Looking for a fun day trip during your vacation to Cartagena, Colombia? Or maybe you're on a road trip along the Colombian coast and are searching for fun stops along the way. Whatever the case may be look no further than a stop at Volcan del Totumo.
Imagine this, you're climbing a mini-mountain not made of rock, but of warm, bubbling mud! That's exactly what awaits you at Colombia's Volcan del Totumo, a unique and quirky attraction near Cartagena.
This active mud volcano, the smallest in the country, stands at a humble 15 meters tall, but its fame stretches far and wide. Tourists flock to experience the therapeutic mud bath, said to have beautifying and even healing properties
But beyond the mud, Totumo offers a fun and cultural experience. Climb the rustic wooden staircase to the crater, giggle as locals massage the mud into your skin, and capture hilarious photos of yourself floating in the warm, gooey goodness.
Whether you're seeking a unique adventure, a chance to pamper yourself in nature's spa, or simply a laugh-filled experience, Volcan del Totumo promises an unforgettable dip into Colombian charm (and mud!). So, are you ready to get dirty? Here's how you visit.
HOW TO VISIT VOLCAN DEL TOTUMO
Volcan del Totumo is located just 50 minutes from Cartagena. Sign up to go with a tour or rent a car and drive yourself. The highways are nice and the drive is very easy. Simply follow directions on your GPS and look for signs along the way. You can't miss it.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING TO VOLCAN DEL TOTUMO:
So I've seen it googled and it seems everyone wants to know - can you go into Volcan de Tutomo nude?! As far as I know - no. I didn't ask overtly but with the amount of people around - this is including children - I wouldn't have felt comfortable doing so. You'll also be moved around the mud and massaged by local men (when I was there at least) sooo keep that swimming suit on. Plan to bring:
Swimming suit - if you have an older one this is definitely the day for it. The mud did rinse off but I wouldn't risk a new suit
Sandals - you could in theory go with out but its all gravel roads around here so it likely wouldn't be the most pleasant. We wore our sandals up and the man who took our pictures carried them down to the lake for us
Towel - to dry off afterwards
Cash - read more below, but FYI you'll be tipping lots!
Water - is available at the local shops but you'll pay a premium
READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE?
As you arrive to Volcan del Totumo you will be directed by a local on where to park. This little town is set up around the volcano so be prepared with cash because you're going to have to tip every step of the way. It's part of the fun and the locals here are clearly very poor so we didn't mind too much. It sounds like a lot but keep in mind that 10,000 is approximately $2 USD.
First you'll be invited to park at someone's house - this later will be where you can shower off, use the bathroom or change. They also have drinks and snacks to purchase should you like. We tipped our guy 10,000 COP. Next, you'll be approached by someone who will offer to take your picture during the mud bath. Of course we wanted pictures so that was a yes too! We paid 5,000 to him. They also charge you to enter the volcano, 10,000 per person.
Up top, enjoy the view while you wait for your turn and get ready to go in! Take the little ladder down and JUST GO FOR IT! It's definitely intense taking that first plunge but you're here for an adventure aren't you? The mud is extremely thick and its hard to navigate around or frankly even keep yourself upright. You'll get a little mud massage from a local, time to lounge in the silky mud and take tons of pictures. You will later no surprise, tip your masseuse who somehow got washed off extremely quickly in order to get this tip. Once done, you climb back down the stairs and head directly into the nearby lake to rinse off.
We were followed by a lady who "helped" us wash off. She was quite aggressive scrubbing us and I wish we would have told her we didn't need help. We gave her 5,000 too. You'll then shower off with clean water back near your car before setting off again. The tipping was sort of annoying but I would highly recommended stopping, its an experience I won't forget and the picture are just...incredible.
CONTINUE ON EXPLORING COLOMBIA WITH US BELOW!
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