Sunset Walking Tour in the Historic Old San Juan: Golden Hour Exploration of Landmarks
4.9
452 Ratings
San Juan
Experience the magic of Old San Juan during a sunset walking tour. Explore historic landmarks, capture stunning photos, and immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
-
Plaza Colon - This Plaza is the perfect location to learn about the colonial history of Puerto Rico. Some of the questions that will be answered are: why Puerto Rico was so important for Spain? How Puerto Rico became a US Territory and how do locals feel about it now?
We will see the Columbus Monument, the Tapia Theater and kilometer zero plaque. - Plaza de la Barandilla - Travelers will see the residential and commercial areas of San Juan with a unique architecture that has not changed much in the last three centuries. We will see the gorgeous Baldority de Castro school building and learn about the history of the plaza.
- Plaza de Armas - In the main square of San Juan we will see the facade of the City Hall and Real Intendencia Palace along with the famous seasons’ fountain and the statue of the legendary music composer Tite Curret Alonso.
- Antiguo Palacio de la Real Intendencia - This is one of the most spectacular historic buildings in Old San Juan. It was originally built to house the treasury of the island and it is now the Department of State of Puerto Rico. In its interior, we will see the gorgeously preserved courtyard and the original vault of the treasury.
- Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud - Here we will see the most popular chapel in Puerto Rico and you will learn the urban legend behind this little structure built in the 18th century. Great views of the main island of Puerto Rico can be seen along the way.
- La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina - Here travelers will one of Puerto Rico’s World Heritage Site, its Governor’s Mansion. This building is famous for housing the highest leaders of the island government since the 16th century. It has also been visited by Presidents of the USA and kings of Spain.
- Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - Travelers will have the opportunity to visit the interior of America’s 2nd oldest church. In its interior, we will see the tomb of Juan Ponce de Leon and the oldest structure of the cathedral from the 16th century.
- Cuartel de Ballaja - Travelers will see the biggest interior courtyard on the island in one of the most imposing building in Old San Juan. Built for the barracks of the Spanish troops this building was a military facility for over a century. Now it houses the restaurants, a coffee shop, and a museum.
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro - Here travelers will see Puerto Rico’s most valuable historic site. This fortification protected the entrance to the San Juan bay since the 1500’s and it is the most visited historic site on the island.
What's Included
- Expert local guide
What's Not Included
- Comfortable Walking Footwear
- Entrance to El Morro and San Cristobal Forts
- Gratuities
Additional Information
This excursion explores the most sought-after landmarks of Old San Juan at the ideal moment, during the golden hour. This timing presents striking opportunities for capturing the historic architecture of the old city. The stroll wraps up in the twilight, in proximity to eateries, pubs, and souvenir outlets.
Throughout the journey, you’ll get a deep dive into the lore of the old city and Puerto Rican traditions. The tour is led by professional local guides, vetted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
The picturesque sunset and the pleasant weather contribute to a memorable and relaxed walk.
- Not recommended for travelers unable to walk over a mile.
Location
Patria Tours Puerto Rico
All travelers must meet the guide in Plaza Colón in Old San Juan.
Uber and taxis can drop-off at the plaza
Parking recommended at Doña Fela Parking Garage
No hotel nor airport pick-up
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(452 Ratings)
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Tiffanydw1593ta
May 21, 2024
Great time and learned a lot - Fantastic, informative tour! We loved walking through Old San Juan with Melanie. Beautiful views of the sunset as well
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camille_k
May 19, 2024
Wonderful! - Antonio was great! He gave us a heads up ahead of time about traffic so that we wouldn’t miss the tour and he was so knowledgeable! We loved how he took us to his favorite spots in addition to what was included on the itinerary and that he was so enthusiastic. The tour was a great start to our first day in Puerto Rico!
Review provided by Viator
Maps22784568486
May 16, 2024
San Juan - Antonia was our tour guide, very knowledgable of the history of San Juan. Bring water though. Love the city sunset fort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gabriel_a
May 15, 2024
Old SanJuan - Antonio is a very professional tour guide. He explained all different aspects of the history of the city. It was fun, interesting and a learning experience.
Review provided by Viator
Marlynem_f
May 10, 2024
Sunset walking tour - Melanie was amazing. As my first visit of San Juan, I've learned so much. Book your next walking experience with this company, the best is yet to come!
Review provided by Viator
Fahey724
May 9, 2024
Informative San juan Sunset walking tour - Melanie was amazing!!! As my first visit of San Juan, I've learned so much. Book your next walking experience with this company, the best is yet to come!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar_ado8365hq
May 7, 2024
The is THE tour of Old San Juan you want to go on/This is THE tour of Old San Juan that you want to do - Antonio is amazing. Thoughtful and deeply knowledgeable, Antonio realizes that our understanding of history is ever-evolving. He combines criticism and compassion when explaining difficult truths of history, like colonization. He answered all the (many) questions we answered him and discussed the legacy of history in Puerto Rico today. So many locals knew him and said hello, including some of the cats that local Save a Gato care for. You will learn so much about Old San Juan and Puerto Rico in this tour, and if I could give more than five stars, I would. /// Antonio is incredible. Thoughtful and deeply knowledgeable, Antonio is aware that our understanding of history is constantly evolving. He combines criticism and compassion when explaining the harshest truths of history, such as colonization. He answered all the (many) questions we asked him and talked about the legacy of history in today's Puerto Rico. Many locals met and greeted him, including some of the cats cared for by the local Save a Gato association. You will learn a lot about Old San Juan and Puerto Rico on this tour, and if I could give it more than five stars, I would.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_s
May 2, 2024
San Jose History - Everything was great about this tour. I received texts prior to the event to go over logistics, i.e, Meeting time/place & things to consider with the weather and a text when he arrived so we could find our guide. I loved our tour guide Antonio. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about San Juan. It was great seeing all the sights but especially liked understanding the history behind it. He was great with questions and even tied those questions into the discussions when we passed relevant sites. He allowed for ample time to take pictures. I would definitely take a tour with him again! Thanks for a great first visit!
Review provided by Viator
Theresaga7872fy
Apr 30, 2024
An Enjoyable Tour - The tour was well-paced and very informative. Melanie, our guide was knowledgeable and very engaging. It included stops at key points during the tour. The weather was perfect, making it a very comfortable walk.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnvdoe52
Apr 27, 2024
A Fabulous Sunset Walking Tour - Antonio was a fantastic guide. He was informative and thorough—full of information. He was very friendly and very helpful. We saw parts of San Juan that we have never seen before. We highly recommend this tour especially with Antonio!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
