Distrito de Esmeralda (Emerald District), Bogota

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Distrito de Esmeralda (Emerald District), Bogota

Distrito de Esmeralda (Emerald District), Bogota

Colombia is one of the biggest producers of emeralds and there is an entire district in the very heart of Bogota where the trade of emeralds is mostly active, from the finest luxury store to sometimes illegal street merchants. The Emerald district is located along Avenida Jimenez, between Carrera 5 and 7. The district is very crowded and has many resellers, trading the green gems cheaply and buying from the street; this might be tricky and unsafe, as it is possible to buy a fake. At least, make sure you have an emerald expert with you. Their informal trading point is at the intersection of Avenida Jimenez and Carrera 7. But it's always safer to buy in the nearby stores, where they provide you with a certificate of authentication. There is an Emerald Trade Center located at the intersection of Avenida Jimenez and Carrera 5, where emerald "brokers" gather for everyday deals, and where several certificated emerald boutiques are located.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bogota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Distrito de Esmeralda (Emerald District) on Map

Sight Name: Distrito de Esmeralda (Emerald District)
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia

Create Your Own Walk in Bogota

Create Your Own Walk in Bogota

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bogota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

Bogota Old Town Walking Tour

In 1538, the indigenous Muisca of the Colombian Altiplano had the advantage in numbers over the force of conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Arriving in the Muisca Federation, the Spanish had only 162 exhausted men. However, the guecha warriors of Chief Tisquesusa were no match. The Federation fell in bloody battle.

In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Architectural Jewels

Architectural Jewels

Bogota, Colombia, is quite a city for an architectural experience. Attentive to the local historical heritage, the city has managed to preserve in full splendor most of its colonial buildings.

One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.

Not far away from it...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Bogota Shopping Tour

Bogota Shopping Tour

Colombia is known for its gold and emeralds, recognizable national clothing, pottery, accessories, and other crafts. The country's capital Bogota is so rich in authentic shopping that it's almost mind-boggling to decide what to buy first and most importantly, where to buy it at the best possible price!

Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

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