Footsteps in San Juan: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

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Footsteps in San Juan: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Tours Culture & history Activities Walking tours Reseller exclusions Outdoor sports

Stroll among majestic fortifications and ancient Spanish architecture while learning about it all and taking in scenic ocean views with this self-guided walking tour of historic San Juan.

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Highlights

Walk through the vibrant Plaza Colon
Uncover the story behind majestic Castillo San Cristobal
Unearth the wild struggles for power throughout Puerto Rico’s history
Discover the dark secrets of the La Perla Neighborhood
Visit the oldest church in the Americas and burial place of Ponce De Leon

Description

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which serves as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map, rolled into one! NOTE: This 1.8-mile-long tour covers the essentials of San Juan in 1-1.5 hours. Once downloaded, your self-guided walking tour begins at the colorful La Corazon Steps, which features a painted beating red heart! 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! And 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!

Includes

A link to download the Action Tour Guide app and a unique password for your tour(s). An audio guide, location-aware map, and storyteller — all in one mobile app tour. Our mission: To explore the world and its many stories. Join us! Ease of use: Stories auto-play based on your location so you don’t have to do anything once you’ve started. Offline map: Works without a cell signal or wifi once downloaded. Hidden gems: Visit often-missed spots and enrich your experience with little-known history. Flexibility: Explore at your own pace with no fixed schedule. Take a break, a hike, whatever, and pick up where you left off! No expiration date: Your tour is valid for life. Listen whenever, wherever, and however often you want. All-day support line: Call, chat, or email for help.

Important Information

This tour is a self-guided mobile app tour with a map, audio stories, and images.
Access the tour on the Action Tour Guide app (separate from the Get Your Guide app).
Use the unique password received after booking to download & preview your specific tours before you arrive.
Start at the Starting Point. Follow the tour route. All audio stories play automatically based on your location.
Flexible schedule: Use it on any day and at any time, or over multiple days. No need to rebook if your travel plans change.
Lifetime access: Use it on your next trip here! This tour never expires.
Walking tour: Use one tour per couple and share headphones.
Get support by calling, chatting, or emailing - all day long.