Chronicles of a Colombian Emerald Tour
At Emerald By Love, each of our tours is a unique and different experience—not just for our guests, but for us as well. For those who dare to explore the fascinating world of Colombian emeralds, it’s an unforgettable journey.
From the departure point in Bogotá to the final stop of this adventure, we promise you’ll go through a range of emotions and return to your country with a deep understanding of mining, extraction, and the trade of the gemstone known as the “green enchantment.”
Below, we’ll share the story of one of our most recent Emerald By Love Tours, in which an adventurous Russian family living in Canada joined us. Despite being well-versed in gemstones from around the world, they wanted to dive into the adventure of visiting the mines that produce the most famous emeralds on the planet. Let’s take a look!
Day 1: Visiting the Salt Mines of Zipaquirá and Lake Guatavita
On the first day, the plan was to visit the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá and the legendary Lake Guatavita. On the way to the cathedral, one unmissable stop is Guatavita Lagoon. According to legend, the Muisca king would cover himself in gold dust and sail to the center of the lake, offering gold and precious jewels to the gods.
These rituals inspired the myth of a golden city—El Dorado—which sparked countless expeditions throughout history. Though no golden city has ever been found, the lagoon itself remains a treasure.
Later, upon arriving in Zipaquirá, the experience becomes immediately immersive. As soon as you step inside the mine, a historical and spiritual journey begins.
Along the way, you encounter the Stations of the Cross, carefully carved in salt. Each cross has its own ambiance and symbolic meaning.
The tour continues through several side chapels, each with its own theme. Some feature angel sculptures, others small altars—and one even includes a brief exhibit on Colombian emeralds.
Next, there is a gallery explaining the history of mining in Zipaquirá and the process of creating the cathedral itself. The whole experience lasts about two hours, though you could easily spend more time exploring.
At the end of the day, the next destination awaits—five hours away—the famous Coscuez emerald mine.
Day 2: Arrival in Coscuez – The First Mining Experience
Upon arriving in Coscuez, the adventure began with a visit to the mine itself. After putting on the required safety gear, we entered one of the tunnels, where the heat becomes noticeable right from the entrance.
During the walk through the mine, you can see underground tunnels, depleted veins, and small streams of crystal-clear water flowing through the rock.
In a safe area inside the mine, we watched a short demonstration of how emeralds are hammered, chipped, and extracted.
After exiting the mine, the first thought on everyone’s mind was to grab something cold to drink. So, we headed to a nearby village for a refreshing break.
Later, we visited the Coscuez market, where there are also some local food spots. After an excellent lunch, the day wrapped up—surprisingly exhausting, due to the high temperatures.
Day 3: A Day at the Colombian Emerald Market
This day is one of the most exciting of the entire tour. Visitors get to witness the daily hustle and bustle of the Colombian emerald market. Here, you’ll find emeralds of every kind, color, quality, and price—some even brought in from other regions of Colombia.
You’ll have the chance to negotiate, learn, and purchase the emeralds that capture your heart, all at fair prices.
As the day turns into evening, our next stop is Muzo.
Day 4: Muzo – The River of Emeralds
The day starts early with a mission to explore Muzo’s mining river. Here, one of the oldest techniques for extracting Colombian emeralds is still practiced: open-pit river panning.
This activity involves using a shovel to search through the river’s flow, looking for emerald fragments carried down from the mountains in the rocks.
Just like at the Coscuez mine, each adventurer gets the chance to experience firsthand what it’s like to extract emeralds and to learn more about the precious stones found in this region.
In the afternoon, the journey back to Bogotá begins.
Live the Mining Experience with Emerald By Love
The Emerald By Love tour is one of the most enriching experiences for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with the world of emeralds.
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a first-hand experience, where every detail is designed to help you feel the magic and the history behind these precious stones.
Come and meet us. We’re waiting for you to discover this unique universe in an authentic and personal way.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She’s also a jeweler, passionate about constantly learning more about precious gems and high-end national jewelry.
She currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelers, Emerald By Love, which boasts over 40 years of experience and two physical locations in the capital, both located in the city center.
