaú
- (9.52 km) El Arsenal: The Rum Box
- (9.16 km) DKP Restaurante Bar
- (10.02 km) Restaurante 1621