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If you're in Bogotá, you can't miss the International Emerald Museum. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to visit it, from its history to key recommendations.
If you're fascinated by precious stones, history, and priceless gems, the International Emerald Museum is a destination you can't miss on your trip to Bogotá. In this guide, we'll tell you where it is, how to get there, what to see, and some key tips for your visit.
The Emerald Museum in Bogotá is located in the heart of Bogotá, in the Avianca Building, one of the most emblematic constructions of the capital.
Its address is Calle 16 #6-66, Floor 23, Avianca Building. It is very close to other tourist sites such as the Gold Museum, Independence Museum, Casa de la Moneda Museum and Bolívar Square, so you can take advantage of the visit to learn more about Bogotá's history and culture.
There are several ways to get to the Emerald Museum Colombia, depending on where you are:
From El Dorado Airport: An official taxi costs between $30,000 COP and $40,000 COP (approx. 8-10 USD). You can also use apps like Uber or DiDi.
On TransMilenio or SITP: Take a route to the Gold Museum station and walk approximately 5 minutes to the museum. To better plan your trip, download the TransMi App or TransmiSITP and choose the most convenient route.
From a different place: You can take a taxi, app car or it takes about 15-20 minutes.
If you come from abroad, change some money at the airport or in official exchange houses. The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP), and although some places accept dollars, the exchange rate is not always favorable.
If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount on your next getaway by clicking here
If you're looking for accommodation near the museum, here are some options for all budgets:
Hostal R10: It is located in the center of Bogotá, a few steps from the Luis Ángel Arango Library and Bolívar Square. It offers 24-hour reception, terrace, bar, shared kitchen, and free wifi. Ideal for exploring the historic center with comfort. Click to book
Hotel Ambala Bogotá: It is in the heart of La Candelaria, 14 km from El Dorado airport. Its rooms have local decoration, cable TV, minibar, and free wifi. Perfect for enjoying the historic center. Click to book
Hotel De La Ópera: It is next to the Cristóbal Colón Theater and offers rooms with free wifi, cable TV, and an indoor pool. Some have a balcony with views of La Candelaria or downtown Bogotá. Click to book
Tip: Book in advance, as La Candelaria is a very popular area among tourists.
Colombia is the largest producer of high-quality emeralds in the world, and this museum was created to showcase the history, mining, and art behind these precious stones. The museum opened its doors in the 90s and houses an incredible collection of emeralds extracted from different regions of the country, especially from Boyacá, the department known for its mines.
In its rooms, you'll find everything from raw rocks to carved jewels, as well as ancient and modern tools used in mining.
Once inside, several fascinating experiences await you:
Walk through a replica of an underground mine to see how emeralds are extracted in Colombia.
Admire unique precious stones, some of the largest ever found in the country.
Learn about the formation of emeralds and why Colombian ones are the most valuable in the world.
Visit the museum shop, where you can buy jewelry with certified authentic emeralds.
💡 Fun fact: They have a private section of beautiful emeralds, no photographs can be taken but we can tell you that it is beautiful
Can I visit the museum with children?
Yes, but it is better for children over 6 years old, as some explanations can be technical for the little ones.
Can I bring pets?
No, the museum does not allow pets, but there are pet-friendly hotels nearby if you are traveling with your furry companion.
How long does the visit last?
On average, between 45 minutes and 1 hour
What are the museum's opening hours?
From Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Sundays and holidays).
How much is the entrance fee?
The museum offers two types of tickets. General admission: costs $6,000 COP and includes a guided tour and the admission with immersive experience: costs $12,000 COP and includes the guided tour plus a virtual reality experience about the extraction of emeralds in the mines.
Definitely yes! If you're in Bogotá and want to learn about emeralds in Colombia, this museum is a must-see. It's educational, has impressive exhibits, and a shop with unique pieces.
Now that you have all the information Mochiliante 😉🌎, are you ready to discover this place in Bogotá? ✨ See you on the next adventure!
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