Welcome to the Old San Juan Tour
Embark on a walking tour of Old San Juan, full of majestic architecture, breathtaking views, and embattled history. Behold the largest Spanish-built fortification in the Americas. Hear stories of pirate battles, greed, and power, featuring figures like Sir Francis Drake. Stroll down ancient city streets rich with culture and history, then walk along this beautiful city’s old walls and enjoy some gentle ocean views.
About the Tour
The tour begins at Plaza Colón, in front of the statue of Christopher Columbus standing atop a tall pedestal in the center of the square. Next, stop by the Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, one of the oldest drama theaters in the US, and which is also supposedly haunted!
Then you’ll come to the Plaza Colon, with its towering statue of Columbus. Hear how Columbus claimed the island and how San Juan got its name! As you stroll along these scenic streets, take in the majestic Castillo San Cristobal. You’ll unearth the story behind its construction and hear about the vast riches that brought so many explorers to this island.
Up next is the colorful and historic La Perla neighborhood by the seaside. You might recognize it as the music video filming location for the hit song “Despacito!” Then get to know Sir Francis Drake and revisit his fight to seize the island from Spain. Learn how his Spanish adversary, General Sancho pulled off a victory even though they were hugely outnumbered!
You’ll also hear about the Second Battle of San Juan and find out why it was such a short-lived win for the English.
Your historical journey takes even more twists and turns as you uncover subsequent Dutch efforts to take power. Learn how they torched the city and how the Spanish fought to prevent this defeat from repeating! As you keep walking, you’ll behold ancient walls and gunpowder magazines, then finally the awe-inspiring Castillo San Felipe del Morro itself! A
nd speaking of attacks, hear about Puerto Rico’s struggles for independence and find out why the US got involved.
Hear how the fall of El Morro marked a major turning point in world history. Also be sure to take in the breathtaking ocean views and give yourself a little respite! Pay a visit to the Cuartel de Ballaja, which now houses the Museum of the Americas,
Then continue onto the Casa Blanca. Hear how it was meant for Ponce De Leon, and learn the story of the grandson who wrote one of Puerto Rico’s most critical historical texts! Also find out how Ponce De Leon himself met a poisonous end! The next stop is the historic Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Batista, the final resting place of Ponce De Leon.
Learn how the oldest church in the Americas survived countless attacks over the centuries, including Dutch attacks and Hurricane Maria. As the journey winds down, stroll along lovely cobblestone streets to the Puerta San Juan, the only remaining gate from the old city.
Your tour concludes just past the famous La Fortaleza, a towering fortress dating back to the 1530s!
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Old San Juan Map
Starting Point
Join the tour anywhere along the route. Follow the route in the indicated direction. Suggested starting point is indicated by the green START marker on the map:
Plaza Colón, C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
The suggested start is at the center of Plaza Colón. There’s a large statue of Christopher Columbus standing on a high pedestal in the middle of the square.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour begins at the colorful La Corazon Steps, featuring a painted beating red heart.
The Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera is one of the oldest drama theaters in the US and is rumored to be haunted.
Plaza Colon features a towering statue of Columbus, and you can learn about Columbus’s claim to the island and the origin of San Juan’s name.
The majestic Castillo San Cristobal is encountered, and you can discover its construction history and its connection to explorers seeking riches on the island.
La Perla is known as the filming location for the music video of the hit song “Despacito.”
The tour covers the story of Sir Francis Drake and his attempt to seize the island from Spain, as well as the Spanish General Sancho’s defense.
The tour delves into Dutch attempts to take power, including the torching of the city, and the Spanish efforts to prevent further defeat.
The tour visits Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and you can learn about its historical importance, including attacks and defenses.
The tour explains how the fall of El Morro marked a major turning point in world history.
The tour concludes just past the famous La Fortaleza, a towering fortress dating back to the 1530s, which played a crucial role in the island’s history.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
