Colombia is known worldwide for being the birthplace of the finest and most brilliant emeralds. This South American country not only offers stunning landscapes and a rich culture, but is also a privileged destination for those interested in the history and production of this precious gem.

Below, we present a tour of the main cities and tourist routes for emeralds in Colombia, as well as the museums and exhibitions dedicated to this precious stone.

Cities Where Emeralds Are Produced in Colombia

1. Muzo : Known as the emerald capital of the world, Muzo is the main mining centre for this gem. Its mines have produced some of the largest and most valuable emeralds in the world.
2. Chivor : Another town famous for the quality of its emeralds, the Chivor mines are known for producing stones of an intense green colour and exceptional clarity.
3. Coscuez : Located in the department of Boyacá, Coscuez is one of the oldest mines in Colombia and has been the source of some of the most legendary emeralds.
4. Pauna : Also in the department of Boyacá, Pauna is known for its rich mines and the beauty of its emeralds.
5. Quípama : Close to Muzo, Quípama is another town where emerald mining plays a crucial role in the local economy.
6. San Pablo de Borbur : Located in the western region of Boyacá, this city is famous for the production of high-quality emeralds.

Tourist routes of Esmeraldas in Colombia

- Muzo

Muzo is the ideal destination to start your emerald tour. Here you can visit the mines and observe the process of extraction and polishing of the gems. In addition, the municipality offers guided tours that allow visitors to experience the search for emeralds in rivers and surrounding lands.

- Chivor

In Chivor , visitors can tour the mines and learn about the region's history up close. Tours include visits to the lapidary workshops where emeralds are cut and polished. Additionally, the mountainous landscape and crystal-clear rivers make Chivor a perfect place to enjoy nature while learning about these gems.

- Coscuez

Coscuez offers an authentic emerald-seeking experience. Visitors can explore the mines and participate in artisanal mining activities. It is also possible to visit local markets where emeralds of various qualities and sizes are sold.

- Pauna

In Pauna , tourists can visit local mines and learn about mining techniques. Local guides offer educational tours that include visits to stone-cutting workshops and emerald markets.

- Quípama

Quípama is ideal for those interested in a more in-depth experience of emerald mining. Tours here allow visitors to enter the mines and observe the complete process of extracting and processing the emeralds.

- Saint Paul of Borbur

San Pablo de Borbur offers a combination of history and mining. Tours include visits to the mines and tours of the town's historic sites, providing a comprehensive overview of the importance of emeralds in the region.

Museums and Exhibitions of Colombian Emeralds

• International Emerald Museum (Bogotá)

Located in the capital, Bogotá, the International Emerald Museum is a must-see for lovers of this gem. The museum houses an impressive collection of emeralds and offers exhibits detailing the history, geology, and extraction process of these precious stones.

• Museum of Emeralds (Villa de Leyva)

Located in picturesque Villa de Leyva , the Museo de las Esmeraldas features a rich collection of Colombian emeralds. This museum focuses on the cultural and historical importance of emeralds in the region, offering a comprehensive overview of their impact on the Colombian economy and heritage.

• Natural History Museum (Bogotá)

The Natural History Museum in Bogotá also houses a section dedicated to emeralds. Here, visitors can learn about the geology of emeralds and see some of the most impressive gems found in Colombia.

• Temporary Exhibitions and Fairs

In addition to museums, Colombia hosts various fairs and temporary exhibitions where emeralds from around the country are displayed. Events such as the International Emerald Fair in Bogotá attract collectors and dealers from around the world, offering a unique opportunity to admire and acquire these precious gems.

Paula A. Bonilla

Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University, Colombia. Jeweler and passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national fine jewelry.

She is currently working for one of the most important jewelry stores in Bogotá,  Emerald by Love.  A jewelry store with more than 40 years of experience and which also has 2 physical locations in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center .