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El Morro Castle & Old San Juan Tour: Visit Top Attractions with Local Guides
4.9
195 Ratings
San Juan
Experience the El Morro Castle & Old San Juan Tour with knowledgeable local guides. Explore top attractions like the fort San Felipe del Morro, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets. Discover the rich history, culture, and nature of Puerto Rico.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
-
Plaza Darsenas - MEETING LOCATION:
This is a square covered with trees next to peer 1 in Old San Juan. All participants must meet the guide by the fountain next to La Casita de Rones (pink building). - Plaza de Hostos - Original entry way of Old San Juan through the demolished gate of the town.
- Bastión de las Palmas de San José - Observation point overlooking the bay of San Juan. It was originally built to fire cannons at enemy ships.
- La Casa Estrecha - The narrowest building in North America.
- Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud - Historic chapel from the 18th Century. Built after a miracle that happen right in the site where the chapel was built.
- La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina - This is the Governor’s mansion one of Puerto Rico’s World Heritage Sites. Also, you will see the colorful umbrellas over the street.
- Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - The San Juan Cathedral is one of the oldest in the Americas. Inside we will see the tombs of Juan Ponce de Leon and Alonso Manso, the first bishop in the New World.
- Hotel El Convento - We will visit the interior of this historic building to see the magnificent art of its ballrooms and meeting rooms. You will also some of the original structures of the Convent built on the 17th century.
- La Rogativa - La Rogativa is a iconic sculpture representing the procession that was held in Old San Juan during the British attack of 1797. Travelers will also see the San Juan Gate which is the last standing gate of the town and will have the opportunity to visit a “garita” (defensive sentry box).
- Casa Blanca Museum - This was the residence of Ponce de Leon’s family for over 200 years. It is the oldest standing structure in Puerto Rico dating from the early 16th Century.
- Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery - We will see the cemetery from above. You will learn why it was built outside of the city walls and so close to the ocean. Also, we will talk about important figures of Puerto Rico’s history that have been buried there.
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro - The tour includes entrance to El Morro Fort! Inside this 16th century castle you will learn its history, battles and importance the arm forces of Spain and the USA. There will be a bathroom and water break inside. After the guided tour in the fort, participants can stay to explore it for a little longer.
What's Included
- Bottled water included
- Entrance to El Morro Fort included ($10 value)
What's Not Included
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses
- Hats or caps
- Comfortable Walking Footwear
Additional Information
The excursion encompasses a visit to San Felipe del Morro fortress, the premiere sightseeing spot in Puerto Rico. It also takes in notable highlights of Old San Juan including its vibrant edifices and paved lanes. Additional points of interest covered are the inner part of San Juan Cathedral, the Governor’s Residence, and the San Juan Gateway.
The guiding of the tour is done by local individuals possessing stellar customer support and extensive knowledge about Puerto Rico’s history, cultural heritage, and natural landscape. The tour guides are accredited by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and demonstrate proficiency in both English and Spanish languages.
- Not recommended for travelers with walking limitations
Location
La Casita de Rones
Calle Comercio
Please, meet the guide by the FOUNTAIN next to La Casita de los Rones on Plaza Darsenas in Old San Juan.
From the cruise ports (pier 3 & 4) walk westward along the water until you get to Plaza Darsenas.
Pan-American Pier is NOT within walking distance.
You can take Uber or Taxis to Plaza Darsenas.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(195 Ratings)
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J0slynnc
Jun 17, 2024
Wonderful walking tour - Very informative tour. We loved the passion and engagement from Jorge our tour guide. The views are incredible. Definitely one of the best yours we have been on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek11709986741
Jun 17, 2024
Great time with Jorge! - Jorge was fantastic! He gave a very thorough historic tour of old San juan and many great recommendations. I would highly suggest doing this tour if you’re on the fence.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_g
Jun 16, 2024
¡Fenomenal! - María was an awesome guide. She was very knowledgeable and shaped the tour around the group's needs. It was a very hot day and she adjusted the pace of the tour to meet the weather and the physical fitness of the group.
When I return to Puerto Rico on a future trip, I will be sure to contact Viator and request María.
Gracias por una experiencia perfecta,
Nancy
Review provided by Viator
Marian
Jun 16, 2024
Outstanding tour of Old San Juan - We had the most wonderful time on this tour. Maria was very knowledgeable and she made learning about San Juan so interesting and fun! She made sure we were all comfortable and shielded us from the hot sun as much as possible. We were provided with cold water half way through the tour, which was much appreciated. Alongside all of the history we learned, Maria welcomed any questions and gave us recommendations for other places and restaurants to visit. We could feel her pride and love of the culture, history, and the uniqueness of San Juan and Puerto Rico as a whole. She helped us understand how special this place truly is. Thank you Maria!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_v
Jun 15, 2024
Wonderful experience - María was amazing and full of knowledge. It was my daughter’s first time visiting and learning about her roots. I highly recommend , next time I would do the sunset tour.
Review provided by Viator
Justine_c
Jun 12, 2024
Best walk in Old San Juan - Our tour guide Maria was awesome. She was so knowledgeable & upbeat. The heat wave didn't stop her! I would recommend the tour for sure!
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_b
Jun 11, 2024
What an amazing view of history! - This trip through the old city was a phenomenal! Our guide was quite knowledgeable and gave much information. I left for home with a wealth of information. I am glad to have taken this excursion and if I return I will do this again. There was so much to take in.
Review provided by Viator
Inez_c
Jun 6, 2024
Great drinks with even better people - The sample tasting was great, our tour guide was very interactive, Hilarious, and very informative. Great way to start our visit here.
Review provided by Viator
Montoyas
Jun 5, 2024
Fantastic Tour - Jorge was an outstanding guide and was very knowledgeable. He interacted with us, asking trivia questions and rattling off random historical facts. Ending the tour at El Morro gave us plenty of time to take pictures and sight see on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Msalexandermidwood
Jun 4, 2024
El Morro - The tour was incredible. Maria was a fantastic guide! We had a wonderful time touring the old city with her. She was so helpful and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
