Explore Old San Juan in 2.5 hours with a local guide, visit colorful streets, historic landmarks, and enter the 16th-century Castillo San Felipe (El Morro).
Best of Old San Juan Walking Tour with El Morro Entry
Summary Description
Highlights
- Expert local guide who brings history and culture to life
- Entry and guided tour of Castillo San Felipe (El Morro)
- See San Juan’s highlights in just 2.5 hours
- Immersive walk through Old San Juan’s vibrant streets and plazas
- Perfect shore excursion for cruise ship guests
Description
Discover one of the oldest capitals in the Western Hemisphere, and explore Old San Juan’s colorful streets and historic plazas. Visit the 16th-century San Francisco de Asis Monastery, Plaza de Armas, UNESCO-recognized city walls along the turquoise water, and the Catedral de San Juan. Along the way, your expert local guide will reveal the island’s indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences. Finish at Castillo San Felipe (El Morro), using a dedicated entrance for select tour groups for easy and seamless entry into Castillo San Felipe (El Morro). Small groups and a passionate guide make history come alive in just 2.5 hours. This tour conveniently starts a short 10-minute walk from Old San Juan Cruise Port and is ideal for cruise guests looking to see the highlights of San Juan with enough time to get to and from the boat.
Step into the heart of Old San Juan and uncover Puerto Rico’s 4,000+ year story on this 2.5-hour walking tour. From the moment you meet your passionate local guide, you’ll wander cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial houses, hear tales of the island’s indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences, and discover how these cultures shaped Puerto Rico’s identity and everyday life.
The first stop of the tour is at Plaza Colón, where the Commemorative Fountain marks Columbus’ arrival in 1493. From there, visit the 16th-century San Francisco de Asis Monastery, including its hidden crypt, to learn how early Spanish settlement began and meet some of the notable figures buried there. Stroll through charming Plaza de Armas, the original town square, where the colorful colonial houses and fountains reveal its Spanish influence.
Continue along the UNESCO city walls, including the Bastión de las Palmas, where your guide will recount historic battles that defended Puerto Rico and why the island has been called the “gateway to the New World.” Pass by La Casa Estrecha, a quirky narrow home, and explore the Catedral de San Juan, the second-oldest church in the Americas.
Finally, your tour culminates at the Castillo San Felipe (El Morro), the 16th-century fortress that once defended the island. Explore its ramparts, hear stories of pirates and battles, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic. With a small group of 15 guests or fewer, this tour ensures a personal, immersive experience, letting you connect with the rich history and vibrant culture of Old San Juan.
Included / Excluded
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Local English-speaking guide
- Small group (max 15)
- El Morro tickets
- El Morro guided tour
- Hotel pick up/drop off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Best of Old San Juan Walking Tour with El Morro Entry
1
Meeting Point
Start Location
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets in Plaza Arturo Somohano outside Teatro Tapia.
Duration: 0 minutes
Admission Free
5 minutes to next stop
2
Plaza Colon
Intermediate Stop
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Free
5 minutes to next stop
3
Parroquia San Francisco de Asis
Intermediate Stop
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Free
10 minutes to next stop
4
La Casa Estrecha
Intermediate Stop
Duration: 0 minutes
Admission Free
5 minutes to next stop
5
Cathedral of San Juan
Intermediate Stop
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Free
5 minutes to next stop
6
Puerta de San Juan
Intermediate Stop
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Free
5 minutes to next stop
7
Plaza de Armas
Intermediate Stop
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Free
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Plaza Arturo Somohano, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets in Plaza Arturo Somohano outside Teatro Tapia.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LS2S6KTnju3Tt1Qj7
End Location: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico
End Location Notes: 16th-century fortress that defended the island for centuries
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This tour is in English.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- The tour involves a fair amount of walking, and sometimes uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Areas visited during this tour are subject to closure. Your guide may need to modify areas visited on the day of the tour.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Additional Information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (16+)
- Child (2-15)
- Infant (0-1)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 15
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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