Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo)

The Basics

Prebook round-trip transportation to Totumo Volcano, or opt for a more comprehensive tour that also includes entrance fees, lunch, and a local guide. Some travelers combine a mud volcano visit with a stop at a beach or a tour of the Pink Sea of Colombia (Salinas de Galerazamba), known for its pink salt production.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Wear a bathing suit you don’t mind getting dirty, and don’t take anything else with you into the mud bath.

• Take some coins to tip the bath attendants—the equivalent of one US dollar is appropriate.

How to Get There

Totumo Volcano is about a 45-minute bus ride from Cartagena’s Old City. You can also get there by taxi or tour transport.

When to Get There

The ideal time to visit the mud bath is between mid-January and April, when crowds are usually sparser and afternoon temperatures are a bit cooler.

Best Day Trips from Cartagena

Cartagena is an excellent base for exploring Colombia’s coast. If you’re a beach seeker, opt for a boat excursion to the beautiful Rosario Islands to sunbathe or scuba dive just offshore. To learn about the culture of the region, spend a day in the village of Palenque, known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage. And animal lovers and families should consider a trip to the National Aviary of Colombia, the largest bird reserve in South America.

What’s the best way to experience Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo)?

There are many ways to experience Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

Full-Day Mud Volcano from CartagenaPrivate Tour to the Mud VolcanoTour to the Mud Volcano in Cartagena with LunchHalf-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena
Mud Volcano and Palenque Cultural Experience

How much does visiting Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo) in 2024 cost?

Group tours of Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo) start at US$48; they usually include entry and round-trip transfers from Cartagena and last half a day. Private tours cost from US$82 and give you greater flexibility to tailor your itinerary; tours that combine the volcano with the cultural town of Palenque tend to cost more.

Is it safe to bathe in the mud at Totumo Mud Volcano?

Yes, it is considered safe to bathe in the mud at Totumo Mud Volcano. The mineral-enriched mud is said to have therapeutic properties that soothe and soften the skin. However, if you have eczema or any broken skin injuries, you should not bathe in the mud to avoid infection.

What should you bring with you when visiting Totumo Mud Volcano?

When visiting the mud volcano, bring a towel and a change of clothes for the journey back. It's a good idea to bring some swimwear you don't mind getting dirty, as removing the mud stains from light-colored fabrics can be challenging.

What are the highlights of the Totumo Mud Volcano?

In addition to floating in the mud, highlights of the Totumo Mud Volcano include getting a massage by one of the masseuses inside the crater and getting washed off in the freshwater lake beside the mud Volcano. Photographers are also on hand to capture your experience. Bring cash to pay for these services.

Are there facilities like showers and changing rooms at Totumo Mud Volcano?

There are changing rooms with lockers to store your valuables at the foot of the volcano. You can give your phone or camera to the photographers, who will take pictures of you enjoying the mud. To wash the mud off, you can enter the lake and let a local wash you or clean yourself in the freshwater.