Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 359 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena worth booking?
Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena is a 4-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $65 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 359 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (359)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $65 per person
Here are the key elements that make the El Totumo Mud Volcano Tour truly stand out: 1. A One-of-a-Kind Natural Spa The Volcán El Totumo offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. The mud pool is a dense, mineral-rich slurry that makes it impossible to sink—you simply float effortlessly. This natural buoyancy is incredibly relaxing, while the mineral content provides a powerful natural exfoliation, detoxification, and renewal for your skin. 2. The Power of Customization Unlike standard tours, you get to choose the pace and style of your day based on your schedule and preferences: Relaxation Focus: Choose the Morning or Afternoon Option for a quick, focused wellness treatment. Full Day VIP: Upgrade to the Full VIP Day Option to combine the volcano with a transfer to an exclusive Beach Club for a relaxing. The entire tourism operation at El Totumo is managed by the local community in Santa Catalina. By booking this tour, you are directly supporting the families and residents
What you get
About this experience
Here are the key elements that make the El Totumo Mud Volcano Tour truly stand out: 1. A One-of-a-Kind Natural Spa The Volcán El Totumo offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. The mud pool is a dense, mineral-rich slurry that makes it impossible to sink—you simply float effortlessly. This natural buoyancy is incredibly relaxing, while the mineral content provides a powerful natural exfoliation, detoxification, and renewal for your skin. 2. The Power of Customization Unlike standard tours, you get to choose the pace and style of your day based on your schedule and preferences: Relaxation Focus: Choose the Morning or Afternoon Option for a quick, focused wellness treatment. Full Day VIP: Upgrade to the Full VIP Day Option to combine the volcano with a transfer to an exclusive Beach Club for a relaxing. The entire tourism operation at El Totumo is managed by the local community in Santa Catalina. By booking this tour, you are directly supporting the families and residents
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- Snacks
- Local taxes
Not included
- Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
What you'll see and do
BackPackers
The day start when we pick up you at your hotel between 7:30 am and 8:00 am in a mini van. You must be patient because the traffic sometime is a problem, but don't worried, we will pick up you anyway. we will pick up another travelers too.
60 minutes here
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo
A Natural, Mineral-Rich Spa Unlike volcanic cones that erupt lava, El Totumo is a mud volcano, which is a fissure in the earth that constantly vents mud mixed with water and gas from deep underground. Size: It's small, standing about 50 feet (15 meters) high, accessible by a wooden staircase. The Mud: The mud is highly viscous, warm, and packed with minerals like silica, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, and iron. This composition is believed to have exfoliating, detoxifying, and therapeutic properties for the skin and muscles. 2. The Floating Sensation The most fascinating part is the density of the mud. It's so thick that it's impossible to sink. When you climb down into the crater, your body is naturally held afloat, creating a bizarre and wonderfully relaxing sensation of weightlessness. The Experience Visitors climb the stairs to the top, descend into the crater (which can only hold about 10–15 people at a time), and immerse themselves in the buoyant mud bath.
60 minutes here · Admission included
La Boquilla
If you choose to spend more time on the tour you will visit a club in front of the beach with facilities where you can enjoy the beach and the local vibe.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cartagena
Estar debajo el monumento de los pegasos en el centro historico de cartagena de indias
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Estar debajo el monumento de los pegasos en el centro historico de cartagena de indias
Options you can book
Volcano + Beach Time
Duration: 8 hours La boquilla Beach
Mud Volcanon+Snack AM
Duration: 4 hours Typical snack Pick up and Drop off
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Backpackers Travels S. A. S
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 359 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
359 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The mud bath experience...
The mud bath experience was great. The tour guide was nice and friendly. I gave a 3 star rating because of our unpleasant experience with the local people asking for tips from each family member for each unsolicited little service they do. We said NO to massage and NO to touching. They asked 10 pesos (3 USD) for taking a few family photos but each family member had to pay the 10 pesos, mandatory. 10 pesos each for giving you a hand while getting out of the pool which was unnecessary, unsolicited and unexpected. 10 pesos for carrying your slippers down to the river when getting washed off, which we said we need to have and wear our slippers because it was too hot to walk down to the river barefooted. They refused to give us our slippers back, this was also mandatory so they can ask for money to carry them, when we really need to wear them for comfort. We feel like the tour company was telling us to pay the 10 pesos each service/each person whether we take the service or not. We understand the need to give a tip but it was the way they do it is what got me. They touch you or carry your slippers without being asked and there you go…you pay 10 pesos! That was the unpleasant experience we had otherwise we enjoyed the mud bath.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience so openly. We’re glad you enjoyed the mud bath and that you had a good experience with your guide. We’re genuinely sorry about the situation with the local services and the way the tips were handled. We understand your frustration, especially when services are offered or provided without being requested. Your feedback is very important to us, and we’ll make sure it is shared with our team so we can better inform our guests and work on improving this part of the experience. Thank you again for being honest with us and for highlighting both the good and the things that need improvement. 🙏
via Viator
Good times
I was skeptical about this experience but it ended up being lots of fun. It’s something very different…
via Viator
Go for it
Awesome guide and great experience for kids also. They loved it and wanted to go again. The backpacker guide Cesar communicated everything properly and was friendly and helpful.
Response from the operator: What a fantastic review, Sheela_P ! We are so happy to hear that it was an incredible experience for both adults and the little ones; there is no better compliment than knowing the kids wanted to do it all over again. We are very proud to have Cesar as part of our Backpackers team. We will make sure to congratulate him on his excellent communication and the kindness that helped your family feel comfortable and well-taken care of throughout the tour. Thank you so much for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you all back on your next visit to Cartagena! Best regards for you and your family! Claudia MR
via Viator
We had an amazing time...
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 the operator: 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
via Viator
The tour guide is very...
The tour guide is very informative and knowledgeable. Very friendly staff. Very accommodating. Felt at home.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $96
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 126
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Backpackers Travels S. A. S, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.0 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Backpackers Travels S. A. S runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena cost?
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Prices start at $65 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cartagena usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cartagena is not rushed.
Is Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 359 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cartagena, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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Around 126 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cartagena can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cartagena and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cartagena within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cartagena?
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On Outty we rank every Cartagena experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system, Cartagena VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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Included: Local guide; Driver/guide; Snacks; and Local taxes. Not included: Excess luggage charges (where applicable). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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Estar debajo el monumento de los pegasos en el centro historico de cartagena de indias Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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Across 359 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Full-Day Mud Volcano from Cartagena?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Volcano + Beach Time, Mud Volcanon+Snack AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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