Only about 15 kilometers southeast of Cartagena, in a small town called Santa Catalina (Bolívar), you’ll find the Totumo Mud Volcano — a quirky little spot that’s only 15 meters high, but super popular with visitors looking for something different. Every day, tourists leave behind Cartagena’s colonial vibes to jump into this muddy, mineral-rich pit. They call it a “healing soak,” and honestly, it’s kind of awesome.
So, What Is the Totumo Mud Volcano?
This isn’t your typical volcano. Instead of blowing out lava and ash, Totumo spits up warm, thick mud — a mix of water, sediment, and gas bubbling up from underground. Local legend says it used to be full of fire and evil spirits, but a priest came along, threw some holy water on it, and poof — now it’s a mud bath that supposedly cures everything.
To get into the crater, you’ll climb a rickety wooden staircase. Once you’re in, you just float — seriously, it’s impossible to sink. The mud’s so dense it holds you up like you’re on a giant squishy pillow. It’s weird at first, but super fun.
Quick Contact Form
What’s in the Mud (And Why People Love It)
This mud’s packed with minerals like silica, magnesium, aluminum, sulfur, iron, and a bunch more good stuff. People say it helps to:
- Exfoliate and clean your skin
- Improve blood flow
- Ease muscle and joint pain
- Make your skin feel soft and firm
It’s not exactly a five-star spa, but tons of people say their skin feels crazy smooth after the dip.
What to Expect When You Go
How to Get There:
There are daily tours leaving Cartagena in comfy, air-conditioned buses. Trips usually take 4 to 6 hours and cost somewhere between $29 and $60 USD. If you want more freedom, you can grab a private taxi for around 200,000 COP (about $50 USD).
What the Experience Looks Like:
- Lock up your stuff in a tiny locker
- Climb the stairs to the volcano
- Hop in and float in the mud — massages inside cost around $1–2 USD
- Rinse off in the nearby lake, where local women help wash off the mud (a small tip is expected)
Pro Tips & What to Bring
- Wear an old swimsuit — the mud might stain your clothes for good
- Be ready for the smell — it’s kinda like rotten eggs
- Try going early or late to avoid the big crowds
- Bring small cash for tips (for the masseuses, photographers, and helpers)
What People Say
One blogger called it “the most absurd and enjoyable experience ever,” describing the volcano as a “muddy anthill” — but she couldn’t stop laughing.
A group from Women Who Travel wrote:
“Swimming was nearly impossible… every time someone floated, we burst out laughing.”
Allure magazine said:
“The texture was insane… like falling into a giant chocolate fountain. My skin felt like a baby’s for days.”
Pros & Cons
Pros |
Super fun and unique |
Skin and health benefits |
Easy half-day trip from Cartagena |
Can pair with food or mangrove tours |
Cons |
Can get crowded, especially during busy season |
The smell isn’t for everyone |
Might feel a little too touristy for some |
Everyone expects tips (so bring cash) |
Final Thoughts
If you’re up for something totally different, the Totumo Mud Volcano is a strange little adventure that mixes fun, tradition, and a dash of weirdness — all just a short trip from Cartagena.
Sure, it’s not for everyone — the mud, the smell, the strangers in close quarters — but if you roll with it, you’ll probably leave laughing, feeling refreshed, and with skin that feels amazing.
If You Liked, Would You Rate It?
Let's Plan Your Trip! 