Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Cartagena, Colombia

Popular pick

Booked 20+ times last week!

4 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.6

· CarlosMonique_C ·

Jan 2026

This was a good experience! Be prepared for the mud, carry your own towel and take proper sandals (crocs or rubber soles) Our guide Franklin was so courteous and provided us with great information on the area, and the benefits of the volcanic mud. Would definitely recommend 10/10 Be prepared to tip!

· Mooni_S ·

Nov 2025

Amazing journey. Tour guides and driver were very professional, accomadations, and informative. 1st class

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Overview

Totumo Mud Volcano is a one-of-a-kind attraction home to mineral-infused mud that’s reputed to have healing properties. Avoid the hassle of public transport and the expense of taxis on a stress-free trip to the volcano, which includes snacks and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll have ample time to soak in the mud bath and, opt for massage if you'd like.

Save time and travel to Totumo Mud Volcano with ease
Avoid finding a meeting point with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
Spend ample time soaking in the mineral-infused mud
Enjoy a typical breakfast or snack, depending on your chosen time

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Comfortable and private transportation by van
Friendly and bilingual guide.
Pickup and drop-off at acommodation place.
Snacks

Typical snack, arepa, carimañola or empanada with a soda.

Additional food and drinks
Alcoholic Beverages

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pick-up time start around 8:15 a.m. or 1:15 p.m., according to the schedule you choose (A.M. or P.M.), please be ready at time in your accommodation place. Sometimes we're going delay because traffic, so we appreciate your understanding and patience. We pick-up in your accommodation place as long as this is located at Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Laguito, Cabrero, Marbella, Crespo y Boquilla, this last-one until Sonesta Hotel. ***Please give us your pick up location specific detail for been on time.*** Remember we need mandatory contact info to guarantee your assistance to our experience. E.g.: phone number and e-mail.

Meeting point

Monumento Los Pegasos
Cl. 24, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
Travelers stayed at Walled City or Getsemani will be pick-up in the meeting point: Los Pegasos dock.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

You’ll be collected from your Cartagena hotel and start the journey towards the Totumo Mud Volcano—around a 1.5-hour drive. On the way, your guide tells you about the mineral-enriched mud that makes the dormant volcano so special.

On arrival, you’ll change into clothes you don’t mind getting muddy and climb the 50 steps to the top of the volcano, before descending into the mud baths below via a ladder. You can opt for a massage or photo at the volcano for a small extra fee, paid directly to the person offering the service.

Once you’ve enriched your skin with the allegedly healing mud, you’ll head to the neighboring lake to wash yourself clean. After you’ve dried off, you’ll head back into Cartagena and stop off for either breakfast or lunch depending on the time of your tour. Your half-day experience ends with hotel drop-off.

Volcan de Lodo El Totumo

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Swimsuit required inside mud volcano
Each traveler is allowed a maximum of (1) suitcase or carry-on bag. Do NOT allowed oversized or excessive luggage.
Valuables Security: Upon arrival at the volcano, please keep your valuables secure. We make the vehicle we travel in available as a safe space where all guests can leave their belongings. The vehicle will serve as your secure location.
Tipping and Local Community: The native community of this village relies solely on the commercial activity of the volcano. It is common for local residents to offer assistance with items you carry and subsequently ask for a tip. Tipping should be voluntary and at your discretion. To simplify the process and avoid solicitations, we highly recommend ascending the volcano without any personal items—just go in the clothes you intend to enter the mud with.
Massage and Exfoliation: Once inside the volcano, there are local individuals who offer massages. Please make it very clear if you do or do not want this massage and exfoliation service.
Cleaning Service: When exiting the volcano, a group of local women will offer to clean the mud off your body in a natural lake. If you do not wish to use this service, you are also welcome to clean yourself on your own.
Extra Costs: Please note that any assistance you receive, regardless of whether it is offered by the guide or not, will incur an extra cost.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.6

based on 1,613 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Sort by: Most insightful

Scammers ruined it for me

Shanice_R, Jun 2026

The excursion itself was great but the beach portion is full of scammers. I was so mad I ubered back to my hotel from the beach. They have a list of prices shown and then will try to charge your card double the amount same thing with US dollars. DO NOT GET ON THE JETSKI DO NOT GET A MASSAGE.

