Old San Juan and San Cristobal Castle Walking Tour with Entry

4.8 (163 reviews) San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Duration2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 40 travelers

Overview

This is the only walking tour in Old San Juan that includes a visit to the interior of the San Cristobal Castle.

Wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades, and listen as your guide shares tales of conquest and resilience spanning over 500 years of colonial history.

Included in your experience is admission to the majestic San Cristobal Castle, offering panoramic views of Puerto Rico's landscape and a glimpse into its military past.

The adventure includes other sites of historic relevance like the Governor’s Mansion, the Cathedral of San Juan and the City Hall at the main square of the town.

Join us and discover what makes old San Juan the most visited place in Puerto Rico!

What's included

  • Bottled water
  • Beverage (bottle water, soda or local can beer)
  • Entry Tickets to the San Cristobal Castle ($10 value)
  • Comfortable Walking Footwear
  • Sun Protection (shades, sunscreen, hats or caps, etc)
  • Hotel Pick-Up (all participants must meet at Plaza Colon)
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Plaza Colon
    30m
    Considered the receiving plaza of Old San Juan, Plaza Colon is the ideal location to meet your certified tour guide. The guide will be standing in front of the big white monument located at the center of the plaza. The guide will be wearing a blue shirt and red cap.

    The square is a few blocks north from the cruise port and the town's main parking garages. Ubers and taxis can drop you right in the plaza.

    On this plaza you will learn about the colonial history of Puerto Rico and the former defensive structures that used to stand steps away from the plaza.
  2. Castillo De San Cristobal
    1h · Admission ticket included
    This World Heritage Site is the biggest fortification built by Spain in the Americas! You will tour the interior of the castle to get some of the most scenic views of the main island of Puerto Rico, the San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. As part of the tour you will visit an underground tunnel and former dungeons and barracks.
  3. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
    20m
    With over 500 years of history, this cathedral is one of the most important catholic churches in Puerto Rico. It is considered the second oldest church in the Americas.
    You will have the opportunity to visit the interior of the church to see its sacred altar, the mausoleum of Juan Ponce de Leon and the cathedral's oldest structure from the 16th century.
  4. La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina
    10m
    La Fortaleza has been the residence of the Governor's of Puerto Rico since the 1500's until our present times. Participants will have the opportunity to see its front facade and enjoy the exhibition hanging over the "umbrella street".
  5. Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud
    10m
    This tiny chapel is locally known for a miracle that happened right where it was built centuries ago! Here you will learn about this urban legend and its significance in present times.
  6. La Casa Estrecha
    10m
    North America's narrowest house is found in Old San Juan. You will see it as part of this tour!
  7. Antiguo Palacio de la Real Intendencia
    Pass by
    This is one of the most spectacular historic buildings in Old San Juan. It was originally built to house the treasury of the island and it is now the Department of State of Puerto Rico.
  8. Plaza de Armas
    10m
    Plaza de Armas is the town's main square. Here you will see the City Hall and the former Palace of the treasury of Puerto Rico. Also you will enjoy beautiful sculptures of the four seasons and the statue of the legendary music composer Tite Curret Alonso.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please, meet your guide in front of the big white statue at the center of the square. The guide will be wearing a blue shirt and red cap.

End point

The tour ends at a public square near restaurants, souvenir shops, coffee shops and bars. Ride share apps (Uber, Lyft, etc.) offer pick up at the ending location.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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 spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for travellers with walking limitations

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.8 (163)
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Operated by Patria Tours Puerto Rico · Booked through Viator
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