Mud Volcano & Pink Sea

The Totumo Volcano, a natural marvel near Cartagena, Colombia, invites visitors to enjoy its warm, mineral-rich mud. Known for its purported healing properties, this unique experience is complemented by the opportunity to witness the nearby seasonal wonder – the pink sea. Travelers can embark on a full-day tour that whisks them away from the city, offering a chance to relax, rejuvenate, and explore Colombia’s breathtaking natural beauty. With hassle-free transportation, a traditional Cartagena lunch, and an emphasis on well-being, this adventure promises an unforgettable encounter. But what makes the Totumo Volcano and the pink sea truly captivating is their ability to transport visitors to a world of tranquility and wonder.

Good To Know

• Totumo Volcano, the smallest active volcano in Colombia, offers a unique experience of bathing in its warm, mineral-rich mud.
• The tour includes hassle-free transportation, a typical Cartagena lunch, and an optional visit to the nearby seasonal Pink Sea.
• The mud is believed to have healing properties, and personal massages can be arranged for enhanced relaxation.
• The tour may not be suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions, skin conditions, or respiratory issues, and pregnant women should consult their doctors.
• The full-day tour experience lasts throughout the day, with a maximum group capacity of 30 travelers for a personalized experience.

Location and Prominence

The Totumo Volcano, located in Cartagena, Colombia, is the smallest active volcano in the country, standing at an impressive height of approximately 15 meters (49 feet).

This unique geological formation is a popular tourist attraction, known for its warm, healing mud that visitors can bathe in.

Despite its diminutive size, the Totumo Volcano is an active mud volcano, constantly bubbling and churning, creating a unique and captivating natural wonder.

Visitors can access the volcano via a staircase that can accommodate up to 15 people at a time, allowing them to fully enjoy the therapeutic mud.

Tour Inclusions

As part of the Mud Volcano & Pink Sea tour, visitors can expect a range of inclusions to enhance their overall experience.

The tour includes:

• A typical Cartagena lunch, featuring coconut rice, fried fish, and avocado salad, providing a taste of the local cuisine.
• Hassle-free transportation, with an air-conditioned vehicle and pickup from hotels in northern Cartagena.
• Bottled water and all fees and taxes covered, ensuring a worry-free experience.
• The option to purchase alcoholic beverages during the tour, catering to individual preferences.

These inclusions aim to create a well-rounded and enjoyable tour for visitors exploring the unique Totumo Volcano and the mesmerizing Pink Sea in Colombia.

Tour Highlights

Bathing in the warm, soothing mud of the Totumo Volcano is the undisputed highlight of this unique tour. Visitors can climb the staircase and enjoy the mineral-rich mud, which is believed to have healing properties. During the experience, a personal massage can be requested, enhancing the relaxation. Beyond the mud bath, the tour may also include a visit to the nearby pink sea, depending on the season. This natural wonder, caused by the presence of red plankton, offers a truly unique sight. The Mud Volcano & Pink Sea tour provides a memorable and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Colombia’s stunning coastal region.

Mud Bath	Personal Massage	Pink Sea Visit
Mineral-rich, warm, and soothing	Enhances relaxation	Seasonal natural wonder
Believed to have healing properties	Offered during mud bath	Caused by red plankton
Accessed via staircase	Customized experience	Depending on tour schedule

Health and Accessibility

Travelers with serious medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before participating in the Mud Volcano & Pink Sea tour.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Prospective participants should keep in mind:

• The tour involves bathing in warm mud, which may not be suitable for those with certain skin conditions or respiratory issues.

• The staircase leading to the volcano can be challenging for those with mobility limitations.

• The tour may not be appropriate for individuals with cardiovascular or neurological disorders.

• Pregnant women should exercise caution and consult their doctor before booking the tour.

Duration and Capacity

The tour typically begins with pickup around 8 AM and includes ample time for bathing in the warm mud volcano and potentially visiting the nearby pink sea, depending on the season. The tour experience lasts throughout the day, with a maximum capacity of 30 travelers per group. This ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

Duration	Capacity
Pickup starts at 8 AM	Maximum of 30 travelers
Includes mud bathing and pink sea visit	Ensures intimate experience
Full-day tour experience	–

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is open to all travelers, though infants must be held on laps. Guests with serious medical conditions should consult before participating to ensure the tour is suitable.

Pricing and Booking

The cost of the Mud Volcano & Pink Sea tour starts from $40.00 per person. This non-refundable fee is payable upon booking. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, providing peace of mind for travelers.

The tour includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from hotels in northern Cartagena
• Bottled water and all necessary fees and taxes
• Opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages
• A typical Cartagena lunch featuring coconut rice, fried fish, and avocado salad

While the tour offers a unique and memorable experience, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for all travelers, especially those with serious medical conditions.

Advance consultation is recommended before participating.

Customer Reviews

The Mud Volcano & Pink Sea tour has received a 3.0 rating based on 17 customer reviews.

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback about the friendly guides, delicious lunch, and enjoyable mud experience. However, some have reported issues with transportation delays, tipping pressure, and service cancellations.

Reviewers recommend wearing water shoes, dark clothing, and preparing for a messy but unique adventure.

Despite the mixed reviews, the tour appears to offer a memorable and adventurous experience for those interested in exploring Colombia’s natural wonders, if managed expectations and minor inconveniences can be overlooked.

Packing and Preparation

Before embarking on the Mud Volcano & Pink Sea tour, travelers should consider several packing and preparation tips.

The experience can be messy, so wearing dark-colored clothing and bringing water shoes is highly recommended. It’s also a good idea to pack a change of clothes and a towel to freshen up after the mud bath.

Plus, sunscreen and a hat can help protect against the tropical sun. Finally, staying hydrated by bringing a water bottle is essential, as the tour can be physically demanding.

• Wear dark-colored clothing and water shoes
• Pack a change of clothes and a towel
• Apply sunscreen and wear a hat
• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Swim in the Mud Volcano?

You can bathe in the warm mud of the Totumo Volcano. The tour provides staircase access to the small crater, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique mud with its purported healing properties.

How Safe Is the Mud Volcano for Children?

The mud volcano may not be suitable for young children. While the warm mud has therapeutic properties, the volcano’s narrow staircase and confined space pose safety risks for small kids. Parents should consult the tour operator before booking to ensure the activity aligns with their child’s abilities.

Is the Mud Volcano Therapeutic for Skin Conditions?

The mud from the Totumo Volcano in Colombia is believed to have therapeutic properties for certain skin conditions. Its mineral-rich composition can provide soothing relief and potentially aid in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological issues.

What Is the History Behind the Mud Volcano?

The Totumo Volcano in Cartagena, Colombia has long been revered for its therapeutic mud, which locals believe has healing properties. The volcano itself is the smallest in the country, standing at just 49 feet tall.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tour?

Based on the provided overview, it doesn’t seem that bringing your own food and drinks is allowed on the tour. The tour includes typical Cartagena lunch and bottled water, suggesting outside items aren’t permitted.

The Sum Up

The Totumo Volcano tour offers an unforgettable experience to explore Colombia’s natural wonders. Visitors can indulge in the therapeutic mud bath, followed by a visit to the captivating pink sea. With hassle-free transportation, a delicious local lunch, and a focus on relaxation, this full-day adventure is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy Colombia’s unique natural beauty.