Activity Puerto Rico

Signs and Wonders in Old San Juan History Culture and Mysteries

5.0 (2 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Cat only rest where's the right earth magnetism — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

"Garita del Diablo"; where soldiers were taken by the devil. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Delve into the captivating history and spiritual essence of Old San Juan on this exclusive walking tour. Explore the city's rich tapestry, from its Taino, Spanish, and African influences to the historical structures and plazas that tell its story. Led by a certified local guide with a Master's in Behavioral Sciences, uncover the miraculous events that shaped Puerto Rico's culture and identity. Visit significant spiritual sites and learn about the fascinating tales of pirates, inquisitions, and miracles that define this vibrant city.

Expert-guided tour through the historic streets of Old San Juan
Experience the spiritual and miraculous events that shaped the city
Learn from a local resident with deep cultural insights

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ghost Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Jose Puerto Rico Tours

Ages: Adults (15–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local Guide (English, Spanish)

Not included

Not included: Meals
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Paseo de la Princesa

10 min

Walking along Paseo La Princesa, we will pass by the Spanish Prison, located outside the city wall.

Ask about... the Dungeons and tortures including the local revolutionary leader, Alzibu Campos, a Harvard graduate.

(Entrance subject to venue opening hours)
La Puerta de San Juan

5 min

Enter through the San Juan gate and discover its architecture and a profound interpretation of the logistics of the conquerors who used Old San Juan as an operations post.

Ask about ...the width of the gate.
Stop 3

5 min

Second oldest church in America, built in 1521.

Ask about ...Juan Ponce de Leon tomb

(Entrance subject to venue opening hours)(Donation may be required, not included)
Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud

5 min

Take a look at a place where miracles happened. Discover the story behind its construction, which began in 1753. Built above the city wall.

Ask about ...what happened to the horse rider Baltasar Montañez
Stop 5

5 min

Built in 1646. Discover why the first convent on the island was created.

The convent closed in 1903 and today it is a hotel that has witnessed numerous stories told by its guests.

Ask about... the widow Ana de Lansós
La Rogativa

10 min

Understand the significance of the Rogativa sculpture, practically a monument for most Puerto Ricans. The fierce resistance of Spaniards and Creoles wasn't enough. A miracle was needed.

Ask about ...what happened in the largest British attack of 1797
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina

5 min

Take a view of The Santa Catalina Palace and the Fortress, the first fortification built to defend the city of San Juan and the first in a series of military forts. Its construction was a protective measure against attacks by indigenous people, corsair, and pirates. Construction began in 1533.

Ask about ...the last spaniard governor Ricardo Ortega and the broken clock
Stop 8

Passing by

Take a look at one of the oldest houses in America, built in 1521 after the first settlements moved in.

Ask about …who lived the house.
Stop 9

5 min

Pass by the former Beneficence Asylum and the Insular Asylum, whose construction began in 1840, originally intended to house orphans, the mentally ill and other people in need.

Ask about... a bomb incident during the Hipanic-American War.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro

10 min

Build in 1539. At El Morro, in addition to enjoying the majestic view, you will learn about the executions, attacks, and sieges that took place there. More than 250 years of expansion and modification, transforming it into a multi-level fortress to protect the strategic port of San Juan from maritime attacks.You will also learn how tunnels were built to connect with other forts and allow the passage of troops and ammunition.

Ask about...what happened to Roberto Cofresi (pirate Cofresi)
Church of Saint Joseph

10 min

The third oldest church in America (1532). Discover why it is said to have been the site of many miracles and wondrous events.

(Entrance subject to venue opening hours)(Donation may be required, not included)

Ask about ...“La Virgen de Belen”
Stop 12

5 min

Discover the hidden facts about this cemetery outside of the city wall where most prominent puertorricans are at rest.

Ask about... local meaning "Pateco took that one” (Se lo llevo Pateco)
Galeria Nacional del Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena

5 min

Founded in the 16th century by the Dominican order, it has served various purposes throughout the centuries, including a refuge for friars, a school, and even a military hospital.

Ask about... the famous puertorrican corsair Miguel Enriques.
Garita del Diablo

5 min

Take a view of this sentry box, built in 1634, is one of the oldest military structure in Old San Juan. Discover the legends that explain why soldiers used to disappear…

Ask about...what happened to Private Sanchez
Castillo De San Cristobal

10 min

We will visit the sentry box and the main entrance overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and hear stories about executions, attacks, and supernatural phenomena.

Ask about...what happened to the cistern and the figurine of Saint Christopher (patron saint of the fort).
Teatro Tapia

10 min

Discover the stories and legends of this theater built in 1824, such as apparitions of a dead dancer, screams of burned witches, and a human stampede that left four children dead.

Ask about ...“Tree kings Day” and the Inquisition of witches 1591
Plaza Colon

10 min

Finally in the drop off area you will receive a summary of Old San Juan history, destruction of the gate, the construction of Casino de Puerto Rico and the first school build by the U.S. outside of the mainland.

Ask where the city gate was located and how was destroyed.