Old San Juan Walking Tour: Explore 500 Years of Puerto Rican History & Culture
5.0
4 Ratings
San Juan
Immerse yourself in 500 years of Puerto Rican history and culture on a captivating walking tour of Old San Juan. Discover the beautifully preserved architecture, snap photos, and enjoy water breaks along the way. Join us for a 2.5-hour journey through the walled city!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Plaza Colon - Plaza Colon, dedicated to the Genovese colonizer the plaza’s main structure hosts a relief of the first and second voyages of Columbus, along with a statue of Columbus himself. It’s the meeting place for our tour.
- Castillo de San Cristobal - El Castillo San Cristobal was made to defend the Islet by land, it currently spans around half of the original size of the fort, making it one of the biggest fortifications made by the Spanish Crown in the Americas. (We do not go into the castle)
- Plaza de la Barandilla - The only plaza not named after a historical or religious figure in old San Juan. Connecting Calle San Francisco with Calle Luna with the characteristic handrail which gives the plaza its name.
- Plaza de Armas - The first plaza in Old San Juan where military drills were conducted ever since the first settlements on the island in the 16th century there you can find the Town Hall along with the old Royal Audience of the Spanish Crown.
- Iglesia de San Jose - Built in 1523 its the second oldest church in the new world that’s still in use. It’s a beautiful example of Spanish Gothic architecture. Right next to it, the statue of Juan Ponce de Leon conquistador and first governor of Puerto Rico. (The church itself is open to the public on certain days and hours only)
- Plaza del Quinto Centenario - The Plaza del Quinto Centenario was built in 1992, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the founding of Old San Juan, there you will find multiple symbols along with the emblematic Totem.
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro - Built in the 16th century, one of the oldest military structures on the Islet continuously updated throughout the centuries it served to protect the bay from attackers across the centuries.
- Cuartel de Ballaja - The barracks were originally constructed in 1864 by the Spanish Crown, it managed to house over a thousand officers, soldiers and even some of their families. After the invasion of the United States of America in 1898 the building passed on to the US Military serving as a hospital up until the 1950s.
- La Rogativa - Made by Lindsay Dean, a sculptor from New Zealand who lived in the island. It was done to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the founding of Old San Juan and to remember the British attack of 1797.
- La Puerta de San Juan - The last door left standing to this day, the Puerta of San Juan granted entrance to weary sailors from the old port directly to the cathedral of San Juan.
- La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina - The very first fortification on the islet. La Fortaleza, as it name states, served to protect the initial settlement of Old San Juan from attacks of the native tainos and eventually foreign powers. (We do not go in to the palace)
- Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - Built in 1529 the Cathedral of San Juan houses frescoes, stained glass along with religious relics and the final resting place for some of the city’s prominent figures. (Open only on certain occasions, days, and times)
- Paseo de la Princesa - A beautiful example of a european-style promenade. Built in the 19th century, el Paseo de la Princesa was named after La Princesa de Asturias, and it has been expertly preserved and still very much in use today. Final stop of the tour.
What's Included
- Bottled water included
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in the past and bask in the charm of the ‘fortified city’ that is Old San Juan. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a 500-year journey through Puerto Rican history and culture, allowing you to experience some of the hemisphere’s most ancient cities through their stunning, time-honored architecture that is rooted in the founding days of Old San Juan. Designed with photo spots and hydration intervals, this tour spans two and a half hours.
- Total duration is 3 hours including the walking time from attraction to attraction
Location
Plaza Colón
Tour guide will meet you at the center of the plaza by the fountain. Plaza Colon is at the corner of Calle Norzagaray and Calle San Francisco.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Jebc1231
Apr 9, 2024
Old San Juan - Tour was great. Roberto was very knowledgeable on history of Old San Juan churches, first, statues and cobblestones .As a senior he also was considerate to sitting in shade when needed. Since I was solo he offered to take my pic so I could remember the experience. So glad I chose this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcreyesga
Feb 15, 2024
History unites people and makes you respect yours - The guide, Roberto, apart from being a magnificent guide, is passionate about the history of Puerto Rico, and he made us learn and spend 3 delicious hours on this tour of old San Juan. Thank you so much
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_b
Nov 6, 2023
Great tour - Great tour and history of Old San Juan. Roberto was passionate about Puerto Rico and shared that enthusiasm with us. He answered every question we through at him and invited as many questions as we could come up with. It was a fun day with a group of friends learning about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
Review provided by Viator
Joannecreuter
Jun 11, 2023
Start your San Juan trip with this tour, and see if you can get on one with Guide Nahomi. - This was a great introductory tour to Old San Juan. Perfect for a first day, to get the big picture and decide where else to go deeper. Our guide Nahomi was the best. Not only was she bursting with information, her enthusiasm and warmth were infectious. She was early, worked hard to make sure her guests were comfortable and had the trip planned perfectly. In steamy San Juan, Nahomi managed to take plenty of breaks in the shade where we could often sit and listen. We even had beverage breaks. My favorite was buying frozen, homemade ice in plastic cups from a serious senora selling from her window. BTW, Nahomi's English is perfect. I was never, ever uncomfortable. I instantly and continue to be in love with San Juan and Puerto Rico.
Review provided by Viator
