Is Volcan De Lodo El Totumo Worth It? A Full Review

So, you’ve probably heard whispers about this peculiar place near Cartagena, Colombia – Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Is it truly the somewhat strange, super fun tourist stop everyone talks about? That’s what most want to know, right? It’s like, a small volcano, only it’s stuffed with mud, thick, goopy mud. Now, before planning your somewhat messy adventure, getting a really good feel for what awaits you is super smart, as a matter of fact.

What is Volcan de Lodo El Totumo?

El Totumo isn’t exactly your typical volcano. In fact, it’s more of a mud mound, standing at a little over 50 feet. Arguably, the mud, which folks believe holds minerals, is the real draw. It’s not hot like lava; instead, it is this cool, thick goo where people pile in and float. Apparently, they are looking for possible healthy perks and definitely quirky photos.

Actually, the volcano has a pretty nice legend behind it. As I was saying, a local priest is said to have sprinkled holy water on the then fiery, lava-spewing volcano, that right there turned it into the somewhat soothing mud bath it is today. Or, in some respects, maybe that’s just what people say. Anyway, volcanic activity deep down releases gases, that forces the mud upwards, which explains its consistency.

Getting There: The Road to Goopy Fun

Most folks reach El Totumo as part of a day trip from Cartagena. Typically, the drive could be almost an hour, maybe even two, but only if there are hold-ups, because of traffic, on account of the road conditions, or similar events. You could book this type of adventure by heading to one of those agencies located downtown or, as I was saying, maybe coordinate a ride using a local driver. Obviously, going with a tour generally covers transport, the entrance charge, and arguably, helps with dealing with locals there. Hiring a car, now that could be a pretty good option if doing things your way really matters to you.

First, confirm what’s included, like if the admission fee is handled, any lunch plans, and if it includes that post-mud scrub in the close-by lagoon. The route might appear a bit bumpy but, in that case, bear in mind it’s a portion of the experience, literally, you know?

The Mud Bath: What’s it Like?

Here’s basically what happens: Local guys hang by the volcano and help direct you, which can start at the foot of the volcano, that is reached by those fairly wobbly steps, you know? The mud’s texture can be seriously thick and feels very cool. Because it is dense, you effortlessly float.

That means that inside, men give almost everybody a brief, so, mud massage. Actually, it’s like they maneuver you about to make sure the mud works its ways onto your skin. Arguably, they are also offering to snap some photographs of you and your buddies while slathered in mud, but naturally expect some money for these assistance, you know?

There aren’t changing rooms in a classic sense, yet people are good with getting undressed/dressed right out in the open. First, make sure to keep hold of your valuables as, for instance, things can, possibly, get chaotic, that’s right. It tends to be rather difficult to move smoothly in the volcano since the mud offers total resistance; do note, moving might get slightly tough.

The Aftermath: Getting Clean

Anyway, after you’re nice and muddy, they send you to the neighboring lagoon to get everything cleaned off. And the people doing that? These are the neighborhood gals that are willing to scrub you for a small amount. First, they literally assist to wipe away all that mud, in a way making certain your skin is nice and smooth.

The water is mostly not super crystal clear and so could appear just a bit mossy to several folks, that’s the reality. And also, getting your equipment like your phone scrubbed totally free from mud could be just a bit of a job; give them a reasonable payment since these women strive so you don’t have to ride back covered up with goop.

Things to Consider Before Going

So, think about packing some of those key products and consider just a few strategies to possibly make the whole encounter more satisfying:

• Budget Accordingly: While admission into the volcano may not seem very expensive, it’s a pretty safe bet that the small charges levied from the local people could rise. Therefore, it’s typically best to carry small denominations to reward folks doing things such as massage services, image taking, and wash-offs.
• Wear Older Clothing: Just put on something which you won’t mind possibly getting muddied. Or better still, wear clothes you may conveniently dispose.
• Bring a Waterproof Camera or Case: Actually, you’re most likely to like those memories but keep them protected.
• Go with the flow, just a bit: Obviously, neighborhood residents may come off somewhat sturdy regarding tips for things such as their treatments or just by assisting you; understanding it’s very much just how they run their thing can improve things for yourself.

Is It Safe? Possible Things to be Aware Of

Generally, the experience is actually relatively safe, however, think about that:

• The Steps Are very unsteady: Move with care on these when getting up and out of your volcano.
• Eye Awareness: Usually do not place your hands directly in contact with your vision when inside that mud due to possible bacteria.
• Pickpockets: Just retain watchful sight over stuff mainly when you are shifting spots.

Overall: Is Volcan de Lodo El Totumo Worth It?

Okay, is going over to El Totumo totally worth the trek? Possibly, it depends upon your mindset. In a way, if you love quirky things, that are not too uptight dealing with dirt and random touching with individuals, and actually appreciate supporting neighborhood endeavors, then potentially you will think it’s interesting. Even though, possibly, be prepared as it tends to become a tiny little chaotic plus touristy.

For lots of folks, in fact, this can make for some amazing anecdote on any travel adventure in Colombia. However, in some respects, for travelers needing super tidy, so, well arranged experiences, you may possibly elect to skip. In the end, the choice to go depends upon what one loves whenever traveling!

And so, hopefully that gives a very in depth check at just what awaits over at Volcan de Lodo El Totumo; enjoy that muddy dip!

Other Nearby Attractions

While you’re making the journey out to Volcan de Lodo El Totumo, actually, consider checking out these close by points of interest to arguably take full advantage of the time:

• La Boquilla: That’s a humble angling hamlet to which it is possible to get to know exactly how residents are in reality living, for instance take a tour across the mangroves, too it’s almost. Arguably, one can even taste yummy regular fish dishes served directly out there.
• Galerazamba’s Pink Sea: Is that right, this truly stunning purely natural surprise displays water with sensational rose hues simply due to its salinity combined alongside algae that dwell here, that’s the reason! If you admire outstanding backdrops and capturing them utilizing photographic equipment, very well maybe you should explore here particularly when shades look much more prominent in that dry season stretching from December until about April, honestly.
• Barranquilla: Around about an hour further aside from Cartagena stands Barranquilla where someone might explore even more destinations or activities while traveling; experience sites like Museo del Caribe showing social info over this location and stroll across the famed Malecon 1972 giving beautiful riverside panoramas while perhaps savoring nearby cooking treats, and stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions