Private Walking Tour of Old San Juan

Private Walking Tour of Old San Juan (Paseo de la Princesa, Castillo San Felipe del Morro)
Excursion Highlights:
  • Embark on a private walking tour of Old San Juan, exploring historic landmarks like La Fortaleza and the ancient San Juan Gate
  • Discover iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with your private guide
  • Unearth 450 years of history at Ballaja Barracks and the San Jose Church, showcasing Spanish Gothic architecture
  • Step back in time at Casa Blanca, the 1521 home of the Ponce de Leon family, and take a respite at the historical El Convento Hotel
  • Conclude your adventure at the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista and Plaza de Colon, dedicated to Christopher Columbus, near prime shopping spots
From $20.00/person to $200.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural, Active, Walking
Shore Excursion Duration 2 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? The cruise ship pier, or an approximately 10 to 20 minute taxi (not included, approximately 15 US each way) is required to reach your departure location.
Food/Beverage Provided None
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes. We also suggest sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Restrictions Guests must be in good physical condition, able to walk for approximately 2 hours with stops along the way over paved and cobblestone surfaces. The Old Town is on a hill and there are several inclines to climb. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Private Walking Tour of Old San Juan

Departing from the harbor area in Old San Juan, your local PRIVATE guide will take you on a walking tour west along the Paseo de la Princesa (Princess Promenade), to the La Fortaleza, which is currently the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. From outside, your guide will tell you the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans more than 450 years.

You will also see the San Juan Gate, built in 1520 to guard the city from the harbor, as you make your way to Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro). From the large lawn in front of the fort, your guide will tell of the building of the fort beginning in 1539, and parts of its interesting history up through when it became a World Heritage Site.

You will walk to the Ballaja Barracks, built by the Spanish militia as housing in 1864; it also saw use in the Spanish-American War and as a hospital in World War II. Today, it houses several educational and cultural organizations including a museum.

Next, you will view the San Jose Church, one of the earliest surviving examples of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture in the Western Hemisphere. The church took over 200 years to be finished, starting in 1532. Juan Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico, was originally buried in the church until he was moved in 1836 to the cathedral.

As you stroll down Cristo, you will see a glimpse of Casa Blanca, the White House that was the home built by the Ponce de Leon family in 1521. It is one of the oldest remaining monuments in San Juan. Contrary to popular belief, Juan Ponce de Leon never lived here, although his family did for more than 250 years. A stop will be made at El Convento Hotel for a break. The hotel was once a convent.

After the break, you will visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Construction began in 1521, making it one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, and the second-oldest cathedral in the Americas. From here, you will walk along San Francisco Street to Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square). This popular square was originally called St. James Square, but was renamed in 1893 to honor Christopher Columbus on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his discovery of Puerto Rico. A massive statue is dedicated to the explorer, and bronze plaques chronicle his life and achievements. Your walking tour ends here, adjacent to shopping, the cruise piers and Castillo de San Cristobal. Your guide will answer any questions you have about additional sightseeing, dining or shopping before leaving you.

Please Note: Tour operates in all weather conditions. Tour does not make inside visits to any forts.