Exploring Old San Juan is one of the "must do" things for any visitor to Puerto Rico. There are many ways to tour Old San Juan, but walking around on foot gives you the most flexibility. And all this exploring works up a real hunger and thirst.

So, when we heard about the OLD SAN JUAN FOOD TOUR (from the GlobalFlavors, Flavors of San Juan people), which is a walking and food-tasting tour of Old San Juan, we knew that we would have to check it out.

Ray and I have been to Old San Juan many times, and we have walked around and explored much of this town and its restaurants. We know we don’t know everything about the old city, but we have a pretty good knowledge of the area. We knew that a guided tour would be a good way to increase our knowledge. Besides, finding new places to eat and drink is always fun.

Our Tour

We met our tour guide Leslie and we knew right away she was very friendly and down to earth. The other couple on our tour (Dave and Cindy) who were in Puerto Rico for their first time. This tour would be their first taste of Old San Juan and seeing it all through (their) new eyes gave us another way to experience this trip.

Our tour started off in the heart of Old San Juan, we walked down toward the bay and then back up into the city again. Leslie told us about a bunch of stuff — describing the history of Puerto Rico and Old San Juan, the architecture, cobblestones, buildings, monuments, historical figures and other sights along the way.

In addition to the historical information, we stopped in local stores to see & learn about antique, wooden carved Santos and other typical Puerto Rican crafts, like vejigante masks and various musical instruments.

She touched on a little bit of everything, from the thinnest apartment to the last remaining city gate in Old San Juan, old history and new stuff in the making. We stopped along the way a lot, so no one was tired from the walk.

The Food & Drinks

Note- The tour has been changed a bit from when we went, the exact stops and food tastings vary.

Along our tour, we also stopped into places to at and drink! Each place we went to had tables & chairs waiting for us, and the food and drinks appeared right away. Each stop was different, some of the food is served family style, where everyone gets to try some off a larger plate.

We tried all types of things- From Piña Coladas to really good rice and beans (arroz con habichuelas) and mofongo. Local fruits and vegetables and local spices/seasonings, which are used to make these local dishes, so we could all see them.

Upscale tapas and yummy local desserts and local coffee.

Of course, the restaurants and food offerings may vary from tour to tour. We all felt satisfied with the quantity of food, though you are always welcome to purchase additional drinks and/or food choices during the tour if you wanted.

Some Final Thoughts

I thought it was a really nice tour. Leslie said she is constantly doing more research and meeting with more people "in the know" to get more information about Old San Juan. Even with our knowledge of the place, Leslie was able to show us and tell us a thing or two we didn’t know.

The food was very good, and we were able to try a few restaurants that we had yet to try on our own. So, we thought it was a very worth the time and money. I think this tour is a good primer for continued exploration of Old San Juan on your own at a later time.

Details

Check their webpage for current prices. The price includes all food & drink tastings combined with an historical tour.

If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.

Daily. Exact times vary by season, but tours are offered a couple times a day, in the morning (10am) and in the afternoon (3pm ), sometimes in the evening (starting at 5pm) local time. Rain or shine. When you reserve, you will know the exact tour time. Private and/or custom tours can be arranged.

Tours are bilingual -given in English and Spanish.

This is a walking tour. Wear clothing and practical shoes that are comfortable for walking the cobblestone streets in Old San Juan. No high heels!

Allow 3 hours for this tour.

You can call them at 787-964-2447 for more information.

You can visit their web site for more information or to make a reservation.

Tour size is up to 18 people maximum.

Tours starts in Old San Juan.

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