Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena

Recommended by 90% of travelers

Cartagena, Colombia

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

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

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Overview

Experience Cartagena’s famed Totumo Mud Volcano on this rejuvenating half-day adventure. After meeting at a convenient spot in Cartagena, head to the volcano, where you can soak in a mineral-filled mud bath and enjoy snacks included in the tour price. The mud bath is fun and relaxing at the same time.

Relax in a volcanic mud bath and capture memorable photos
An easy way to get out of Cartagena for half a day
Choose from morning or afternoon tours to suit your schedule
Take a break from a busy sightseeing itinerary

What's Included

Local taxes
Driver/guide
Local guide
Snacks

Snack

Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Avenida Blas de Lezo
Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
Estar debajo el monumento de los pegasos en el centro historico de cartagena de indias

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

BackPackers

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Volcan de Lodo El Totumo

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

La Boquilla

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
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 30 travelers

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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)

Featured review

Kimberly_K

Charlie was an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly guide for the day! My phone was dead so he generously offered to take photos of me throughout the trip and sent them to me after the tour. We enjoyed the sights, the culture, the food, the dancing, and the karaoke along the way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone needing a day out of Cartagena!

Reviews

4.6

based on 356 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

We had an amazing time...

Stephanie_S, Apr 2026

We had an amazing time with our driver Jesus and travel guide Ninche. However once it was over we were bombarded with the staff aggressively telling us we need to pay them tips not even giving us the opportunity to. Besides that it was a good mud experience. I would do it again

Response from Host, May 2026

Stepha! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are thrilled to know that you had a great time with the mud experience and that you enjoyed the company of our driver Jesús and our travel guide Ninche. On the other hand, we sincerely apologize for the uncomfortable situation at the end of the tour. We understand how frustrating and stressful it feels to be pressured about tips, and we want to ensure that your experience with us remains positive from start to finish. We are addressing this with our staff on-site to ensure that tips are always treated as entirely voluntary and handled with the utmost respect and courtesy. We would love to keep helping you create unforgettable memories. 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 to pack your bags again! We look forward to welcoming you back for a much smoother and more enjoyable adventure soon. Warm regards, Claudia MR Backpackers Travel SAS For travel lovers

The tour guide is very...

Trebreh_J, Feb 2026

The tour guide is very informative and knowledgeable. Very friendly staff. Very accommodating. Felt at home.

Bamboozled

Dalian_W, Jul 2025

This is not a real volcano its a mud hill and you are in a very confined space with others. The worst part was the dirty water you bathed in to clean yourself that they described as a hot spring. I felt like we need booster shots after getting out if the water

Be aware!

Lekesha_W, Dec 2024

The experience was okay! The people of the area were very aggressive. They wanted to give massages in the mud but my husband and I passed. Then, when we went to wash off the ladies were bit aggressive as well. But the lady who helped me clean myself off was very helpful. Be careful upon leaving if you aren’t with a group. They bombard your vehicle until you give them a tip. Please be careful.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

We appreciate you sharing your feedback with us. We're sorry to hear that your experience wasn't as smooth as expected. It's always our aim to make guests feel comfortable and safe. We’ll make sure to pass your comments along so we can continue improving. We're glad to hear that the lady who helped you was helpful. Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. Best, Backpackers Travel

Great Experience

Lit_A, Nov 2023

The mud tour experience was great, definitely an experience you should have when visiting Cartagena. Victor was a great tour guide; he was informative, and he helped us not get haggled by the locals. Also, his music choice during pickup and drop-off was phenomenal—10/10 experience.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you very much for your comment, we are glad you were able to enjoy the experience with our partner victor.

Unique experience

Valerie_B, Oct 2023

You do spend a lot more time on the road than on site, but definitely worth it for the experience. I would recommend

Response from Host, Oct 2023

It's great to know that despite spending more time on the road, the experience is worth it. Your recommendation is much appreciated. Sometimes the trip itself can be part of the adventure and can add an exciting element to the overall experience. Thanks for sharing your positive perspective and recommending it to other travelers - I hope you continue to enjoy your future backpacking adventures!

Thumbs Up

Sal_S, Oct 2023

It is another unforgettable experience, especially in Cartagena, Colombia. The place is very interesting with full of history.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

we want to thank you for your kind words. We are pleased to know that your experience in Cartagena, Colombia was unforgettable. We agree with you that Cartagena is a very interesting place, full of history. We are proud to be able to offer you experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the city. thank you for choosing Backpackers

Amazing!

Natasa_O, Apr 2023

I went 2018 and i still talk about this trip! 100% worth the money , great places we visited! The group and tour people were great and made jt that much more enjoyable

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thanks for your comment we are happy to know that you enjoy the activity

Relaxing

Cherita_A, Nov 2022

Excellent guides who prepared us for what to expect. Mud bath was so cool! Prepare to climb the steps. But so worth it.

