There’s simply no doubt about what feature of Old San Juan is the most striking. Among the litany of historic homes, centuries-old cobblestone streets, and other aspects of history brought to life, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one site that towers above all the rest. If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore the history of Puerto Rico, then a walking tour through El Morro fort in Old San Juan is the perfect activity. Construction on this iconic landmark started in 1539 and took 250 years to take its current form, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puerto Rico.
The best way to experience El Morro is by taking a guided walking tour with our certified tour guides. With nearly half a millennium of history, the fort and its grounds represent a treasure of global history. As you enter the grounds, your guide will give you a brief overview of El Morro’s history, explaining the highlights of the fort’s history, such as how it was used as a strategic military outpost by Spanish forces during their occupation of Puerto Rico. You’ll also learn its role in defending against the colonial Dutch and British attacks, as well as see a piece of shrapnel still lodged in its walls from the U.S. attack during the Spanish American war.
As you make your way around the grounds, be sure to take time to admire the breathtaking views from atop El Morro’s walls. From here, you can see Old San Juan stretching out before you and the expansive Atlantic Ocean to the north.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to explore El Morro’s interior. In fact, Flavors Food Tours is one of the few guided walking tours that will take you inside the fort and provide in depth context. There are impressive battlements and cannons on display throughout the fort — striking reminders of its history as a military stronghold.
In addition to exploring inside El Morro itself, visitors can also view from a distance La Garita Del Diablo (the Devil’s Sentry Box) and learn the legend behind its name. The most important aspects the tour will show, however, is what daily life would have been like as a soldier living and working in El Morro. We’ll show you where they ate, slept, and what they did on a day-to-day basis guarding the cornerstone of San Juan and the key to the Caribbean: Puerto Rico. The history of El Morro, in many ways, is a history of Puerto Rico itself. Our guided walking tours will leave you with a sense of the island’s character and what it means to be so ingrained in Old San Juan. Whether you’re looking for an educational outing or simply want to soak up some amazing sights while learning more about Puerto Rican culture, taking a guided walking tour through El Morro will leave you feeling inspired by the remarkable history of this fort and its effect on the people of San Juan.
