Tour to Mud Volcano with Pool and Beach with Lunch Included

Experience the Unique Charm of Cartagena’s Mud Volcano and Beach

If you’re heading to Cartagena and craving a day that combines adventure, relaxation, and a touch of local flavor, this tour is a solid choice. For around $48 per person, you’ll visit the Volcán de Lodo El Totumo, a bubbling mud pool just 45 minutes from the city, then unwind at a beach club with a pool, sea views, and a delicious included lunch. The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, making it enough time to enjoy both nature and leisure without feeling rushed.

What we love about this experience is the authenticity — it’s run by local guides and community members, giving you a taste of the area beyond the typical tourist spots. Plus, the opportunity to indulge in the mud’s supposed skin benefits adds a fun, memorable element that many travelers find worthwhile. The second highlight is the seaside relaxation at Arena Beach, where you can lounge, swim, or just soak up the Colombian sun while enjoying a hearty meal.

One thing to keep in mind is the tip culture at the mud volcano. Some reviews mention feeling a bit uncomfortable with the tipping scene, especially during the photo and massage services. It’s best to bring small bills if you want assistance, but remember, tipping is voluntary. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences and are comfortable with a lively, informal atmosphere.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a day of fun and relaxation without straying far from Cartagena. If you enjoy trying something different with a relaxed pace and a friendly local vibe, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with guides and community-run sites
• Therapeutic mud and photo opportunities at El Totumo
• Relaxing beach club with pools, hammocks, and sea views
• All-inclusive price of $48 offers good value
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

A Detailed Look at What the Tour Offers

Visiting the Mud Volcano: A Touch of Nature and Fun

The tour begins around 8:00 am at the Camellón de los Mártires in Cartagena. After a roughly 45-minute drive, you’ll arrive at the Volcán de Lodo El Totumo — a natural mud pit famed locally for its thick, warm mud. The guides, who are bilingual, will help you with the process of getting into the mud, which is both messy and amusing.

The mud here contains water, silicon, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, and iron, and many believe it has skin-healing properties. As one review notes, “The mud was therapeutic and cool,” and others find the experience both fun and oddly relaxing. You’ll enjoy swimming, taking photos, and feeling the mud on your skin, which makes for unforgettable memories.

The experience lasts about 4 hours including entry time, and the guides are helpful with assisting you in the mud and taking your photos (for a tip). Some travelers, like Delphine, share that “Nevis the bus coordinator was very nice”, and the photo service is appreciated, so bringing small bills for tips is wise.

One caution: Wear old clothes and leave jewelry at home. The mud is difficult to remove, and your belongings will stay on the bus during the activity. The site is managed by local workers, not the Colombian government, and tips are voluntary but customary for services like massages or additional mud removal.

Heading to Arena Beach: Relaxation and Delicious Food

Following the thrill of the volcanic mud, you’ll be taken to Arena Beach Hotel, roughly 45 minutes from the volcano. This is where the tour shifts from adventure to chill. The beach club offers pools, hammocks, sun loungers, and direct access to the sea, making it easy to unwind.

The included lunch, served around 1 pm, features fish, chicken, pork, and vegetarian options, catering to various tastes. Several reviews praise the delicious food; one reviewer mentioned the fish was “hard,” but most find the meal satisfying and filling. After lunch, you’ll have about three hours to enjoy the facilities, swim, sunbathe, or simply relax with impressive views of the Caribbean.

This part of the tour is great for those who want a mix of fun and leisure. The setting is casual, and many travelers appreciate the opportunity to dip in the pool or doze in a hammock while listening to the waves.

Logistical Details and Practical Tips

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation from and back to Cartagena, which is a welcome comfort after a warm day outdoors. The group size maxes out at 50, so while it’s not a small-group experience, it’s still manageable. Starting at 8:00 am, the day is well-structured with enough time to enjoy every stop.

You’ll want to plan for cash tips, especially at the mud volcano, where local guides and helpers provide photo and massage services. Bring comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy or sandy, and avoid wearing valuables or new clothes.

What Real Travelers Say

While most reviews are positive, some mention the tipping scene as a bit uncomfortable. One reviewer wrote, “The TIP scene was like being in a wasteland,” so go prepared if you wish to tip. Others highlight the guides’ friendliness and the beautiful views, making the effort worthwhile.

A traveler who enjoyed the experience shared, “The mud was cool and therapeutic, and the beach was stunning,” emphasizing how well the two parts of the tour complement each other. Conversely, a less enthusiastic review pointed out that the volcano experience was quick, and the lunch could be better, showing there’s some variability depending on expectations and tastes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers eager to try something truly local while enjoying some downtime at the beach. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups wanting a fun day out that mixes natural wonders with relaxation. If you’re comfortable with informal tipping scenes and don’t mind getting muddy, this tour offers a genuine taste of Cartagena’s vibrant community life.

However, travelers seeking a more luxurious or private experience might prefer alternative options. Also, if you’re not fond of group activities or unpredictable weather, you might want to plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This tour to the Mud Volcano with Pool and Beach combines the thrill of a natural mud bath with the peacefulness of a Caribbean beach, all at an accessible price. It offers good value, especially considering the included transportation, meals, and entry fees. The guides and local community support add an authentic touch that many travelers appreciate.

While the tipping aspect may be a bit awkward for some, most find the experience exciting and memorable. It’s perfect for those who want a fun, active day with a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation—a genuine slice of Cartagena beyond the typical city sights.

If you’re looking for an adventure that’s fun, social, and offers a bit of local flavor, this tour strikes a practical balance of value and enjoyment. Expect smiles, mud, and seaside sunshine — all wrapped into one memorable day in Colombia.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation from and back to Cartagena.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 7 to 8 hours, including travel time, mud experience, and beach relaxation.

What should I wear? Wear old, comfortable clothes suitable for getting muddy and sandy. Avoid jewelry and valuables.

Are meals included? Yes, a lunch with options like fish, chicken, pork, and vegetarian dishes is part of the package.

Can I tip the guides? Tips are voluntary but appreciated. Bring small bills for services like photos and massages at the mud volcano.

Is the tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the mud activity might be messy and best suited for older children or teens.

What’s the scenery like? Expect lively, colorful local guides, the bubbling mud volcano, and stunning seaside views at the beach club.

How is the weather? The tour depends on good weather; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Is this a group tour? Yes, with a maximum of 50 travelers, which encourages social interaction but maintains a manageable group size.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours, no refund is available.

This tour offers an engaging taste of local life, natural beauty, and relaxing beach time — perfect for travelers seeking a memorable day outside the city’s hustle.