How to size up an Emerald - The Emerald Tour in Bogota was just what we were looking for. Not knowing much about emeralds and interested in find out more about the Colombian gem stones, this tour gave us the fundamentals on how to know what to look for in an emerald. The tour started in the Gold (Oro) Museum and then to the Emerald Museum. With high security and limited participants, we entered the Emerald Museum adjacent to the Oro Museum. Starting from what was a replica of a working mine, we saw how emeralds were mined from the earth, the different kinds of emeralds and the various quality of emeralds. We then went into a series of displays and were fully informed on the process and saw many different emeralds on display. After that we went into a show room that had the final product for sale of beautiful emerald pendants, rings, broaches, ear rings, etc. The museum was very informative. From there we went to various shops to see what we had learned. There were many stones I would have loved to purchase but just getting started, it was too early to make a snap decision, but the quality and prices were hard to pass up. The shops were willing to negotiate, too, so don’t be shy. Some of the best quality emeralds are found in Colombia so it is worth finding out more about them from the independent experts. It is similar to the research you go through when buying a diamond and well worth taking the tour.

Well worth it - Extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide. Felt like touring the city with a long time friend. Would have gone on more tours with him if I had the time on this trip.

Emerald tour 2022 - We learned how emeralds are mined and why emeralds found in Colombia are the best quality in terms of clarity, color and shininess.

Great to have a guide to explain things - This was fun, you visit the Emerald Museum, and then you will see old men in the plaza, they look like drug dealers with little wax packages, but they are really Emerald traders...and they then take you to two different places if you wish to purchase Emeralds...and you will.

Very good deal and fun - Quite interesting. In addition to the emerald tour we were afforded access to the gold museum as well and it was very well done and informative. The alternative theories of the “Legend of Eldorado” was fascinating. Opportunity for shopping as well as a nice coffee stop.