How to get to Cerro Tusa from Medellín in 2026 (routes, times and tips)

Planning a road trip to the world's largest natural pyramid is today one of the smoothest and most scenic drives in Colombia.

With the completion of the 4G highway network (Pacífico 1 and Pacífico 2), former four-hour journeys along winding two-lane mountain roads are firmly in the past.

Understanding how to get to Cerro Tusa from Medellín in 2026 will allow you to pick the best route, savor traditional roadside cuisine, and arrive feeling energized and ready to explore.

1. By private car: two driving routes

Departing south from the Aburrá Valley, drivers can choose between two fully paved alternatives depending on scenery preferences:

Route 1: Via Camilo C (Direct mountain route to Venecia)

• Itinerary: Medellín › Caldas › Variante de Caldas › Camilo C › Turnoff to Venecia.
• Distance: ~62 kilometers (38 miles).
• Driving time: 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Profile: After passing the mountain hub of Camilo C, take the signposted right exit directly toward Venecia. This winding, scenic secondary road descends through lush coffee slopes. It is the preferred, most direct route to La Juana.

Route 2: Via Pacífico 1 and Bolombolo (High-speed 4G corridor)

• Itinerary: Medellín › Autopista Pacífico 1 › Amagá Tunnel › Bolombolo › Venecia.
• Distance: ~85 kilometers (53 miles).
• Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Profile: Capitalizes on divided double-lane freeways and sweeping viaducts. While longer in total mileage, grades are gentle and driving speeds are higher. This route reaches the Comfama Park entrance before ascending into the town of Venecia.

Pacífico 4G highway with viaducts and green mountain scenery of southwestern Antioquia

2. Highway tolls and travel budget

When budgeting your road trip, account for two toll plazas:

1. Ancón Sur Toll: At the southern exit of Medellín toward Caldas.
2. Amagá Toll: Positioned along the Pacífico 1 highway corridor.

Total round-trip toll costs range from COP 56,000 to 64,000 for standard Category I passenger vehicles. Electronic toll tags (Flypass, Gopass, FacilPass) are accepted and recommended for holiday weekends.

3. By public transit: buses from Medellín's South Terminal

If you prefer not to drive, public transport to Venecia is dependable, economical, and frequent:

• Departure terminal: Terminal de Transportes del Sur in Medellín (connected via pedestrian bridge from Poblado Metro Station).
• Bus operator: Rápido Ochoa (ticket desks on the main concourse).
• Frequencies: Hourly departures between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Ticket price: Approximately COP 20,000 to 24,000 per person each way.
• Duration: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Upon boarding, let the driver know if you are stopping at the ecological park entrance or continuing to the central plaza of Venecia. In town, traditional open-air Jeeps ("yipaos") and mototaxis provide easy connections to rural areas.

Combine your visit with exploring other captivating historic towns in Antioquia.

Family and visitors with their dogs at the official Cerro Tusa park entrance totem

4. Private door-to-door transfer service coordinated by La Juana

For family reunions or international groups seeking seamless relaxation without navigation stress, La Juana arranges door-to-door private transfers:

• Available vehicles: Climate-controlled executive vans (8 to 10 guests) or dedicated minibuses (up to 16 guests with luggage).
• Flexible pick-up: Directly from your hotel/residence in Medellín (El Poblado, Laureles, Envigado) or from José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro.
• Experienced local chauffeurs: Courteous professional drivers who know every mountain turn, scenic overlook, and coffee stand along the route.

Simply request this service through your La Juana booking advisor when confirming your dates.

5. Final access to Comfama Park and La Juana

As you approach Venecia, road signage makes navigation straightforward:

• To Comfama Cerro Tusa Ecological Park: Clearly signposted along the Venecia - Bolombolo road, featuring a visitor reception and secure parking.
• To La Juana Cerro Tusa: Located within Parcelación Rochiles, just 1.5 km (5 minutes) from the park entrance.
• Road surface: The final private approach is a well-maintained, compacted gravel road with concrete tracks on incline sections. Any standard city sedan navigates it with total ease.

Beyond our private gate, you will find sheltered parking for up to 6 vehicles and an immediate, front-row view of the world's largest natural pyramid.

Cozy interior seating nook and hand-carved colonial window in a suite at La Juana

Tips for a seamless journey

• Roadside dining: Stop along the Variante de Caldas or Camilo C for traditional sweet corn arepas with fresh farmer's cheese and hot peasant-style hot chocolate.
• Local climate: Venecia enjoys a comfortable temperate climate (22°C to 27°C / 71°F to 81°F during the day, cooling to a refreshing 18°C / 64°F at night). Pack swimwear for the pool and light outerwear for evening bonfires.

Key takeaways

Reaching Cerro Tusa in 2026 is an easy, panoramic two-and-a-half-hour trip from Medellín.

Pairing your arrival with the exclusivity of an entire private hacienda ensures your retreat begins the moment you set off.

To check available dates or coordinate private executive transfers, view our suites and rooms or contact us directly on WhatsApp.

Notice on rates: Highway tolls, bus fares, and transfer rates are informational and subject to changes by operating companies and transit authorities. Notice on images: Photographs and renderings are illustrative, designed to evoke the sensory experience and scenic routes of southwestern Antioquia at La Juana Cerro Tusa.