The Totumo Volcano is one of the most curious and visited natural attractions in the Colombian Caribbean. Unlike traditional volcanoes that expel lava and ash, this small geological cone contains a thick mud pool inside where visitors can immerse themselves and experience a unique floating sensation.
Located in Santa Catalina, a town very close to Cartagena, it has become a must-visit stop for those traveling along Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Its proximity to major tourist destinations makes it easy to reach. From Cartagena, the journey takes about one hour by road, while from Barranquilla it takes between 1 1/2 and 2 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route. Thanks to this strategic location, many travelers include the visit as a half-day excursion during their stay in the Colombian Caribbean.
How to get there and what to expect at Totumo Volcano
Most visitors arrive through organized tours departing from nearby towns or cities, although it is also possible to go by private vehicle along the road that connects Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Once there, the volcano’s structure is striking for its size: It stands only between 15 and 20 meters tall, making it one of the smallest volcanoes in the world.
To enter the crater, visitors climb a rustic wooden staircase that leads directly to the mud’s surface. Inside is a dense natural mud pool where the body floats effortlessly.
The sensation is completely different from swimming in water, as the mud offers resistance and supports the body evenly.
After the mud bath, it is customary to go to a nearby area to rinse off, usually with water from a nearby natural body of water or with containers prepared for that purpose. The entire process is part of an experience that combines adventure, nature, and wellness.
Why is Totumo Volcano so famous?
Its popularity is mainly due to the uniqueness of the natural phenomenon. It is not common to find a volcano that functions as a mud pool accessible to the public. However, its fame is not limited to its unusual nature, but also to the beliefs surrounding its supposed health benefits.
For years, visitors and local communities have attributed therapeutic properties to the volcano’s mud. It is believed to help exfoliate the skin, improve blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, and even contribute to detoxifying the body.
Although many of these benefits lack conclusive scientific support, the experience of covering oneself completely in mud remains one of the site’s biggest attractions.
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