Did a little shopping and then made our way back to the ship before noon.1We will start with an early pick-up at your lodging to head to the quintessential town of Old San Juan, considered one of the oldest in America, and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was a fairly easy and pleasant walk, we tried to stay on the shaded sides of the streets. After waiting 20 minutes in the full sun and no trolley ever arrived, we decided to start walking. After the fort opened and we toured for about 30 minutes, we walked back to the trolley stop. No problem, the kids ran around the outside, we looked around, took pictures.

Which we then found out didn't open until 9:00.

The signs were still missing, so there was a green metal sign post with no actual signage in it. The trolley is supposed to start at 7:30 and it was running when we arrived at the first stop a little before 8:00. We were planning to use the trolley for our touring. When we exited the pier, there were several tour guys looking for customers, we weren't interested but the map that he gave one of the kids was the map that we ended up using. But being the Type A person that I am, I feel better if I have map in hand. I've read over your blog from San Juan and they were a good refresher. That was the plan before but since it's July and we know it will be really hot, we decided to let it be a 'game time' decision. Thanks Twangster! We are not 100% set on El Morro. Between the fountain and El Morro along the shore there aren't any bars or places to stop and cool down so plan that portion accordingly. Or head up hill through the city and find El Morro then reverse what I said above and return to the ship walking along the shore. From there you can follow the shore and walk outside the old city walls. Nice fountain at the end, couple of bars you can stop at. The walk down Passeo de la Princesa is a simple left turn at the end of the pier and just walk in that direction. I tend to research on my own ahead and time and have a plan, even for self exploring.Įnd of July - plan for hot and it's the Caribbean so a pop rain shower is always possible. I don't recall seeing a tourist booth but I may have walked right past it.

Old san juan walking tour map