Volcano mud

Ania_R, May 2026

Very nice experience itself. The only thing is that if you don’t have cash you won’t have your pictures taken. You have to have money on you for tip so one of the guys will take your pictures. The tour guide will not take the pictures for you…he said it is not his job. One more thing…the van that took us to the place was full of mosquitos…which wasn’t pleasant.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Ania_R, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are glad to hear that you found the experience itself to be very nice, but we sincerely apologize for the inconveniences you encountered regarding the transportation and the photo assistance. Providing excellent and friendly customer service is our top priority, and we are deeply sorry to hear about the guide's response. While there are independent local workers at the site who offer photo and massage services for a fee, our team is always expected to be helpful, proactive, and welcoming. We have already addressed this with our guiding staff to ensure a much more supportive attitude moving forward. We also appreciate you letting us know about the mosquitoes in the van; we are reinforcing our cleaning and pest-control protocols for all our vehicles to ensure a comfortable ride for our future guests. Thank you again for helping us improve, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for a seamless and fully enjoyable experience. Warm regards, The Backpackers Travel Team

Are,tour guide Cesar was very helpful

Juliette_B, May 2026

They need to know that they have to climb up high stairs, and when coming down be very careful, you will be with mud all over and the stairs will be slippery

Response from Host, May 2026

Hola Juliette_B! Thank you so much for your review, Juliette! We are glad to hear that Cesar was very helpful and took good care of you during the tour. We also truly appreciate your practical advice for future travelers; the stairs can indeed get slippery with the mud, and being mindful when climbing up and down is very important for a safe experience. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back on another adventure in Cartagena! Best regards, The Backpackers Team

They say tip is...

Valeria_S, May 2026

They say tip is voluntary, they will hawk you down, don’t let them wash you. Also if they offer to take pictures for you don’t let them, they will charge you. Won’t tell you Tho…… if I could give 0 stars I would

Response from Host, May 2026

Hello Valeria_! We are deeply sorry that you had to go through this unpleasant situation. We would like to clarify that the individuals demanding tips or charging for photographs are local residents and personnel completely unrelated to our agency. Our guides always provide advance recommendations to prevent these situations, as utilizing those external services is 100% voluntary. In fact, on that very same day, we had other tourists on the same tour who followed our guide's instructions closely and enjoyed the experience without facing any type of pressure or deception. At Backpackers, our clients' comfort and fair treatment are always our top priorities. For this reason, we will take action with the district authorities and pursue this matter to the fullest extent to report this type of behavior by external individuals. We sincerely apologize for this bad experience, and we will reinforce our warnings prior to the activities to ensure none of our clients feel pressured. The Backpackers team

Fun activity.

jenny_a, May 2026

It was a fun activity. Something I would otherwise not get to experience at home. The drive/pick ups takes about 1h15. Then at the volcano, it takes about 30 to enter because you have to line up. Then you stay in 15 minutes (or more depends on you). You rinse off in the small lake. Afterwards, for about an hour, you have the snack and wait for the group and then head back to the city. The guides, Cesar and Milton, were very friendly. The driver drove safely.

Response from Host, May 2026

jenny_a, Thank you so much for your detailed review! We are glad you found the Totumo Mud Volcano to be such a unique and fun experience that stands out from activities back home. We also appreciate you sharing the timeline of the tour; it helps future travelers manage their expectations regarding the scenic drive and the entrance times. It is wonderful to hear that Cesar and Milton took good care of you and that you felt comfortable with our driver's performance. Safety and friendliness are our top priorities. We hope to see you again on your next visit to Cartagena! Regards! Claudia MR

Always enjoy going to the volcano

Matthew_R, Apr 2026

It was a beautiful day, and the people were extremely nice, they provided a nice lunch, and we went to a private beach. the volcano is extremely fun but understand you're not in there all day you get to go in there for 15 to 20 minutes and it's not that large but that's never bothered me the times I've gone the things that are frustrating there and it has nothing to do with the tour guide is that when you get in as people that want to massage you and then when you go to the Lagoon to wash off the ladies there are extremely rude if you don't want this services but just ignore that and enjoy the time it's a unique experience

Response from Host, May 2026

Hello Matthew!, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your perspective and honest advice with us. We are very glad to know that you had a beautiful day, enjoyed the lunch, and had a great time at the private beach, as well as having fun in the mud volcano. We greatly appreciate your comments about the dynamics at the volcano and the lagoon. We know the mud bath is brief but highly entertaining, and we value you sharing this reality to help other travelers manage their expectations. We take note of your feedback regarding the massage offers and the attitude at the washing area; we will share these insights constructively with the local site management to ensure future visits are as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We would love to continue being part of your travel plans. We have put together a beautiful collection of island getaways, beach clubs, and exclusive experiences just for you. Plus, as one of our valued guests, we are excited to share special perks and tailored offers whenever you're ready for your next getaway! We look forward to welcoming you back for another great adventure soon. Warm regards, Backpackers Travel SAS For travel lovers

Outstanding trip

Scott_V, Apr 2026

Volcano isn't much to look at but the experience is incredible. Well worth a few hours of your life.

