El Totumo mud volcano from the Cartagena cruise port

Natureabout 60 minutes by taxi4-5 hoursTight on a typical call

A small volcano you climb into to float in warm mud, usually combined with La Boquilla.

Getting there from the ship

From
Cartagena Cruise Terminal
Travel time
About 60 minutes by taxi · 50 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Cartagena taxi fares.
Cost
Half-day tours about US$25–50 (2026).
Time to allow
4-5 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Only just. On a typical 9:00 am–5:00 pm Cartagena call you have about 4 h 40 min at El Totumo mud volcano once you keep an hour's margin, a little short of a full visit (allow 4-5 hours). Go early, keep it short, or book a tour that meets at the pier.
  1. 1
    9:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    10:20 am · At El Totumo mud volcano
    About 60 minutes by taxi from Cartagena Cruise Terminal.
  3. 3
    3:00 pm · Leave El Totumo mud volcano by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    5:00 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Cartagena; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Wear old swimwear; it fits a standard call only with an early start.

Cartagena cruise port: El Totumo mud volcano FAQ

How far is El Totumo mud volcano from the Cartagena cruise port?

From Cartagena Cruise Terminal it is about 60 minutes by taxi, about 50 km.

How much does it cost to visit El Totumo mud volcano?

Half-day tours about US$25–50 (2026).

How much time do you need at El Totumo mud volcano?

Allow 4-5 hours. Only just. On a typical 9:00 am–5:00 pm Cartagena call you have about 4 h 40 min at El Totumo mud volcano once you keep an hour's margin, a little short of a full visit (allow 4-5 hours). Go early, keep it short, or book a tour that meets at the pier.

Can you visit El Totumo mud volcano on your own from a cruise ship?

It is easier with a tour or a pre-booked driver, because transport there and back is not simple to arrange on the day. Wear old swimwear; it fits a standard call only with an early start.

Wildlife & nature tours in Cartagena

Checked against a typical 9:00 am–5:00 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near El Totumo mud volcano

All 8 places
  • Las Bóvedas · Attraction · 20 minutes by taxi from the pier · 48 km from El Totumo mud volcano
  • Castillo San Felipe de Barajas · Attraction · 15 minutes by taxi from the pier · 48 km from El Totumo mud volcano
  • Walled City · Town & walking · 10-20 minutes by taxi from the pier · 49 km from El Totumo mud volcano
  • Getsemaní · Town & walking · 10-15 minutes by taxi from the pier · 49 km from El Totumo mud volcano