Cartagena Mud Volcano Tour with Transport & Snack

The tour was very good, we were picked up by the van on time, taken to the edge of the mud volcano and returned to our hotel also within the time. But the experience in itself in the volcano could be better: members of the local community insist very much on massaging us inside the mud volcano and come to touch us and that is unpleasant. The mud volcano was very full, even though it wasn’t a high-season day, and there wasn’t a crowd of people to get in and stay in the volcano, so we stayed barking all the time. After we left the volcano we were directed to a mango beach next door and there the women of the community also tried to touch and bathe us, and we had to insist very much so that it didn’t happen. And after we removed the mud from our bodies, we went for a shower, but the water that came out, probably coming from the same mango, was scented and came with pieces of algae or plants, and we were worried about it. The attempts to touch us, especially those of the men in relation to my wife, were ruthless and excessive, and these massages were not necessary, because at the end of the tour we gave a general slice that would be distributed to the community. This could be improved with an orientation that massages were only offered, with no effective touches. And the water cleaning could also be taken care of in a better way, maybe by adding chlorine droplets to the water or cleaning the water boxes. In short: this is a very interesting and fun experience, but these details of the touches and the cleaning of the shower water bothered. None of this is attributable to the operator of this tour, but these are points that the volcano organization itself could observe to make the experience even more pleasant, and the operator could also intervene to avoid these inconveniences.

The mud experience was unique and enjoyable. We appreciated that the guide prepared us for the people offering massage and wash and that tips would be required for that even if we hadn't asked for the service, and that we could just refuse if we did not want that. You do have to clearly say "no massage" when you get in the mud or the river to wash off, but if do it clearly and politely they respect your choice. The visit to the salt museum and pink sea was interesting. The lunch was tasty, with choice of fish or chicken. The guide requested a tip at the the end of the day. Since the tour advertized a bilingual guide and the booking page specifically asked for our language preference when booking, I would have expected our guide to have better English skills, as we had some communication challenges. We noticed a marked difference in the amount of information being given in Spanish versus when it was translated into English; like a 5 minute explanation changed into 2 sentences. Other than the minor language item, it was an enjoyable experience.

One in a life time experience. This was one of my favorite activities. Our guide spoke perfect English and was very friendly. He explained everything, step by step on what we should expect. I really enjoyed it, it’s a very primitive experience and feels authentic.

The pickup was a little later but we were informed in advance via WhatsApp, so no problem :) Our guide Franklin was great, we were warmly welcomed and he told us the information in Spanish and very good English. Arriving he pointed out some things to us and took all our luggage with him to the restaurant for safe storage. We got someone to accompany us up to the volcano and take pictures with our mobile phones. He knew exactly which phone belonged to whom. That's great. Up by the volcano, he collected his shoes. In the volcano it was very pleasant. There were people inside who helped you and also offered massages. Even when going out, the mud was removed as best as possible so as not to replace. In the lake you could then wash clean without being pressed to be helped. At the restaurant Franklin waited with our belongings and said we can check if everything was there. Then there was a snack to eat and something to drink and after a short time we drove back to Cartagena. I can really recommend this tour to anyone who is in Cartagena.

THE MUD VOLCANO EXPERIENCE WAS GREAT. But I paid for a round trip from my hotel to the excursion and back. I did not receive the transportation all the way back to my hotel. I was left on the side of the road I did not speak the language. The host of the excursion let me know 5 minutes before she dropped me off to the side of the road and call the cab for me. But that transportation issue did not sit right with me. The respectable and professional thing to do is compensate me for the services I paid for and did NOT receive.

I chose this tour because it was not a full day tour, there are many options to choose from. I enjoyed the trip. It was relaxing and something different. I spent about 10 minutes in mud. I did not accept a massage, simply say "no gracias" if you do not want one. Same applies to the wash off at the lake. Angel, the tour guide did a good job. The tour included a snack and drink. My only issue is with the service providers at the location. They need a more efficient way of keeping track of who does what for whom. They came to the bus and ask generally for $ instead of asking the specific persons they did services for. If you visit Cartagena, do it! 10/10 Recommended.

Strange experience, it is out of the ordinary to pay because they cover you with mud but that makes it a quite pleasant tour and after that the experience of being washed away by ladies in a swamp is out of the ordinary haha

The trip was lots of fun. Really enjoyed it. The only downside is that the locals don’t have a great way of keeping track of who does what for you. At the end of your experience they all want money and it gets very frustrating. It is worth it though. The tour company is very accommodating. We ended up with the wrong group by accident. They were extremely helpful making sure we got back to it ship on time. I can’t thank them enough times.

Great experience! I really enjoyed my tour, the mud volcano and lunch! I definitely recommend it!!!!

Our tour guide was super sweet and attentive to us. She taught us about the history of Colombia and the culture on the way to the volcano. She also made us feel very safe.