Totumo Mud Volcano (El Totumo)
Bolivar
Totumo Volcano (El Totumo) ranks among Cartagena’s most popular day trips. A small volcanic caldera has become a top attraction—a naturally heated bath of grayish brown silt. After bobbing around in the soupy mix, head to the lagoon next door to wash off the mineral-rich mud, thought to have therapeutic properties.
Prebook round-trip transportation to Totumo Volcano, or opt for a more comprehensive tour that also includes entrance fees, lunch, and a local guide. Some travelers combine a mud volcano visit with a stop at a beach or a tour of the Pink Sea of Colombia (Salinas de Galerazamba), known for its pink salt production.
Wear a bathing suit you don’t mind getting dirty, and don’t take anything else with you into the mud bath.
Take some coins to tip the bath attendants—the equivalent of one US dollar is appropriate.
Totumo Volcano is about a 45-minute bus ride from Cartagena’s Old City. You can also get there by taxi or tour transport.
The ideal time to visit the mud bath is between mid-January and April, when crowds are usually sparser and afternoon temperatures are a bit cooler.
Cartagena is an excellent base for exploring Colombia’s coast. If you’re a beach seeker, opt for a boat excursion to the beautiful Rosario Islands to sunbathe or scuba dive just offshore. To learn about the culture of the region, spend a day in the village of Palenque, known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage. And animal lovers and families should consider a trip to the National Aviary of Colombia, the largest bird reserve in South America.
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