El Totumo

It’s a unique experience to dive into this volcano mud. I was afraid ans skeptic at first but when i got in it , it was relaxing. The mud deep in2000 meters according to Wikipedia and not a chance to drown, the mud will keep the body floating. This was our experience: we dit get up
There, gave our phone to the guy taking pictures for everyone .not to be afraid he will take pictures and give you back your phone after you clean up in the sea water, which was warm and refreshing.

Great experience for something a bit different. I love hot spas and certainly I loved this warm mud bath which made me feel clean and energized. The beauty of it is the natural ruggedness. Grateful it is not owned by an American conglomerate which I’m sure would be privatized and ensconced in marble and gold. How crude and degrading to refer to them as homeless. They like the rest of us are out to make a buck. It’s rather entertaining. They know to catch you off guard. You might not be good at creating boundaries so work on those skills. I chose to drive there myself. Don’t bring any valuables, or leave them behind in your vehicle. Your phone will be safe with them. Carry a bunch of small cash to hand out tips. It’s not very expensive. If you don’t want a massage, kindly say no. Do whatever you want. I dipped my head into it. Let the sun dry it for a facial. I couldn’t imagine heading there on a bus with other tourists. I went early to avoid the crowds. Mud in your eye. Oh and by the way, indeed it is a volcano. There are around a 1,000 on the planet

Nice place. You can get a massage in thé mud. After, you can wash yourself in the lake and drink à beer.

Don’t believe the mixed reviews online! Visiting in dry season must be a VERY different experience to ‘wet’ season nov-april (though we’ve been here a week in march and seen no rain) mud hole is full to the brim in the volcano, no need to descend a ladder - a big lake to wash in after. Really fun once in a lifetime experience - floating - swimming not possible!
Take lots of 5 peso bills as this is the standard tip for the assistants who volunteer to help you. Bear in mind these fairly poor people (you can see their self-made homes around the site) receive no salary so their only source of income is offering to help the tourists who use the volcano, no tourists = no income whatsoever!

I had a great time at the El Totumo mud valcano. Booked a tour out of Cartagena, sat back, and enjoyed the scenic 45 minute drive. We arrived, was not very crowded, waited on the stairs about 15 minutes and was in. The warm temperature and consistency of the mud gave me a strange sensation, it actually felt good. Walked down to the lake where a Colombian lady rinsed me off, then I went to the bus and changed into my clean clothes. A great experience in Columbia.

I'm giving this 5 stars, but only if booked as a PRIVATE tour on the Everything Cartagena website. They definitely know how to do it right. We were able to spend 30 minutes in the mud bath, where typical tours only allow about 7 to 10 minutes from what I was told, plus there were only a few other people in there with us, where other tour operators pack people in the mud like canned sardines! Plus, there was absolutely no waiting in line, and we went with John, an amazing English-speaking guide who made the entire experience awesome! They also included all of the tips for the workers at the volcano, which made things so much easier. Highly recommended if booked with Everything Cartagena, and the price was less than Viator, Trip Advisor, or Airbnb.

Went with a tour for the Mud Bath...very unique experience and lots of fun...you literally float around in the Mud, get a massage if you like, are washed by local women in the lagoon and we had a snack afterwards at one of the local food vendors. Everyone was very nice and extremely helpful. Be sure to tip!

It was a amazing experience to tool a bath on this mud volcano 😊. We rented a motorbike in Cartagena and drove to the vulcano very early. Nobody else was there and we could enjoy this amazing experince. We recommend a visit when you're in the surunding area. It was a lot of fun.

The views are awesome and the mud bath will leave your skin smooth for days. The only weird thing is the guys that “ wipe the mud off you “ before you get out the volcano, was kinda creepy and uncomfortable, especially for girls, just feels like they’re trying to feel people up, and then there’s the women at the river offering to “ shower you “ I don’t like to be touched so I politely declined and she was like “ don’t worry tip is optional “ I was like dude it’s got nothing to do with the tip I just don’t like to be touched. But she still got offended. Other than that it’s definitely a place you wanna visit.

A very interesting experience in a beautiful setting. El Totumo is located off the highway connecting Cartagena and Barranquilla. It's seemingly in the middle of nowhere but easily accessible via 3 bus company stops. Cost to enter is 10000 cop, with a Strongly suggested 4000 to each the photographer and the swimsuit cleaning lady.

The Volcano Totumo is best enjoyed with fewer people as you can spread out and try to swim across the mud.

It's a once in a lifetime experience that I wouldn't do again, but happy to say I've completed.

Funky experience for sure. For us in early March 2019 the mud was up to within 3 feet of the top. As you descend the ladder and get in you can't go below chest high. When you lay back to relax it feels like you are on the best mattress in the world. Tips were more than we expected but for about $15USD each it was awesome. We drove ourselves so maybe we lacked the bargain power of the bus groups.

Great adventure, probably the best time to visit is either early in the morning or very late afternoon, otherwise it is overcrowded. People usually ask for tip to take care of your shoes, phones, bathing , entrance, massage right after entering volcano, bring some money for tips.

Went here for my birthday and had an AMAZING experience. Booked with Everything Cartegena. Andres was an incredible host. He was very friendly, accommodating and took great pics! My friend and I got there around 8am and were able to enjoy this experience by ourselves for an hour. The Purchase price covers the tips and a beer/coconut water. The mud massages feel incredible and the ladies wash all the mud off in the ocean. Must visit while in Cartagena!

Great fun experience. Very unique and it was pretty well organized. They give you massages and wash you afterward. 20k pesos (appx 6 USD) to get in but worth it. Bring a bunch of spare bills because everyone asks for a tip on the way out.

Awesome unique experience! It is annoying waiting in a line, but once your in its a super cool experience. The locals help with taking pictures, help up and down, and offer messages in the mud. Get cleaned out in the river down the trails. Just make sure you tip generously.

Really different and awesome experience. I would recommend to anyone who visits Cartagena. Be prepared to pay 5000 pesos each to the guy who takes pictures (with your phone), massage people and for the lady who washes you in the nearby lake (I dont know if we payed more than we should have, but these are the prices we were told are legit by our tour guide). Dont be surprised when they ask you to take all your clothes off in the lake. 😁

Totally worth it to go. We booked a trip to go there, which was like 10-20 Euro. Even it is just a one hour bus ride it is rather difficult to get there by public transport. Therefore, I do recommend to take a tour. It only takes half a day. We went in the afternoon, which was great as there was literally no queue and we could stay inside for a long time. It was a nice experience and something new as well

ALL THE LOCALS ARE VERY FRIENDLY PEOPLE. They will not insist you for tips.
THEY ARE VERY ORGANIZED AND FRIENDLY. THEY KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE.
RECOMMENDED

I went here last week. This place is great to forget about everything, chill out in volcanic ash/ mud, and reeelax. Also, as a caveat - less ppl in the pool due to covid social distancing.

This is a must do list for an awesome one of its kind experience in life time.