Mud Bath at Volcan Totumo

Volcan del Totumo

Getting into the mud!

Mud people!

On our last day in Cartagena, we decided to take a day trip to the Volcan del Totumo, which stands at a staggering 15 m high! We had no idea what to expect when we decided to sign up for this trip to the mud baths, we were just looking for something different to try. We ended up standing at the end of a line on the tiny anthill of a volcano, in the smoldering sun. When we reached the top, we were able to see the fenced in top portion of mud that was filled with people. It seemed a little strange, and we were feeling a little unsure of what we had signed up for and stood in line for. When it was our turn to climb down the ladder into the mud pit, it turned out to be more fun than anticipated! When climbing in, you just have to lean back and a guide helps you in and covers you with mud. You can't feel the bottom at all, and you're unable to swim, the guides end up just pushing you around. We each got a little massage from the guides, which was really relaxing. I enjoyed being able to lay on my back while the guide pressed up on my back for a massage, a bit different from having to lie on your stomach. Being in the mud was super strange and messed with my equilibrium a bit. To move to a different side of the pit, Nate had to push me until I reached the wall where I could grab on and then pull him over. Coordination just wasn't possible. Even just sitting in the mud you would start to tilt over and would struggle to right yourself again. It was very strange to not feel the bottom either. We naturally "floated" around chest level, but if you grabbed onto the side you could try to push yourself under to around neck level, which took some muscle and you still couldn't reach the bottom.

Monkey tied to a tree

After lounging in the mud for a bit we walked down to the lake to wash off. Here some local women came to help us. They grabbed our hands and pulled us into the lake, trying to make some money (it was only $1 for their help and what the hell, it's more money to them than it is to us). The lady sat me down and took a bowl to scoop water over my face and vigorously scrub me everywhere. I felt like a little kid in a bath. The water was shoulder deep and you couldn't see through it, but it was still a little startling when she took me top off to scrub it clean! Throughout the lake other people were getting the same experience, it was definitely unique and entertaining. After this we got on the bus and went to a small little fishing town nearby for lunch, where Nate and I walked through town. We found a tree with some one's pet donkey tied to it, and also their pet monkey! I have never seen a monkey in a harness, but this little guy was harnessed up to a line.

Colonial Cartagena

The rest of our time in Cartagena was spent walking through the streets and exploring the old town, which is surrounded by thick walls that were built in the 16th century, and the little tourist filled area where we were staying. The streets were packed with tourists and locals, and the streets were filled with taxis that were constantly honking at each other. It was definitely a nosy town to stay in. We only stayed here a few days before heading down to Medellin, which was a grueling 13 hour bus ride away! We didn't realize how large Colombia was before we got here.

A lady making delicious fruit salad who posed for a picture