San Cristobal Castle & Empanada Tasting

Description

Experience the rich history and flavors of Old San Juan on this exclusive walking tour—the only one that includes a guided visit inside the majestic San Cristobal Castle and a delicious local empanada tasting. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades as your certified guide shares tales of conquest and resilience spanning over 500 years of colonial history.

Your journey includes admission to San Cristobal Castle, offering panoramic views of Puerto Rico's landscape and a glimpse into its military past. The adventure continues at a local bar near Plaza de Armas, where you'll savor an authentic empanada paired with a refreshing beverage, celebrating the gastronomic heritage of the island.

Please note: This tour may be unsuitable for individuals with limited mobility or those who find walking long distances challenging. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, though some navigation over curbs and narrow sidewalks will be required. Lightweight electric scooters are highly recommended for going uphill.

What's/What’s Not Included

What’s Included

  • Professional local guide
  • One baked empanada
  • Water, Soda, or Beer
  • Admission ticket to the San Cristobal Castle

What’s Not Included

  • Hotel Pick-Up (all participants must meet at Plaza Colón)
What You Should Bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Sun protection (shades, sunscreen, hats or caps, etc.)
  • Rain jacket or umbrella (weather dependent)
Tour/Excursion Timeline
1. Plaza Colón, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Meet your guide and check in to discover colonial history and answer key questions about Puerto Rico's past at Plaza Colón, which has sights including the Columbus Monument and the Tapia Theater.

Duration: 15 minutes

2. Castillo De San Cristóbal

Immerse yourself in the biggest Spanish fortification in the New World. Here, you will get magnificent views of the city of San Juan, the bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the fort, you will see its dungeon, tunnels, and WWII bunker.

Duration: 60 minutes - Admission included

3. La Perla community (from outside)

Get to know the history of this marginal oceanfront community that is world-renowned for the music videos filmed there. 

Duration: 10 minutes

4. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Visit one of America's oldest churches cathedrals, home to the tombs of Juan Ponce de Leon and Bishop Alonso Manso. The visit includes a chapel built in the 16th Century with original Gothic ceilings considered historic architectural gems.

Duration: 20 minutes

5. La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Get to see the Governor's Mansion, a World Heritage Site and the governmental heart of Puerto Rico, visited by U.S. Presidents and Spanish royalty. Discover the Governor's Mansion, a World Heritage Site, and the famous colorful umbrellas overhead.

Duration: 10 minutes

6. Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud, San Juan, Puerto Rico

This historic chapel from the 18th century was built at the site of a miraculous event.

Duration: 10 minutes

7. La Casa Estrecha, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Get to see North America’s narrowest building in the heart of Old San Juan.

Duration: 10 minutes

8. Antiguo Palacio de la Real Intendencia, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Marvel at one of Old San Juan’s most spectacular historic buildings, originally the island's treasury and now the Department of State, featuring a preserved courtyard and original vault.

Duration: 15 minutes

9. Plaza de Armas, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Visit San Juan's main square to see the gorgeous City Hall, the fountain of the four seasons, and a statue of music composer Tite Curet Alonso.

Duration: 10 minutes

Departure & Return

Meeting Point: Plaza Colón (Click Here)
End Point: Plaza de Armas (Click Here)

* The guide will wear a blue shirt and a red hat.

