A short 45-minute drive from Cartagena you’ll discover El Volcán de Lodo El Totumo (The mud volcano of Totumo). With an approximate elevation of just 20 meters (50 steps to the top) this volcano houses a natural pool of mineral-infused volcanic mud, with an amazing relaxing effect and attributed healing powers of the skin. Locals will actually tell you the mud contains many medicinal properties which can help with a number of ailments, such as normalizing blood circulation, reducing any stress, and replacing any negative energy with positive. Not only all of this, but it also leaves your skin smooth and soft to the touch and is anti-inflammatory! This is one of the most desirable tours of Cartagena.
After climbing up the rustic stairs you’ll view down into the volcanic pit full of the dense and smooth volcanic mud that will soon be massaged into your body. You’ll slowly descend into the volcano and enjoy the sensation of gradually covering your body with this therapeutic gift of nature. The mud is actually so dense that you will feel an element of weightlessness as you are able to easily float on top.
At this point, an experienced attendant will begin to massage the mud into your body for a truly unique and recommended experience (optional – a tip of $4-$5.000 pesos will be expected later).
Following your mud bath, you’ll move down towards the water’s edge of an ocean inlet close by. Here is where you’ll encounter more attendants who will help you with the removal of the soothing mud (optional – a tip of $4-$5.000 pesos will be expected later) before you take a quick dip in the warm ocean waters to rinse off the remaining pieces in those hard-to-find places.
Next, you’ll enjoy a typical Caribbean Meal and a bit of relaxation before continuing onto the second part of today’s tour; a voyage through the Cartagena mangroves by canoe. Boquilla is a small community of fishermen on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Here you start your panoramic journey in a comfortable man-made canoe through the canals of the surrounding mangroves with the help of some of the local fishermen. The great diversity of fauna and flora will astound you as you venture through this reservoir of fish, birds, mollusks, crabs, and other wildlife. Along with a wonderful cruise you’ll also get to enjoy a fantastic fishing demonstration with large nets while standing waist-deep in water.
