Float in warm, buoyant mud at El Totumo on a short day trip from Cartagena. This practical guide covers what to expect, local context, and tips to prepare for the famous lodotherapy experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive on a hot coastal morning, the air heavy with salt and distant traffic, then slip off the paved road into scrub and rice fields until a low cone of dark soil rises like a breathing animal.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness; you should be steady on uneven ground and able to climb a small slope
Wildlife
History
Totumo is a mud volcano formed by subsurface gases and fluids; its use as a wellness site developed in the 20th century as Cartagena’s tourism grew.
Conservation
The site is small and sensitive — stick to paths, dispose of waste properly, and use biodegradable products to reduce impacts on local water and soils.
Reserve your spot on the Tour Mud volcano the totumo includes entrance today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a sacrificial towel
The mud stains — pack a towel and dry clothes you won’t mind discarding or washing separately.
Hydrate before arrival
The mud pit is hot and exposed; drink water ahead of time and carry a bottle for the return trip.
Leave valuables at your hotel
No secure storage at the crater — avoid jewelry, loose phones, and contact lenses during the bath.
Use biodegradable sun protection
Choose reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen to minimize environmental impact and avoid contaminating rinse water.
Swimsuit
You’ll be sitting in mud and rinsing off, so swimwear is essential.
Towel and change of clothes
Necessary for drying off and returning comfortably to your pickup point.
Water bottle
Hydration for the short drive and time in the sun.
summer
Water shoes or old sandals
Protects feet on slippery, muddy slopes and during the rinse.