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.
Embark on an enthralling self-guided audio tour of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a city brimming with history, culture, and vibrant colours. Your journey begins at the iconic La Corazon Steps, adorned with a vividly painted heart, symbolising 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 theatres, rumoured 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 area, nestled by the sea and famous for its appearance in the āDespacitoā 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. This audio tour is not just a walk but a journey through time, unveiling the rich tapestry of San Juan's history and culture.
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