Bus Tours
6+ hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$198.00
per adult
Private Tours of Old San Juan
Private Tours of Old San Juan
5
City Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours
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About
Experience Puerto Rico on a different way. “Walk” at your own pace. Take pictures. Ask questions. See what you are most excited about. Know the history and the untold secrets of this wonderful place. I am a local certified tour guide that specializes on private full day tours of Puerto Rico. Visit the forts, caves, waterfalls, cultural experiences, etc. Is not like a college lecture. . . Is more like hanging out with a knowledgeable local person.
Tours and Tickets by Private Tours of Old San Juan
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$198.00
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$198.00
per adult
Bus Tours
6+ hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$198.00
per adult
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
101 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Elaine D
Northville, MI6 contributions
May 2021
We spent a whole afternoon with Javier on a private tour. We spent time visiting the two forts in Old San Juan learning all about the history of Puerto Rico. We also enjoyed a wonderful meal at a local restaurant learning about what a typical meal in Puerto Rico. Was a wonderful day with a wonderful guide.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walk S
Thank you, Elaine.
I really enjoyed spending the day with you and your family. You got an extended tour, where we managed to see even more than usual. Hope to see you again soon.
Javier
Written July 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
citygirlNj
New Jersey88 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed the tour very much! We especially enjoyed the personal stories that Carlos told us. He was very knowledgeable and was interesting to listen to. And his English was very well. If you wanted a picture of something just let him know and he will accommodate you. It was nice doing the private tour you can just get in and out of the air-conditioned vehicle and not have to wait for a bunch of people on the other tour buses. I highly recommend this.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
patn35
Naples, FL31 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We had a private walking tour of Old San Juan with Javier Ruiz. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and very in tune to our interests and comfort during our 4 hour walking tour, which he customized as we went.
Written February 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J'Adore-Voyager
New York City193 contributions
Jan 2020
We had a great tour of San Juan with Javier. The city is just beautiful and I can't imagine anyone better than Javier to see it with. His passion for the city and its people is infectious. I particularly appreciated his deep knowledge of history and current social and political events. This was not just "look that way" but a real immersion into this lovely old city. See San Juan and see it with Javier!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walk S
Thank you very much for your review. I really love my island, and I really enjoy sharing it with other passionate people.
Written November 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rodney A
58 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
We arrived in San Juan, expecting a boring 1h-2h walk through the city just to pass the time. What we got was an energetic, exciting escapade that filled us with joy! Our guide, Javier, was the best! He was kind, patient,supremely knowledgeable and in love with his job and his culture. Javier took us ALL OVER THE CITY! We walked and he showed & told us all of the rich and important history that Puerto Rico has to offer. My entire family thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Javier has a true spirit of love and we would DEFINITELY take a tour with him again. Thanks Javier for an unforgettable experience!
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChadAndLaura G
1 contribution
Mar 2017 • Couples
I booked a private tour with Javier Ruiz of Old San Juan through Tours by Locals for my family of 5 adults ages 44-75. We had a wonderful time and Javier really made the history come alive for us. Our tour was for 4 hours.
We arrived in San Juan via cruise ship and meet Javier in front of Walgreens which was easy to find coming off the ship. We were a little early so I called his cell phone with my US phone and had no trouble contacting him and within minutes he was there right on time. We quickly decided that the uphill walk to the fort might be a bit much for our party so we took the free tram up to the fort. We got the last 6 seats on the tram. That was lucky. The tram then waited a long time to depart even though it was full but that was not Javier's fault. The tram was also very bumpy and hurt my mother's back but that also was not Javier's fault. When we arrived at the top of the hill we all were glad we didn't have to walk it but Javier said it would have been faster to walk. He would have taken us walking but we chose the tram and were glad of it. And I'm glad that Javier was flexible enough that we had the choice.