Accessibility
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Near Public Transportation
  • Note: While the tour is wheelchair accessible, some areas within San Cristobal Castle may have limited accessibility due to historic architecture. Please contact us for specific accommodations.
Additional Information
  • Confirmation: Will be received at time of booking.
  • Health Requirements: Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions or serious medical issues.
  • Fitness Level: Moderate physical fitness required.
  • Walking Distance: Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk more than a mile or have walking limitations.
  • Group Size Limit: Maximum of 20 travelers.
  • Minimum Travelers: This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If canceled due to the minimum not being met, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing recommended. Please note that sleeveless shirts and short shorts may not be permitted inside the cathedral.
Cancellation Policy
  • Cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the start time for a full refund. 
  • No refunds if you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time unless you purchase our Booking Protection Plan. 
  • Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time may be subject to fees unless you purchase our Booking Protection Plan. 
  • This tour operates “rain or shine”. We recommend coming prepared for our tropical weather conditions.
  • The tour gets canceled in advance only if there is a storm or a flooding warning issued by the National Weather Service. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered the option to choose a new date or get a full refund.
  • If canceled because the minimum number of travelers isn't met, you will be offered the option to choose a new date or get a full refund.
Need Help?

If you have any additional questions or problems booking this tour, we'd be more than happy to help. Contact us.

Tour Details

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Old San Juan
Puerto Rico local guides
starts at 1:30pm
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2.5 Hours
Puerto Rico rainforest tours
All Ages
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English
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Easygoing
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Wheelchair accessible
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Frequently asked questions

Are service animals allowed on the tours?

Yes, service animals are allowed on our tours. Please let us know if you will bring a service animal so we can notify our guides.

Are the tours offered in multiple languages?

To provide you with a more engaging and fluid experience, the tours are conducted in a single language. However, all the guides are fluent in both English and Spanish and will happily answer questions in both languages. Corporate and educational tours can be delivered in both languages upon the client’s request.

Can you accommodate special requests or custom stops within the tour?

Absolutely! Our corporate and educational tours can be tailored to meet our clients' needs and preferences. We strive to make each tour as engaging and suitable for our guests as possible. If there are specific sites, themes, or activities you wish to include, please discuss them with us, and we'll customize the itinerary accordingly. To start planning your corporate or educational tour, please send your group’s information via email to jorge.montalvo@patria-tours.com.

Do we offer accessibility accommodations?

All of our tours are designed to provide accommodation for people in wheelchairs. The places visited, as well as the sidewalks and streets used during our walking tours, are accessible to wheelchairs. The tours that include transportation are operated in a 22-passenger bus with safe accommodation for two wheelchairs. We recommend motorized wheelchairs to make the experience more easy-going. Please contact us for more details about accessibility.

How are meals and nutrition handled on the tours?

In our educational and corporate tour, we offer either to cover meal expenses as part of the tour package or to stop at locations with a wide variety of food offerings where individuals can pay for their own meals. Please inform us in advance about any dietary restrictions or preferences.

How can I contact you for more questions?

If you have any additional questions not addressed here, we'd be more than happy to assist. Please call us at 787-923-6885 or fill out our contact form, and we'll respond as soon as possible.

How flexible are the tour durations and scheduling?

Our educational and corporate tours are designed to be flexible to fit your group's schedule. We offer both full-day and half-day tours and can adjust the itinerary around your time constraints. Let us know your preferred timing, and we'll arrange the rest. Our daily tours have a fixed starting time and itinerary. Our guides strive in keeping the tour pace to meet the ending time of the tour, however depending on the group's pace and unforeseen circumstances such as traffic or weather the tour ending time could be delayed up to 30 minutes.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

The tour gets canceled in advance only if there is a storm or a flooding warning issued by the National Weather Service. If a tour is canceled by the tour operator due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date to reschedule or a full refund. Otherwise, our tour operates “rain or shine”; we recommend coming prepared for our tropical weather conditions. We prioritize the safety and comfort of our travelers and will provide timely updates if changes are necessary.

What is the ideal group size for these tours?

Our tours accommodate up to 20 participants, with an average group size of around 10. Each guide uses a portable speaker to ensure clear communication and an engaging experience for all participants. Corporate and educational tours can accommodate more than 20 participants per guide, depending on the client’s needs and budget.

What should participants bring on the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for sun protection. Participants should also bring a sweet snack and water bottles to stay hydrated before, during, and after the tour. A light backpack is recommended for personal items and any educational materials needed.