Girls Trip!

Marisa_A, Jul 2022

The driver, our guide and those who attended to our needs on site were wonderful, however, the bus was not air-conditioned as promised.

Never again

demara_k, Apr 2022

Only thing okay about this was the young man Jules that took our photos.. no tour guide goes up with you just locals town ppl that harass you for money after already spending over $300 for 6 ppl.. the excursion came with a guide Jose that just makes sure you get there but he does nothing else.. locals were hounding for money and saying inappropriate things about us… truly wasted money

Must avoid

Akshay_P, Dec 2021

The guide was almost an hour late. The mud is disgusting. The people at the volcano are incredibly forceful, one guy throws sand in your hand and then demands a tip. When you get into the mud there a guys waiting to grab you and give you a massage whether you want it or not. Same at the river, to clean you have to tip.

cool activity

Christian_J, Jan 2021

This was during covid times, mid January. This is a good tour. Tour guide was very nice. However, I strongly to only do this tour if you are doing it for the mud volcano, which is a cool experience. The rest of the your is not great. The pink sea is only pink between end of March and year end. Plus all what it is is a salt deposit. You cannot go in it anymore. You can only see it from far, and it is a bummer. If this changes, then yes, maybe you can get a cool picture. But seeing it from miles away is unimpressive.

Not covid safe

Marian_L, Dec 2020

I am a frequent user of Viator. Every excursion that I have booked over the last 5 years has been wonderful. No complaints. I am truly disappointed by this excursion. I first want to say that this is not a commentary on our tour operator, Jesus—he was wonderful. He knew a lot, had a great attitude, and spoke good English. Our pickup was about 20 minutes later than projected which is to be expected with theses trips when there are pickups from multiple hotels. However, this excursion was only my group and one other who was picked up after us. Confused by the lateness. On our way out to the mud volcano, the tour operator explained that we would not be able to go to the pink sea due to the pandemic and could only view it from a mountain top. This was frustrating as the tour is still marketed as volcano+Pink sea. There should be a notice that says that the pink sea visit is not possible due to covid. There are other trips available on Viator for just the volcano which are significantly cheaper. Additionally, no where does it say that the pink sea is not in fact pink for most of the year. It was brown. Not particularly awe-inspiring or necessary as a visit. Instead we were taken through the town to an unnecessary museum. When we arrived at the mud volcano, it initially appeared as though there was no one inside. We were told to leave shoes, jewelry, and clothes behind, including masks. When we got up to the top, there were already at least 8 people in this small pool of mud. No possibility for social distancing and we were told to leave our masks behind. When we explained our concern to those operating the experience, we were told not to worry, the mud is good, no covid. After we arrived, a family group 8 arrived and all expected to get inside the pool. At this point, we left as we felt very unsafe. In this time of heightened sac we y concerns, this trip was a disappointment.

Such a unique experience

Taylor_B, Feb 2020

This is such a unique experience, a must do if you’re in Cartagena. Pickup was about 15 minutes later than we were told but the guide made the trip amazing. Great way to see some of colombia outside the city.

A Must Do

Yvette_C, Feb 2020

Charlie was thee perfect HOST. The excursions is a must do. We had so much fun. The meals were great. The atmosphere was breathtaking.

DID VISIT 2/3 OF THE DESCRIBED ATTRACTIONS

Jessie_G, Jan 2020

I booked this tour because the activities included Mud Volcano, Pink sea and Indigena's town. However upon pick up we were advise there would only be Mud Volcano. We asked why isnt the pink sea or the nearby indigena town available. They said the season for the pink sea has passed. Okay understandable that we cannot control nature, but a town is always there. Despite the false advertisement, the tour guide Charlie was very nice. I couldnt stay mad at him, because he was just trying to do this job. Whoever that was managing the tour company should be ashamed of herself for misleading people to thinking they are partaking in 3 adventures.

Mud Volcano Only

momhanneman, Oct 2019

We only got to do the mud volcano. Protesters blocked the road so we could not do the lunch, museum or pink sea. The mud volcano was truly an experience.The only drawback was the unorganized separate "tips" to enter the mud, to get the massage (did not get a choice), the ladies who wash you in the river (again, not given a choice), and the picture taker with your camera - each %5,00 pesos. This could be much more organized.

Have an open mind!!

purandathlall, Oct 2019

Charlie was funny and entertaining.. not sure I’d spend a whole day doing it .. maybe 1/2 day at best!

Fantastic Tour and Tour Guide

Marlon_B, Oct 2019

This tour was amazing and nothing to complain about. Carlos also known as Charles was great and very funny. The experience is one of kind and the people you meet along the tour are amazing. I highly recommend.