Javier then recommended to buy two senior lifetime passes which gets 1 senior and 3 adults for each ticket into the fort and other US Parks for life which saved us money one the entrance tickets. Javier had his own pass. You don't have to buy him a ticket. As he showed us around he mentioned the church and I said we will want to see that. He asked if we were interested in churches and I said, yes as Christians we will want to visit all the churches we have time for. So we went in the little church (a chapel really). My mother-in-law loved it and we had a few minutes to pray. The fort had steep ramps and steep difficult stairs and Javier gave us options of which way to go and was very patient as the older members of our party carefully navigated the chosen route. The view from up there is wonderful and you can see a lot of the geography of the surrounding area. Javier took time to explain why this location was so important that it needed a fort and why the various powers were always fighting over it. He showed us how the fort changed over time to utilize new technologies (stuff like canon development and such) and meet growing needs.
When we were done at the fort we began walking back down the hill, wandering through Old San Juan. The old city is beautiful. Reminds me a bit of Europe. We mad a number of stops. I probably can't remember them all to list right now. We first stopped at a coffee shop for refreshments and we each bought some Puerto Rico Coffee to take home. Javier said it was the least expensive of the 3 best places to get coffee in the area. Service was great. Coffee was great. And our party needed the rest. We walked past it at first and as he was telling us about it we said we should go back for coffee. So the stopping to spend money and use some of our time with him for a rest was our idea. Other places we went were an old seminary that is now a college, the defensive city wall, and the cathedral, and a number of other places each with its own rich story. Only the fort had an entrance fee. Although a couple of the places were taking donations. We were happy to donate to the college and the churches because we find education and our religion important to us but there wouldn't be a problem if you didn't donate anything. Javier was also leaving donations at some of the stops himself. He showed us the architecture of the city and the influence of the Catholic church on the area. We ran over our allotted 4 hours and I was telling my family that we needed to let him go but he was enjoying himself and kept on talking for a while more. He really made our day special.
Then I asked for a restaurant recommendation for dinner and he said La Princessa and gave us directions and then he asked about our budget cause it might be too expensive but we were fine with it. He wanted to give us another option but then said if after we get there, if we don't like the menu, the prices, or the ambiance, that we should call him for another suggestion. We left him and had a nice walk between the city wall and the ocean/bay and found La Princessa. It was lovely. We sat outside in a beautiful courtyard. The food and service were excellent. There was a great variety of food and we all found something to enjoy.
Javier is a wonderful tour guide for a small group of 1-6 people. He was very flexible to meet our needs and very knowledgeable. He treated us like friends. You can't go wrong booking a tour with him. You won't be disappointed.
We arrived in San Juan via cruise ship and meet Javier in front of Walgreens which was easy to find coming off the ship. We were a little early so I called his cell phone with my US phone and had no trouble contacting him and within minutes he was there right on time. We quickly decided that the uphill walk to the fort might be a bit much for our party so we took the free tram up to the fort. We got the last 6 seats on the tram. That was lucky. The tram then waited a long time to depart even though it was full but that was not Javier's fault. The tram was also very bumpy and hurt my mother's back but that also was not Javier's fault. When we arrived at the top of the hill we all were glad we didn't have to walk it but Javier said it would have been faster to walk. He would have taken us walking but we chose the tram and were glad of it. And I'm glad that Javier was flexible enough that we had the choice.
Javier then recommended to buy two senior lifetime passes which gets 1 senior and 3 adults for each ticket into the fort and other US Parks for life which saved us money one the entrance tickets. Javier had his own pass. You don't have to buy him a ticket. As he showed us around he mentioned the church and I said we will want to see that. He asked if we were interested in churches and I said, yes as Christians we will want to visit all the churches we have time for. So we went in the little church (a chapel really). My mother-in-law loved it and we had a few minutes to pray. The fort had steep ramps and steep difficult stairs and Javier gave us options of which way to go and was very patient as the older members of our party carefully navigated the chosen route. The view from up there is wonderful and you can see a lot of the geography of the surrounding area. Javier took time to explain why this location was so important that it needed a fort and why the various powers were always fighting over it. He showed us how the fort changed over time to utilize new technologies (stuff like canon development and such) and meet growing needs.