Response from Host, May 2026

Hello Scott_V! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your perspective and honest advice with us. We are very glad to know that, even if the volcano isn't much to look at initially, you enjoyed such a unique and fun experience. We greatly appreciate your comments. Knowing that you consider the excursion well worth your time helps other travelers manage their expectations and get the most out of their day. We would love to continue being part of your travel plans. We look forward to welcoming you back for another great adventure soon. Warm regards, Claudia MR Backpackers Travel SAS For travel lovers

The guide was good but…

Ornella_G, Mar 2026

I don’t really think this activity is worth it. You basically only get 15mins in the mud volcano and that’s it. You spend more time on the drive than the actual activity.

Good over all

Shaun_R, Mar 2026

Not enough time in the mud.. the rinse ladys were kinda agressive with the pulling off of shorts....

Perfect Unique Experience

Angeleah_M, Mar 2026

This was the perfect bizarre/unique experience that my boyfriend and I were looking for. Our guide, Milton gave us good tips and explained how the process would work beforehand. After we got off the bus, we climbed a ladder and waited in a small line to get into the mud volcano. The volcano fits about 15 people. When you’re in the volcano, it feels like you are floating. At the top of the volcano, there are some kind locals who will take pics of you while you are in the volcano, give massages, and help you in and out. Then, you can get into a nearby lake and fully rinse off. Some other locals down there will help. After getting rinsed off, you can enjoy your arepa and drink before heading back. We had such a fun experience! Some Caveats: I probably would not take children under 14 because it may seem a bit overwhelming having random strangers touch them. Bring cash to tip the locals and to buy other food or drinks. This is how they make their living so be respectful. The steps getting up to the volcano are slippery and wide so be careful.

They never showed up

sheila_w, Feb 2026

Waited at designated pickup but nobody arrived. Tour group made last minute change for pickup but I had no internet access. Will never use private tour groups in South America

Tik tok be lying

Chanel_D, Feb 2026

6.5/10 experience. The actual mud experience itself was enjoyable for me like actually being in the mud . The mud was warm and floating was cool. But otherwise it was very unpleasant . The bus ride to the volcano was about 1 hour 15 min and the actual bus/vehicle itself was not up to standard. The bus is really old with broken seats and an air condition that barely works . Going down the stairs after the mud bath to soak off in the river is very dangerous and unsafe as walking down barefoot with no shoes , the steps are slippery and you are stepping on rocks . The locals there were very aggressive and persistent with asking for tips for things that we had not asked them to do . For example upon reaching the top of the mud volcano we were told that we couldn’t bring our shoes so the locals grabbed our shoes but then demanded a tip later on for carrying shoes as if we had a choice we did not . Then they kept following the tourist asking for tips for every 5 minutes and it’s very off putting . Everyone was ok with giving tips because we understood the assignment and with acts of service a tip is generous but it’s not mandatory esp for things we did not ask for . Overall unpleasant . But the best thing to do is the private mud tour with less ppl in at the same time

Amazing Experience – Outstanding Guides!

William_B, Feb 2026

The Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena was absolutely amazing from start to finish! The mud volcano itself is such a unique and fun experience — relaxing, a little surreal, and something I’ll never forget. What truly made this tour exceptional were our guides, Franklin and Eduardo. They were professional, friendly, and incredibly attentive the entire time. I accidentally forgot to get cash from the ATM, and without hesitation, they loaned me money so I could tip the local workers. That level of kindness and care went above and beyond what I would ever expect. It really showed how much they care about their guests and the local community. I highly recommend this tour and if you’re lucky enough to have Franklin and Eduardo as your guides, you’re in great hands!

Volcán Totoumo

Jennifer_A, Feb 2026

This was a once in a lifetime experience for sure. The rain fall made it difficult to climb and bystanders were slipping and falling. But it was a unique experience. Our guide explained very thoroughly how the tipping works and how the native people live off this. They ask for tip for everything it’s a overwhelming but understandable. Just be ready with cash.

They canceled on me two times. After telling me I had a spot filled. Don’t understand why but just bad for business.

Joshua_G, Feb 2026

They canceled on me two times. After telling me I had a spot filled. Don’t understand why but just bad for business. Then tells me go through the app for refund.

Half Day Tour Tutuomo

CarlosMonique_C, Jan 2026

Mud is awesome

Lanyse_R, Jan 2026

I have an amazing time here. My tour guide was very informative and spoke perfect English. The mud was awesome we were basically floating. The staff massage the mud into your skin, take your photos, wash you in the river, and give you a snack afterwards. Our tour guide had us give an Optional tip to everyone who helped us all at once at the end so I felt no pressure to tip but I did anyway. The line to get up was about an hour on a Saturday morning and my group had children and pregnant women. So I’d consider it very safe.

