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Activity San Juan, Puerto Rico

Private Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan

4.8 (33 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan

About this activity

Every tour of this magical city is different because Old San Juan is a city filled with rich history and tall tales. We will share the history from fact as well as the tales passed down from generation to generation. Let us transport you through the power of words while guiding you around the place where it actually happened.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Excellent Quality Short term availability

At a glance

Duration
2 h 30 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 15 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Operated by
Bestours - Outdoors Adventures Puerto Rico

Ages: Adults (1–75 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Bilingual Tour of Old San Juan

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuity
  • Not included: Entrance Fee to El Morro

Itinerary

  1. Paseo de la Princesa

    15 min Admission not included

    Paseo de la Princesa is considered one of the most scenic walkways in the world. This promenade is imporant because of the important historical sites and statues along the walkway.

  2. La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina

    15 min

    La Fortaleza (The Fortress) is the official residence of the governors of Puerto Rico. La Fortaleza was the first fortification built in San Juan harbor. The original tower, now called Torre del Homenaje, or "tower of homage," still stands; its name derives from an island tradition in which the resident governor climbs to the top of the tower to pledge a solemn oath of loyalty and courage during dangerous times.

  3. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista

    10 min

    The cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, and the oldest cathedral in the United States, and is the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. The building of the San Juan Cathedral was part of the establishment and spread of Catholicism on the island. The cathedral contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer and settlement founder Juan Ponce de León.

  4. La Puerta de San Juan

    10 min

    Also known as the (Old Entrance of San Juan), the gate was built in 1635, this gate was the main entry into the walled city during its Spanish colonial era. It is 16 feet tall and 20 feet thick and leads you to the romantic Paseo La Princesa.

  5. La Rogativa

    5 min

    La Rogativa, one of the most beautiful sculptures in Old San Juan, takes center stage at the plaza. The sculpture was made out of bronze. Rogativa means “The Procession”, which tells the legend about a Catholic Bishop and his companions who made a procession in faith holding crosses, torches, and chanting during an invasion by the British on the city in 1797.

  6. Casa Blanca Museum

    10 min Admission not included

    Built in 1521, it was the residence for Juan Ponce de León and his family. Now serves as a museum.

  7. El Bastion

    10 min Admission not included

    The Bastion was built next to Castillo San Felipe del Morro and it was meant as an added defense to the fort. In the 1800s, this bastion served as barracks for the soldiers.

  8. Cuartel de Ballaja

    20 min

    Built in 1854 and used until 1898 by the Spaniards. The Cuartel was built as barracks for the Spanish Infantry. It was made to house 1000 soldiers and their families. After the 1898 invasion by the US Army, the US infantry occupied the Cuartel de Ballajá until 1936. During the Second World War, this structure became a hospital.

  9. Castillo San Felipe del Morro

    45 min Admission not included

    El Morro was the second fortress built in Old San Juan to protect the city from attack and invaders. It was built in a strategic position where it could attack ships with cannons from different angles. During the First and Second World Wars, El Morro was used by the US Army and today it serves as a National Park.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • The meet up point is at Plaza Colon across from the Old Casino.

End point

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Traveller ratings

4.8 out of 5 · 33 reviews
5
85%
4
12%
3
3%
2
0%
1
0%

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Private Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan

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