When we were done at the fort we began walking back down the hill, wandering through Old San Juan. The old city is beautiful. Reminds me a bit of Europe. We mad a number of stops. I probably can't remember them all to list right now. We first stopped at a coffee shop for refreshments and we each bought some Puerto Rico Coffee to take home. Javier said it was the least expensive of the 3 best places to get coffee in the area. Service was great. Coffee was great. And our party needed the rest. We walked past it at first and as he was telling us about it we said we should go back for coffee. So the stopping to spend money and use some of our time with him for a rest was our idea. Other places we went were an old seminary that is now a college, the defensive city wall, and the cathedral, and a number of other places each with its own rich story. Only the fort had an entrance fee. Although a couple of the places were taking donations. We were happy to donate to the college and the churches because we find education and our religion important to us but there wouldn't be a problem if you didn't donate anything. Javier was also leaving donations at some of the stops himself. He showed us the architecture of the city and the influence of the Catholic church on the area. We ran over our allotted 4 hours and I was telling my family that we needed to let him go but he was enjoying himself and kept on talking for a while more. He really made our day special.
Then I asked for a restaurant recommendation for dinner and he said La Princessa and gave us directions and then he asked about our budget cause it might be too expensive but we were fine with it. He wanted to give us another option but then said if after we get there, if we don't like the menu, the prices, or the ambiance, that we should call him for another suggestion. We left him and had a nice walk between the city wall and the ocean/bay and found La Princessa. It was lovely. We sat outside in a beautiful courtyard. The food and service were excellent. There was a great variety of food and we all found something to enjoy.
Javier is a wonderful tour guide for a small group of 1-6 people. He was very flexible to meet our needs and very knowledgeable. He treated us like friends. You can't go wrong booking a tour with him. You won't be disappointed.
Written April 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David F
Freehold, NJ16 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
We had a wonderful afternoon wandering this historic city with Javier, a native of San Juan and a knowledgeable, well-educated and thoughtful person.
He tailored the tour to our interests. We took breaks from walking (and the hot day) to sit in a cool place and continue our conversation. We ended the day with a much better understanding of the city and the island and its place in history.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting San Juan who has an interest in the history and culture of this unique place.
He tailored the tour to our interests. We took breaks from walking (and the hot day) to sit in a cool place and continue our conversation. We ended the day with a much better understanding of the city and the island and its place in history.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting San Juan who has an interest in the history and culture of this unique place.
Written December 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rbuskey106
Portsmouth, RI681 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
We were met at our hotel by Javier for a private tour. Walked through Old San Juan & Fort Cristobal. Javier was very knowledgeable & friendly. Great way to learn about the History & customs of the people/area. Hopefully when we return we can get a much larger tour. Worth the money.
Written November 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MYDA
Houston, TX61 contributions
Oct 2019 • Business
Javier provided a heart-felt private waking tour of beautiful & historic Viejo (Old) San Juan. My Father & I had a tour to remember walking at our pace & learning more than we ever expected. We laughed, we were impressed & learned a ton from Javier. He was aware of our needs & made us feel welcome to his beautiful island 🇵🇷🇵🇷. Javier was in time & easy to communicate when coordinating our tour. We strongly recommend walksanjuan.com for your Puerto Rico tour!!
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walk S
Thank you very much for your kind words. I really enjoy private tours because I have the opportunity to connect with everyone on the group. It feels like being with family. It’s easier to recognize your needs, and satisfy them. Javier
Written November 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline P
12 contributions
May 2018 • Business
Javier was AMAZING. Knowledgeable, friendly and so focused on what you wanted to learn, the pace at which you wanted to go and creating the best overall experience for you and your group. I highly, highly recommend Javier!
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
arroyo94
madrid11 contributions
Hola Javier, llegamos en crucero el mes de noviembre. Estoy interesada en la excursión del viejo San Juan. Me podrías ampliar información. Gracias
jordangirls
Paramus, NJ1 contribution
Hellowe will be traveling in July 2018 for Royal Carribean. Interested in seeing old San Juan, the forts and eating some locally. The booking times come up,every hour, how do we know we are booking with Javier?
