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El Totumo facts for kids

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El Totumo
Volcán del Totumo.jpg
Highest point
Elevation 15 m (49 ft)
Prominence 15 m (49 ft)
Geography
Location Santa Catalina, Bolívar, Colombia
Geology
Mountain type Mud volcano

The El Totumo Mud Volcano (in Spanish: Spanish: Volcán de Lodo El Totumo) is a unique and active mud volcano. You can find it close to the sea in northern Colombia. It is located in the town of Santa Catalina.

This small volcano is a popular spot for tourists. Many people visit it from nearby Cartagena. They come to enjoy a special mud bath, which some believe has healing powers. El Totumo is known as the smallest volcano in Colombia. It stands about 15 meters (49 feet) tall. A staircase leads right up to its crater. About 10 to 15 people can fit in the crater at one time. Visitors can relax in the thick, warm mud. Some even get massages from helpers there. After the mud bath, people usually wash off in a nearby lagoon.

According to local stories, the volcano once shot out fire, lava, and ash. But a local priest thought it was the work of the Devil. So, he sprinkled holy water into it. This act supposedly turned the fiery volcano into the mud volcano we see today.

Volcán del totumo 001
The mud pool of the Totumo mud volcano

What Makes the Mud Special?

Many people believe the mud from El Totumo volcano has healing powers. This is because of the natural chemicals found in the mud. These include water, silica, aluminum, magnesium, sodium chloride, sulfur, and iron.

Some therapists say these natural ingredients can help with different health issues. They are thought to be good for:

  • Treating problems like rheumatism (joint pain).
  • Helping to clean out toxins from the body.
  • Making your skin feel clean and smooth.
  • Reducing swelling in joints.

So, while some visitors just want to have fun and relax, others come looking for natural remedies. They might use the mud for aches and pains or as a special mask to make their skin look better.

Images for kids

  • Volcán del Totumo

    The El Totumo Mud Volcano

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Volcán del Totumo para niños

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