Cultural

CydyDiannel_P, Sep 2019

Charlie was my guide and he was kind and caring person and he is short and sweet with his words. The volcano mud was a fun experience, museum was informative, unfortunately it was a cloudy and rainy day, the pink sea part was so so. Be ready to bring small bills for tips, I probably gave out 30k to 40k in Colombian peso. The tour itself is quite pricey compare to the tours I've been on with the same amout of duration and amount of activities.

Great Time

Charles_T, Sep 2019

Me and my friends had a great time on this excursion. The tour guide Charlie was very friendly and knowledgeable. The mud Volcano was very interesting. The information in the indigenous people was great. The pink sea was cool to see. Good times.

Great Adventure

LoveTravel60250, Sep 2019

From beginning to end of this tour well worth the price and time. Our guide Charlie was lots of fun as well as informative. Mud Volcano what an experience. The pink sea beautiful make sure you put on swimming shoes, salt rocks will cut you Last but not least- lunch TERRIFIC.

Great Excursion

Whitlei N, Aug 2019

The excursion was very insightful and the ppl were really nice. Mud bath was great and we p-icked a great day to see the Pink Sea. Charlie the tour guide was very nice and his English was great. He also made sure that we were not taken advantage of in any way and he over communicated each activity we were doing. Great tour!

Mud volcano and pink sea tour

Monique_H, Aug 2019

The tour was very refreshing. Especially with our tour guide Charlie. He was very knowledgeable of the history and personable with the entire group which made my excursion worth the time and money. We were able to eat at the local restaurant addition to the volcano and pink sea. If Charlie is leading your tour your in for a goooood time ✌🏽

Ask for permission first. Respect people's comfort level.

SylviaOlayinka_N, May 2019

If I had to do it again, I would get some changing clothes, get a towel, pack some hygienic product, get a private car or Taxi and leave my hotel by 6:00 am. You could do Totumo and the Pink Sea in less than 4 hours. GUIDE: Charlie did a fantastic job at leading this trip. He was friendly, funny, informative and outgoing. SIGHTS Totumo was too crowded. The pink sea was a huge highlight of the trip. TOUR Some general feedback to improve the trip: (1) tourists should not be obliged to pay for services they did not ask for. For example: a) Getting a massage from the men inside the Totumo volcano. b) Receiving a ”wash down" from the women in the river. c) Getting your picture taken from the young men It would have been better if they ask for permission first. Otherwise it feels like a way to get more money from tourist. Right after we were done, some of the women and young men came after us to make sure, they got their money. It felt like a tourist trap. (2) Tourist should not be forced to do things they are not comfortable with. a) Having the ladies gather around the Galerazamba statue and having us say 'Female Power' is not something that everyone wants to do. b) Having/Forcing ladies participate in the cultural dance (the one after we had lunch) is not something everyone wants to do. c) Having tourist partake in ‘games’ they are not interested in. c) Instructing tourist (at Totumo sight) to being comfortable to ‘take off their clothes' in front of everyone can make people uncomfortable. You have to respect people’s privacy and comfort level. It would have been better if they ask for permission first. (3) Tourists could be instructed to get towels and dress adequately before the trip. a) Explain to tourist that there is only 1 toilet/changing space at the Totumo sight. b) Encourage tourists to bring another set clothes/shoes/socks and some hygienic products.

Charlie was amazing!

Jamie_W, May 2019

This tour was so much fun and Charlie made it even better. We went to Totumo volcano which was awesome then we went to the pink sea which was so pretty! Charlie is very fun and knowledgeable and I highly recommend this tour with him!

A wonderful day as a solo traveler!

Kimberly_K, May 2019

long day

Karin_H, May 2019

This was a nice tour, but probably a little long. We didn't go in the mud volcano (did something like that in St Lucia, and didn't want to feel dirty the rest of the day) so waiting for the ones who went in was long, but was nice and relaxing anyway. The snack was ok - fried plantains with dips. The pink sea was beautiful, not too crowded. The lunch at the restaurant was good and filling, but the dancing went on forever and made the day longer. The "toilets" at the restaurant are primitive and there's not really any facilities at any stops. Bring hand sanitizer. The guide and bus driver seemed to bring their girlfriends along on this tour - two girls were on the bus when we were picked up, then dropped off before a stop at a hotel. Then when no one got on from that hotel, these girls were picked up again and were with us all day. Very friendly and hanging on the guide and driver. Didn't really affect us one or the other but was kinda weird.

A great day

James_D, Apr 2019

We loved Jesus and Jelly- they kept the day light they encouraged conversation with the other travelers. Very knowledgeable and passionate about ensuring a great day. Would recommend taking this tour, make sure to pack lots of water to stay hydrated.