Tapia Theater, San Juan

On this Walking tour of San Juan, discover the mystery disappearance of Jose Maldonado Torres who was lost in the infamous Bermuda Triangle, which stretches from Miami to the island of Bermuda in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, to San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan has much more than UFOs! From pirate ghosts to the spirits of broken-hearted Spanish soldiers to the tales of the Chupacabra and the Vampire of Moca, the Isle of Enchantment is full of amazing ghost stories and supernatural tales. Discover the unique haunted heritage of beautiful old San Juan, Puerto Rico with real ghost stories, local folklore, and recent reports of paranormal activity. As the third oldest European established city in the New World, San Juan’s deep and rich history awaits. This history, however, is not for the faint of heart! Deep in old San Juan, lay stories of greed, murder, and star-crossed lovers. Was Ponce de Leon really searching for the fountain of youth? Did he really haunt the island after his death, or was it a Taino chief wearing his armor? Does the Catedral de San Juan Bautista really have bone fragments of John the Baptist? These questions and more will be explored on this ghost tour of old San Juan! Places you will see on our walk: El Convento Hotel Castillo San Cristobal Cathedral of San Juan Bautista Colombus Plaza Teatro Tapia Puerto Rico Tourism Company Raices Fountain Capilla del Danto Cristo de la Salud La Fortaleza Casa Blanca Museo de Las Americas Castillo San Felipe del Marro Cemetario Santo Maria Magdalena de Pazzi

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. This 1.8-mile-long tour covers the essentials of San Juan in 1-1.5 hours. Embark on an enthralling tour of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a city brimming with history, culture, and vibrant colors. Your journey begins at the iconic La Corazon Steps, adorned with a vividly painted heart, symbolizing the city's pulsating energy. As you meander through the streets, you'll reach the Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, a historical gem and one of America's oldest theaters, rumored to be haunted by spirits of the past. Your path leads to the Plaza Colon, where a statue of Columbus stands tall, narrating tales of discovery and the origins of San Juan's name. The scenic walk takes a majestic turn at Castillo San Cristobal, where you'll learn about its strategic construction and the lure of untold riches that drew explorers to this island. A highlight is the vibrant La Perla neighborhood, nestled by the sea and famous for its appearance in the “Despacito” music video, a testament to the area's cultural significance. The tour delves into the historical confrontations that shaped San Juan, recounting Sir Francis Drake's failed attempt to conquer the island and the remarkable Spanish victory under General Sancho's leadership. You'll explore the brief triumph of the English in the Second Battle of San Juan and the fiery Dutch siege that nearly razed the city. As you stroll, the tour unveils stories of ancient walls, gunpowder magazines, and the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fortress that has withstood numerous attacks, including those in Puerto Rico's quest for independence. Your walk brings you to the Cuartel de Ballaja, now the Museum of the Americas, and the Casa Blanca, originally intended for Ponce De Leon. Discover the intriguing history of his grandson and the tragic fate that befell Ponce De Leon himself. The journey takes a spiritual turn at the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Batista, where Ponce De Leon rests, a church that has miraculously survived centuries of turmoil. Your tour concludes with a serene walk along cobblestone streets to the Puerta San Juan, a relic of the old city, leading to the grand finale at La Fortaleza, a fortress that has stood guard since the 1530s.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. See the best of what San Juan has to offer with this app-based audio guide. Visit popular spots like the Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Stroll around the city and immerse yourself in its history as you listen to interesting stories via the app. Next, head to the colorful La Corazon Steps, and admire the painted red heart. Stop by the Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, one of the oldest drama theaters in the US. Listen to your audio guide tell tale about the theater's haunted past. Stroll to the Plaza Colon, with its towering statue of Columbus. Hear how Columbus claimed the island and how San Juan got its name. Take in the majestic Castillo San Cristobal. Unearth the story behind its construction and hear about the vast riches that brought so many colonizers to the island. Next, pay the colorful and historic La Perla seaside neighborhood a visit. You might recognize it as the music video filming location for the hit song 'Despacito'. Get to know Sir Francis Drake and revisit his fight to seize the island from Spain. Hear about the Second Battle of San Juan and find out why it was such a short-lived win for the English. Uncover subsequent Dutch efforts to take power. Learn how they torched the city and how the Spanish fought to prevent this defeat from repeating. Continue walking, and behold ancient walls and gunpowder magazines, then finally the awe-inspiring Castillo San Felipe del Morro itself. Hear about Puerto Rico’s struggles for independence and why the US got involved. 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. Learn the story of the grandson who wrote one of Puerto Rico’s most critical historical texts. Find out how Ponce De Leon himself met a poisonous end. Walk to Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Batista, the final resting place of Ponce De Leon. Discover the resilient history of the oldest church in the Americas, enduring countless challenges throughout the centuries, including invasions by the Dutch and the devastating impact of 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. Finish your walk just past the famous La Fortaleza, a towering fortress dating back to the 1530s.