Old San Juan & Loiza: A Full-Day Cultural and Historical Experience for Groups
5.0
13 Ratings
San Juan
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and rich culture of Old San Juan and Loiza. Explore historical sites, admire impressive architecture, and experience the influence of African heritage through art, music, and cuisine.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old San Juan - We will start early heading to the iconic Old San Juan Historical Site, considered one of the oldest towns in America and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Beginning with a sightseeing drive, including picture stops, will give you the chance to appreciate the landmarks of the Capitol Building, San Cristobal Fort and El Morro Fort. Then as we began the walking tour, you will learn about its fascinating history, unique forts, the city walls, the impressive architecture and admire its cobblestones streets and charming colorful houses, surrounded by amazing views to the San Juan Bay.
  • Santurce - As we drive to the next stop of Loiza town, you will appreciate other areas of the New San Juan, like the ocean front touristic sector and streets filled with art murals as an initiative to revive less visited areas.
  • Loiza - Once in Loiza, discover the influence of our African heritage at the picturesque little town considered the capital of our African tradition. Continue with a beautiful coastal drive through the beachfront community of Piñones, and the chance to savor a more African influenced authentic food in one of the many roadside kiosks and restaurants.
    Meet renowned artist Samuel Lind at his house and art workshop and learn about his work, inspiration and history. Later, stop at the Castor Ayala Mask Store to admire a collection of hand-made masks and art pieces representing their most unique traditions and festivals. You will have the chance to acquire art pieces in both places, if you wish.
    End your day learning about our Bomba Afro-Caribbean music joining a class by recognized local musicians and dance to the beat of drums.
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • Air-conditioned vehicles
  • Parking fees covered
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Immerse yourself in our fascinating history and rich culture with this experience. Visit the Historical Site of Old San Juan, and one of oldest towns in America, for a sightseeing and walking tour. Learn about its history, unique forts, impressive architecture and admire its blue cobblestones streets and charming colorful houses.

Then discover the influence of our African heritage at the picturesque little town of Loíza, Capital of our African Tradition. Start with a beautiful coastal drive and authentic lunch at the beachfront kiosks of Piñones. Later meet a renowned painter and artist at his house and workshop and stop at an African Mask Store. End your day having fun and learning about our Bomba Afro-Caribbean music joining a class by recognized local musicians and dance to the beat of drums.

Minimum age is 2 years old. Minimum tour group size is 8 people.

Location
Old San Juan
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
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17billh17
Feb 14, 2024
Fantastic Day in Old San Juan and Loíza - We were a group of 10 adults that thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Yamile was a terrific guide. Would highly recommend any tour with her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lrdebose
Aug 30, 2023
A MUST TOUR!!! - My family and I had an AMAZING time! Some of our best moments were captured during this tour. Beautiful sites, delicious food and drinks along with some dance moves. How is that not a good time? Yamile definitely sends you back home feeling like you have a new family member🤩
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C6894prmiguelm
Aug 20, 2023
Immerse Yourself with the Flavors and Culture of PR! - This is a tour you cannot miss! My family is originally from Puerto Rico and we decided to stay in San Juan to celebrate my father's birthday. With Yamile, you are getting the real deal! You are fully immersed in the amazing food, culture, art and traditions of Puerto Rico. By the end of the tour you will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the flavors, sights, sounds and the true local culture. Yamile is the BEST and more importantly, she loves what she does. If you don't book this tour, then you are truly missing out on one of the best experiences Puerto Rico has to offer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Desizytkow
Nov 16, 2022
Book with Yamile! - This excursion was amazing! Yamile was an excellent guide! She was so knowledgeable and friendly. The Loiza portion of the trip really exceeded our expectations! Our group wanted to book an additional excursion with Yamile but the weather would not permit. Book with Yamile, you will not be disappointed! Check out her website for all her options! Puertoricoasalocal.com!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bnqf0044
Aug 19, 2022
Awesome Tour! - Yamile was awesome! We enjoyed her expertise in the local sights, current events & history. The day went so smoothly and all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the tour. Yamile adapted to the pace and physical abilities of our group (ages 10 - 80). The tour gives a nice taste of San Juan/Old San Juan. We really enjoyed the opportunity to meet Samuel Lind and see his art. It was amazing to watch (and try) Bomba dance with local artists. Yamile took many pictures of our group which was a great bonus. Highly recommend this tour and Yamile!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juanita_g
May 16, 2022
Old San Juan and Loiza Day trip - Our tour guide, Yamile, was the best ever!!! Yamile gave us Puerto Rican history throughout and even while driving. She explained and answered questions in a friendly manner. We were a family party of 7 and Yamile was upbeat, made us all laugh and interacted with each of us as if we her family. Very informative and much enjoyed and my family had a great time. Definitely will do this tour again.
Review provided by Viator
Snahomed
Dec 9, 2021
Wow and wow... Yamile Does It Again! - Wow and wow... Yamile does it again! My husband and I met Yamile back in March 2021 when we had the pleasure of doing a private excursion while visiting Puerto Rico. Well, we had the opportunity to visit San Juan again in December 2021, on a cruise port of call, and this time we booked a private excursion for our family of eight. Yamile helped me in planning the perfect excursion that accommodated everyone in the group, including my 69-year-old aunt. Yamile's bubbly personality and her sheer love for Puerto Rico shines when she is providing the tour. We visited the Rum Factory, Loiza, participated in a Bomba dancing class, and then ended with Yamile taking us to my husband and I favorite restaurant. I have certainly adopted Yamile as my prima and I highly recommend that you take an excursion with her when you are visiting Puerto Rico.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
746amiem
Nov 22, 2021
Yamile was awesome! - From the minute we met Yamile we truly felt like we had known each other for years. She took great care of us and did an amazing job making sure we had fun while also learning the history of San Juan. Would absolutely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kyletta
Aug 24, 2021
Amazing Experience!!! - Amazing!!! Do not sleep on this tour!!! Yamile made us feel very comfortable, like family. She is a native Puerto Rican, Full of personality, energy, and knowledge, Ready to share everything she knows about Puerto Rico. She picked us up in an air-conditioned van drove us to various land marks of San Juan, Old San Juan, the Forts, The Capital, the Princess Prison, you name it saw it. We hopped off the van & walked thru the streets of Old San Juan, while she told the history of the town. We had Piña colada‘s at the world famous Barrachina restaurant. They did not disappoint! The second part of the tour included lunch at an amazing Puerto Rican restaurant. And tour of Loiza. This beachside town was full of African history and culture. We learned so much. We visited an art gallery and learned how to Bomba Dance on one of the small beaches, with Afro-Latin conga drummers. Thank you Yamile for a great tour. Our family will always remember the experience. You’re a great dancer too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yolanda
Jul 21, 2021
Loved it - Loved the tour, culture, history, FOOD and mostly the tour guide - Yamile!! She definitely made the trip very interesting and welcoming. Felt like a native of the country. Love her energy and knowledge of the history and culture! Would definitely do this again or another tour with Yamile!!
Review provided by Viator
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minimum 4 guests
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up to 13 guests
4 Adult
May 2024
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