Cartagena's Mud Volcano: Float in Healing Earth!

This was my second time visiting the Totumo Mud Volcano, and the mud experience itself was just as wonderful as I remembered. The mud is incredibly soothing, and honestly, my skin feels better afterward than it ever has after far more expensive treatments at high-end spas. Our tour guide, Ender from Seico, was once again outstanding. He is funny, engaging, knowledgeable, kindhearted, and genuinely helpful. He made the drive enjoyable and explained the experience clearly, just as he did the first time I visited earlier this year. During my first visit, it was explained that different local families manage the area each week, and after the experience, one representative would come onto the bus to collect tips, which would then be shared among the family. That system worked very well before and felt respectful and fair. Everyone was happy to tip generously. Unfortunately, this visit was very different. Instead of a single representative, multiple people followed us around repeatedly asking for tips. We had been instructed to leave our money on the bus, so this created an uncomfortable situation where guests felt pressured and had to walk back and forth to retrieve money. Even after that, someone still boarded the bus to collect tips and appeared unhappy with the amount received. This really tainted what is otherwise a fantastic experience. It also appeared there was disagreement among the staff, and while my Spanish is limited, it was clear there was tension over who should be responsible for the guests. I still highly recommend the mud volcano itself and Ender as a guide, but I hope the tipping process becomes better organized again. A clear, unified approach would go a long way toward preserving the positive and community-based experience that made my first visit so special.

Milton and Jesus were great. Milton was very informative about the volcano mud, and he spoke both Spanish and English. He encouraged us to ask questions, and I would definitely recommend him.

It was interesting to say the least. The mud felt cool on the skin and the floating thing was neat. I wouldn't expect much of a "massage". I appreciate our tour guide Milton to gives an overview of what to expect. I wouldn't do it again but I glad to try something new.

The tour was great, cold AC in during transport, beef empanadas were very tasty, and Milton the guide was very helpful. 10/10 would recommend.

Jesus & Franklin did an excellent job. I took the afternoon visit where there was no wait and we stayed in the mud pool to the maximum possible time with no pressure. The pool rub was great and the ladies washing us in the pond were very helpful. It’s an experience not to be forgotten.

I had a good time with Franklin my tour guide. I recommend the excursion to others. Well worth the trip going to the volcano.

amazing experience with jose and jesus! the views were incredible, service was great, and the host was very accommodating and communicative. it also wasn’t crowded at all, which contributed to a great overall experience.

Milton was really cool - fun to hang out with, I do kinda wish he stuck with us a little more. You get there and kinda get passed off to other people, which is hard if you don’t speak great Spanish. He explained the tipping situation well, and we were able to just compile one tip for everyone. The volcano itself was amazing and the town was so beautiful!

Milton was a phenomenal guide - great information and such great vibes. He gave us a lot of helpful information before we arrived to help us know what to expect, so it made the experience more seamless. The mud was awesome, and Jesus was a great driver as well.

Had a fun relaxing day with Milton our guide that explained everything on the mountain took care of us and made sure we were properly treated, the tour was nice, good snacks and the baths are an adventure