From Atabey to Bad Bunny to Colonization, the 500-year historical tapestry of Old San Juan unwinds down the colorful cobblestone streets as you listen to your guide spin stories of the native Tainos, marauding pirates and colonial powers that changed the landscape. While walking the ramparts of the towering city walls, your guide will weave the facts and historical events with less common stories of history, encouraging guests to interact with questions. You will see government, religious and civilian sites and monuments of the past, hear stories of the last century’s history, events and progression into the modern day, and maybe, just maybe see alternative glimpses into the future for the people of the island.

The three-hour tour will follow the path of original inhabitants as well as current residents which does involve some moderate walking, a few steep inclines and some stairs (alternative pathways available) that the group will do both in the rain or hot sun. While the group will take shaded sitting breaks to hear stories and take photos along the 1.5-2 mile route, it is highly advised to bring a bottle of water and good walking shoes for the trek. Rain is common on a tropical island and though it passes very quickly (10-15 min.), there are several sheltered sites along the way we will visit. This route is accessible utilizing a cane, but a wheelchair with steep inclines could be dangerous — the route can be altered if the group agrees.

The tour will begin in Plaza Colon at the base of the Christopher Columbus statue and will end in Plaza de Armas where guests will be provided with information as to their next steps. While guests will see a variety of interior/exteriors of buildings depending on the particular tour day and hear references to the forts, admission to the forts is not directly included in this tour. Guests are recommended to see one or both forts outside of the tour. Tickets are available at the gates with the U.S. National Parks Service. This tour is not recommended for the intellectually non-curious.