Fun in the mud

Alison_C, Jan 2026

The bus was very uncomfortable it was full and I felt squashed. The air conditioning was poor or not working probably because the vehicle was old but we need to remember that we are in Colombia and I guess all part of the experience but when combined with the bumpy road and potholes it wasn't pleasant and the journey took over an hour. The mud volcano was fun but a little weird. The steps going up to the volcano were not great so anybody with mobility issues should probably give this one a miss it was uneven and slippery. The ladder down into the volcano was also slippery due to the mud. Our skin felt amazing afterwards but the smell isn't pleasant and difficult to clean off. The whole experience could have been made better if they provided some proper changing facilities.

Unique experience

Nikhil_S, Dec 2025

It was a very unique experience! The thick mud that you float in. And the feeling of being suspended was amazing. The locals were aggressive when asking for tips. Carry cash or be firm.

Mixed experience

Afshin_R, Dec 2025

The first part with volcano was great but the beach part afterwards was not. The public beach was unfortunately very dirty and with no amenities

Amazing journey....

Mooni_S, Nov 2025

Amazing journey. Tour guides and driver were very professional, accomadations, and informative. 1st class

Bizarre Tour and Not Worth It

Judith_C, Nov 2025

I would say no words - haha but here goes. First , the bus was15 minutes late and we waited in the heat. Next, our bus was over booked so 4 people had to go in someone’s car. We never saw them again. The bus was filthy, with barely any air. We had to stop for gas on the way out and stop for air in tires on way back. Bottom step of the bus was plywood! The bath (singular) is high up an uneven and steep set of stairs with rickety railings made of old pieces of wood with nails showing. The mangrove you rinse in is warm, but you don’t fully get the mud off. There are stray dogs and cats everywhere begging for food and affection and the people at little huts where we ate our included snack whisked them away by spaying water from a bottle. We boarded the bus 1/2 hr later and locals were banging on windows for tips and money (sad). Would not recommend. Milton, our guide, was very sweet and knowledgeable and the only saving grace.

It was great experience,...

Harshil_S, Oct 2025

It was great experience, our tour guide Milton was great and very friendly. Highly recommended and great experience.

Best feeling

kamar_J, Oct 2025

This experience is really awesome!!! You will feel the difference when you enter and exit the volcano!!…… out your guide Franklin was the best along with the driver!!!

Awful experience.

rtmarshall, Oct 2025

Jose was a nice tour guide but all he did was ride with us. The experience was scary and uncomfortable. I was with my daughter so to have grown men groping women and trying to massage them was disgusting. Viator should put a warning or they should close this place down. We should also be told to bring cash as there is no credit card service and cash is needed for tipping. Unfortunately, the locals do not understand when you tell them that you don’t have cash. We were bullied and as much as we told them to please leave our stuff alone and to not help us wash off, they continued to be aggressive. Overall, this tour should not even be allowed. In the states, this would be shut down.

Such a unique experience ✨️

Samara_K, Oct 2025

I went solo on this tour and felt comfortable the entire time thanks to Jesus (driver) and Nicher (tour guide). The drive was long, but Nicher’s music selection made it feel more like a fun carpool karaoke session 🎶🤣. One of my concerns before the trip was the tipping situation, especially after reading reviews about aggressive expectations. Thankfully, Nicher clearly explained the tour in its entirety, including the ride, the expectations, the tipping process and even collected and distributed the tips himself, which made things smooth and respectful. The mud bath experience itself was... unique 😅. The texture felt like pancake mix and the smell wasn’t the most pleasant, but it was definitely memorable and awesome for your skin. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds. Overall, it was a fun and unique experience that I genuinely enjoyed ❤️.

Amazing Experience

Zuleika_T, Oct 2025

This was such an amazing tour! Our tour guide Jose was punctual, kind, informative, simply just a great person. This experience is unforgettable.

Lack of infrastructures

Thu_B, Sep 2025

It's good to experience weird feeling of floating in the mud. The place is lack of infrastructures, toilet, water, shower.

Unique & Memorable Mud Volcano Experience

harish_d, Sep 2025

The mud volcano was such a unique and wonderful experience! It’s definitely something different and one of those activities you won’t forget. The tour guide took excellent care of us from start to finish and the staff at the volcano were all very attentive and friendly. Floating in the mud was relaxing and fun, and the whole atmosphere made it even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking to try something new and memorable in Cartagena.

Mud Volcano

Miranda_T, Sep 2025

There are extra fees. Milton is a great tour guide and speaks fluently in English and Spanish and can answer any and all questions. No hiking necessary, take comfy flip flops or water shoes.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for sharing your feedback! 😊 We’re delighted to hear that Milton made such a great impression with his knowledge and bilingual skills. We appreciate you pointing out the details about the extra fees and footwear—it’s helpful advice for future travelers. We’re glad you enjoyed the experience and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!