Private Old San Juan Tour: Quick Historic Discovery Experience in Puerto Rico
5.0
17 Ratings
San Juan
Embark on a quick and engaging private tour of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. Explore historic landmarks, experience expert storytelling, and indulge in a rum distillery tour and cocktail.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Spa at Condado Vanderbilt - Learn about the first Luxury hotel south of our Nation’s border, previously Vanderbilt’s family winter retreat.
  • Parque Luis Munoz Rivera - Learn about the history of the only park in the San Juan Island.
  • Plaza Colon - Learn about the square that was the welcoming area behind the wall that surrounded the old city, the wall itself and how the area evolved to be what it is today.
  • Castillo de San Cristobal - Learn about the largest colonial Fort ever constructed in the New world and how it protected the San Juan in the largest attack the city ever saw. Walk its surroundings area which were part of it and take a picture by one of it’s Garitas.
  • Abraham Lincoln Statue - Learn about the first elementary school built by USA and the significance of Abraham Lincoln for Puerto Ricans.
  • Cuartel de Ballaja - Learn about the building that was used by Spain and then USA as infantri quarters.
  • Ballaja Sculpture - Learn the significance of this marvelous sculpture.
  • Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery - Learn the whys and hows of this unique cemetery.
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro - Learn about the oldest fort in the America’s and the one that protected the city until WW2. Walk by the walls and take some unique pictures ads you discover it’s secrets.
  • Iglesia de San Jose - Learn about the 4th oldest church in the Americas and the second oldest in our nation America. Walk in and go back in time inside this gem that was restored to its original glory and reopened in 2021.
  • Juan Ponce de Leon Statue - Learn about our first governor and how he ended leaving Puerto Rico and going to Florida where he ultimately died.
  • Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - Witness the second oldest Church in the Americas and our Nations oldest church. Inside discover Ponce de Leon Grave and a little and unknown rock chappel named Altar de La Patria resting place of the remains of our first bishop and our first emissary to the spanish courts.
  • La Rogativa - Learn the history of our most significative monument, the one we call “the miracle of San Juan”!
  • Monumento Don Juan de Amezouita y Quixano - Learn about the first monument of the Americas and its significance.
  • La Puerta de San Juan - Learn the history, significance and fun facts of the main entrance to the city.
  • La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina - Learn the history of the Oldest executive mansion still in use in the Americas.
  • Calle de la Fortaleza - Discover the best spots for unique souvenirs and the birthplace of our state drink: the Piña Colada!
  • Plaza de Armas - Learn today’s city square history.
  • San Juan City Hall - Learn fun facts about our city hall history.
  • Departamento de Estado de Puerto Rico - Learn how this building has been home of many powerful institutions through the last 350 years.
  • Jose V. Toledo Federal Building and United States Courthouse - Learn about the south quarters of the old city and why USA built their main buildings there.
  • Paseo de la Princesa - Learn how this walkway got its name and see the last remaining of the south side wall
  • Casa de Espana - Learn the history of this historic building.
  • Puerto Rico Police Memorial Monument - See this significant monument, part of the Presidents walkway area.
  • Paseo de los Presidentes - Learn about the 9 presidents that have visited us and why we have them in this walkway.
  • Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud - Learn the history of this famous landmark
  • La Rogativa - Learn about what we locals call the miracle of San Juan
  • Bastion de San Antonio - Walk by this part of the wall intour way to el Morro.
  • Bastion de Santa Elena - See the defense point in the south wall between el Morro and La Fortaleza
  • Ron del Barrilito Visitor Center - You will visit our finest rum distillery to learn about its origins and heritahe in their historic tour and then have a complimentary cocktail from their exclusive seasonal collection.
What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation in a spacious vehicle suitable for the group size
  • Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

If your schedule is tight, this tour is perfect for you. Don’t spend your valuable holiday time on an extended foot tour - let us introduce you to the historic allure of Puerto Rico in just 2 hours! Our expert guide will transport you back in time, recounting the story of the city and pointing out must-see structures as you traverse its vibrant, narrow roads. You’ll even get the opportunity to savor a piragua (shaved ice) or a genuine Piña Colada at Barrachina! The tour includes options for durations and extras.

Location
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Ashford Avenue
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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1 star
Kimhp4481qg
Mar 16, 2024
Wonderful tour guide! - Carlos gave one of the most informative tours we’ve taken. He has a great knowledge of the historical, political, military, and social aspects of Puerto Rico.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joseph_a
Feb 8, 2024
I would highly recommend this experience with this operator you will not be disappointed - Very knowledgeable of Puerto Rican history a wonderful time to spend the afternoon together with the operator and his son
Review provided by Viator
Cdatraveler
Feb 7, 2024
Outstanding tour of OSJ - This trip was outstanding! We booked the private premium OSJ with the added distillery tour. From start to finish, it was excellent. Carlos picked us up at our resort in an air conditioned Mercedes sprinter van. He immediately welcomed us, and the history lesson began. He takes pride in the accuracy of his facts, and it shows. We made many stops along the way for pictures of the forts, OSJ, tour of the cathedral, etc. We ended our day at Ron del Barrilito which is not to be missed. Delicious cocktails and a rich history with personalized service. Along the way, we got to know Carlos a bit. He’s a fantastic historian and a great person. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. I can’t wait to return and book another adventure with him
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allenandkarij
Dec 27, 2023
A must do to see the real San Juan - Amazing to hear the history and see San Juan through the eyes of a local. It was so nice to be in an air conditioned van but still get out to walk around and see the main sites.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
250brianap
Oct 5, 2023
Seeing Old San Juan - It was an up close and personal experience with the history of the island. Our guide was able to explain so much to us. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monica_t
Sep 19, 2023
Worth, every penny! - Carlos was an excellent tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of San Juan. We learned so much from him. We highly recommend Carlos to anyone who is looking to learn more about San Juan in a fun and comprehensive manner, without it taking up most of your day. It was also helpful that we were able to enjoy looking at the historic sites while riding in a comfortable air-conditioned SUV.
Review provided by Viator
Shwanar2023
Jul 19, 2023
The most splendid private way to discover Old San Juan! - We booked this tour with the concierge at the Ritz-Carlton in Dorado and it surpased all our expectations. We started the tour at 1pm and from 4 hours decieded to extend it because our guide had so much to offer we wanted to get as much of Old San Juan as we could. From the Capitol to the forts, to the monuments and squares to the cathedral and the gate of San Juan, the flow of information and his story telling was masterful. But his knowledge of what was the best cigar lounge to where to have the best local food and even taking us to areas outside Old San Juan we wanted to visit like Fairmont El San Juan and the Vanderbilt where he even gave us a tour of each hotel including each one's history and secrets. After 10 hours we were good to go back to Dorado after having the most splendid discovery tour ever, and me and my husband can't recomend this experience any higher!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeff
Jul 18, 2023
Exceptional experience - Raymond was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about everything and showed us things that we wouldn't have seen without him. I highly recommend this tour to anyone not wanting to walk in the heat and see more than just the typical spots.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passenger321804
Jul 12, 2023
Old San Juan Historic Tour - Carlos was an amazing guide and took us all around San Juan. We started the day with a text confirming pickup location and time (which was only about 2 miles from where our ship docked). He was extremely knowledgeable with MANY historic stories. Would definitely recommend his services!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_m
Mar 6, 2023
Outstanding experience! - What a fun and interesting tour! Carlos gave us the royal treatment and shared his vast knowledge of the area with fun anecdotes and stories. We loved it so much we booked another tour for the next day!
Review provided by Viator
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June 2024
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