Javier R
San Juan, Puerto Rico17 contributions
I am the owner and the only guide from "Private Tours of Old San Juan". If you book with us, I'll be your tour guide.
Javier Ruiz
Laura P
3 contributions
Hola Javier somos una pareja unos intensa tú tour por el viejo San Juan llegamos en un crucero el próximo martes alas 12 en el seaside de Msc. Te agradecería q nos enviaras información del tour y el costo . Gracias . Llegamos 3 de abril .
willy20062016
Hong Kong, China86 contributions
Hi, We have 3 people (2 adults, 1 child) and will be visiting Pueto Rico in 9 August 2017. Our Royal Caribbean cruise ship arrives at 7am and leaves at 3pm. We would like to visit Old San Juan and El Yunque rainforest on that day. Would we be able to fit in both of them if we start as early as possible?
Please give me an email address to contact you. Thank you!
Javier R
San Juan, Puerto Rico17 contributions
Thanks for your message. Please contact me using the email address that appears on my profile.
Javier
como puedo contactarte?Necesito un tour para el 11 de mayo
Javier R
San Juan, Puerto Rico17 contributions
Saludos,
El 11 de mayo no voy a estar disponible. Mi información de contacto está en mi perfil, me puedes llamar o escribir.
Javier
Angela A
Houston, TX12 contributions
Hello! My partner and I are really interested in learning specifically about Afro-Caribbean heritage. Are you able to customize the tour to show us sights that relate most to African history?
We will be in PR on 2/19 and 2/20. Thanks!
Angela
Javier R
San Juan, Puerto Rico17 contributions
Did you do the tour? I referred you to Melba, who is very good. Not sure if the tour happened.
Pury1970
Villaviciosa, Spain9 contributions
Hola Javier!somos n grupo de 19 personas que estaremos en San Juan el día 9 de noviembre en escala de crucero. Nos interesaría saber el precio de un tour por el viejo San Juan incluyendl el castillo y la fotasleza
También queremos saber si es posible incluir ver un poco del nuevo San Juan. Nuestra
Escala es desde las diez de la mañana hasta las doce de la noche por lo que disponemos de siguiente tiempo. Esperamos su respuesta. Un cordial ssludo
raannette
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Saludos Javier.
Me interesa celebrar el cumpleaños de mi hija llevándola a ella y a sus amigas seniors a un Tour contigo por el Viejo San Juan. Sería un grupo de 10 chicas y yo. Me interesa el lunes 31 de octubre en la mañana. Me dejas saber si estás disponible y qué rutas nos recomiendas para esa aventura. Muchas gracias.
Hello Javier,
We are a group of 4 (2 couples) arriving April 30, at 1:22 p.m. at the airport. Our Royal Caribbean Ship leaves the Pan American Pier at 8:30 p.m. We would love to take your tour when we arrive, can you advise us on
1) ground transportation from airport to you
2) luggage storage while on the tour with you
3) transportation to Pan American Pier after tour is over
Thank you very much!
Javier R
San Juan, Puerto Rico17 contributions
Hi Laura,
Thank you very much for your message.
Am not available on April 30. I can refer you to some of my colleagues who might be able to show you around.
In terms of transportation you have 2 basic options:
1) Hire a guide with a van. He (or she) can pick you up and drop you off. You can leave your luggage on the van.
2) Take a taxi to Viejo San Juan (~$22) and then to Pan American Port (~$17). You can store your luggage in Barrachina Restaurant (free of charge) or 'Aloha' (~$3-$4/piece).
Have fun in Old San Juan,
Javier
yinyinw2014
Louisville, KY2 contributions
Hi, do you provide transportation for the tour? We have 5 adults and 2 small children (1 and 4). Thank you,
Javier R
San Juan, Puerto Rico17 contributions
Hola Yinyin,
Thanks for your note. I don't provide transportation for the walking tour of Viejo San Juan. Don't have a vehicle to transport tourists.
Javier