Totumo Mud Bath and Fortress of Sanfelipe De Barajas - Hotel Guests

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Tour Times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

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Hassle-free

Cancellation

4.5 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Archaeological/Cultural Adventure Wildlife/Nature Skip The Line

Overview

A short ride outside the city of Cartagena is the El Totumo Mud Volcano, located in the municipality of Santa Catalina.

From the ground, like an oversized anthill, El Totumo is a classic example of a mud volcano that has been created by natural gasses emitted by decaying organic matter underground.
As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground.
As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge, it grows in size and gradually forms what you can see today, a miniature volcano with a rich, creamy mud crater at the top.

Submerge yourself in the mud and, along with cleaning your pores, you'll cleanse your soul.
Folklore says that the volcano's popularity grew from its alleged healing accomplished by immersion in the mud.
At first, the locals were the ones who took advantage of this cleansing as it does exactly that.
Now it has become well-known for its spiritual expunging and draws people from everywhere.

The mound itself is almost 50 feet high and is serviced by an accessible staircase that leads to the crater, which can accommodate about 10 to 15 people at a time. People bathe in the dense warm mud and have the option of receiving personal massages from the attendants. After wallowing in the mud, you will have a bath by the lake near the volcano by one of the woman head of household in the community.

As you seem to be entering the center of a volcano, you must understand that it is not active nor has a history of activity.
According to local lore, the volcano used to spew fire, lava, and ashes, but it was turned into mud by a local priest who believed it was the work of the devil, and ensued to banish him by sprinkling holy water into it.

Either before or after your mud bath, you will visit the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, a major historical site in Cartagena. The 17th century governor of Cartagena, Don Francisco de Murga ordered the construction of this fortification in 1656.
Its strategic location prevented foreign troops and the occasional European pirate from setting ashore and circling the back of Cartagena's (now) Old Town. Initially built with just eight canons and barracks for 20 soldiers, the castle took its familiar shape over a period of 120 years. It was finally completed in 1769 after undergoing sporadic reconstruction as a result of a string of damaging attacks on the city during the 17th and 18th centuries.

This fort was an integral part of the protection of the city of Cartagena and today not only offers the historical background, but some of the best views of this port possible.

There's little shade here, so avoid visiting in the hottest part of the day. Instead, get there early or visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sun sinking into the Caribbean from the lofty ramparts.

What's Included

Private vehicle and driver/guide
Visit to El Totumo Mud Volcano
Stop and bathe at a nearby lake
Visit the San Felipe de Barajas castle
Entrance fee

Considerations

Food and drinks are not included
Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash

Special Instructions

Please wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel
As this has become a center of attention for many tourists, we do try to arrive before or after the crowds
The order of this tour may change
The walk up to the fort is sloped and can be somewhat strenuous
If you choose not to participate in the mud bath, you may observe and be the designated photographer
Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!
Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup at Your Hotel/AirBnb Included.

Tour Times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

Hassle-free

Cancellation

4.5 hours (approx.)

Private Tour

Moderate

Totumo Mud Bath and Fortress of Sanfelipe De Barajas - Hotel Guests

Overview

What's Included

Considerations

Special Instructions

Meeting and Pickup

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Price Info

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