4-hour Comprehensive Private Emerald Tour in Bogota

Bogotá , Colombia

4-hour Comprehensive Private Emerald Tour in Bogota

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About this experience

Discover the world of gemstones and highest quality emeralds in the world.

Colombian emeralds are famous for their exotic beauty and considered an important part of our cultural and geological heritage.

This Emerald Gemstone tour invites you to discover the processes of mining, production and stone carving, while touring the main emerald trade center located in La Candelaria, the oldest neighborhood of Bogotá.

We will visit several places where you'll find unique rough stones, sculptures and elegant jewelry designs, showcasing how Colombian emeralds are unique for their color, brightness, purity and size.

Available options

Emerald Gemstone Tour

Emerald tour

What's included

Professional guide

Entrances fees to the visited places

Detailed itinerary

You will start your trip at Parque Santander, where you can see several landmark buildings of Bogotá, including the former building of El Tiempo newspaper, the Bank of the Republic, the Gold Museum and the churches of San Francisco, La Veracruz and La Tercera.

Stop 2

here, you will travel up to the 23rd floor of the Avianca Building, an architectural landmark of contemporary Bogotá, to enter Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda, where you will visit a 27 square meter tunnel with samples of the emerald deposits and real veins extracted from the mines of Boyacá. Here you will be able to appreciate the process of working with emeralds, from its extraction in the mines to carving and handcrafting of jewelry, which you will see at the museum workshop. The collection exhibits unique emeralds from Colombia such as the Fuego Verde (Green Fire) and Trapiche emerald, known for being shaped like a star.

Stop 3

There, you will travel up to the 23rd floor of the Avianca Building, an architectural landmark of contemporary Bogotá, to enter Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda, where you will visit a 27 square meter tunnel with samples of the emerald deposits and real veins extracted from the mines of Boyacá. Here you will be able to appreciate the process of working with emeralds, from its extraction in the mines to carving and handcrafting of jewelry, which you will see at the museum workshop. The collection exhibits unique emeralds from Colombia such as the Fuego Verde (Green Fire) and Trapiche emerald, known for being shaped like a star.

After, you will walk to Carrera Séptima and Avenida Jimenez, the center of the emerald market in town. Your path towards the Plazoleta del Rosario will let you know street vendors who buy and sell emeralds as a daily job. However, it is important to remark the importance of not supporting these street market and acquiring stones at authorized and reliable stores. This route will take you to the Eje Ambiental, the commercial center for emeralds with the most significant number of organized stores in Bogotá. Then, you will enter the Emerald Trade Center, a building with local and export business offices.

Last but not least, you will walk to La Candelaria, to finish your tour at ‘Galería de Artesanías y Esmeraldas de Colombia’, where you will drink a cup of Colombian coffee, and enjoy crafts from all over the country. There you will discover the jewelry making out of emeralds and learn how to recognize original stones and their value according to their color, and carat weight.

What's not included

Gratuities

Anything that is not mentioned as included

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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2 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A maximum of 15 people per booking

Conformable shoes are recommended

Meeting point

Emerald National Museum main entrance

Important notes

There is an insurance included with this tour. If you wish to acquire it please provide the name and passport number of all the participants.

About Bogotá

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andes Mountains. Known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling urban life, it offers a unique blend of colonial charm and modern sophistication. The city's high altitude and pleasant spring-like climate make it an appealing destination year-round.

Top Attractions

La Candelaria

La Candelaria is Bogotá's historic center, known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's home to museums, churches, and colorful houses.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, museum entry fees vary

Museo del Oro

The Gold Museum is one of the most important museums in Colombia, housing an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts and offering insights into the region's indigenous cultures.

Museum 1-2 hours COP 4,000 ($1 USD)

Montserrate

Montserrate is a mountain overlooking Bogotá, offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can reach the summit by funicular, cable car, or hiking trail.

Nature Half day Funicular: COP 16,000 ($4 USD), Cable car: COP 18,000 ($4.50 USD)

Zona G

Zona G is Bogotá's upscale dining and shopping district, known for its high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and trendy cafes.

Cultural Few hours Varies by establishment

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, plantain, avocado, and arepa. A must-try for meat lovers.

Lunch Not vegetarian or vegan

Ajiaco

A creamy chicken and potato soup with corn, capers, and guascas herb. A comforting and traditional dish.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian with tofu

Arepa

A versatile cornmeal flatbread that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan

Bogotá Brewing Company Craft Beer

Bogotá has a thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries offering a variety of unique and flavorful beers.

Drink Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chingaza National Park Paragliding in Zipaquirá Spa day in Chapinero Coffee tasting in La Candelaria Visiting museums in La Candelaria Attending a concert at Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo Boat tour on Lake Guatavita Skiing in Nevado del Ruiz (seasonal)

Best Time to Visit

December to February, June to August

These months offer the best weather with lower rainfall and mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F) 54°F to 70°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bogotá has made significant improvements in safety in recent years, but it's still important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in certain areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy areas
• Use reputable transportation services, such as app-based taxis or official tour operators
• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

El Dorado International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transportes de Bogotá

Getting around

Public transport

TransMilenio is Bogotá's primary public transport system, consisting of a network of bus rapid transit (BRT) lines and feeder buses. It is efficient but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

La Candelaria Chapinero Usaquén

Day trips

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

48 km (30 miles) from Bogotá • Half day

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine. It's a unique and awe-inspiring attraction that offers a glimpse into Colombia's mining history.

Villa de Leyva

150 km (93 miles) from Bogotá • Full day

Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic plazas. It's a popular day trip destination for those looking to explore Colombia's colonial past.

Lake Guatavita

50 km (31 miles) from Bogotá • Half day

Lake Guatavita is a scenic lake known for its association with the legend of El Dorado. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, learn about its history, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Festivals

Bogotá International Book Fair • April Bogotá Festival of Theater • June

Pro tips

Learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Visit the Museo del Oro early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions
Try the local street food, such as empanadas, arepas, and chorizos, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Take a day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral or Lake Guatavita for a unique and unforgettable experience