The city’s rich history is on display as you walk up and down its historical streets. San Juan is also the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas, founded by Spanish colonists in 1521. It’s a full blown city that’s more comparable to Miami or Panama City.

It’s huge!ĭon’t make the mistake of assuming that San Juan is a quaint Caribbean town sheltered by palm trees. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we looked out the airplane window as we approached the city. Many people are surprised to learn that San Juan is the second most populous metropolitan area in the Caribbean (following Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic). Related – Should you add San Juan to your travel wish list? While these historical forts are definitely worth a visit, the clear highlight from our time in Puerto Rico was wandering its cobblestone streets and admiring the colourful buildings and European-influenced architecture. Most of our research highlighted San Juan’s former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobal, as the prime tourist attractions in San Juan. Our research on Puerto Rico did nothing to prepare us for how much we would fall for Old San Juan. This historical colonial section of San Juan, it’s capital city, is a must visit for all first time visitors to Puerto Rico. In the town of Utuado, there are some tour companies that will take you to the Tanama River, where you can go rappelling, caving, and tubbing on the underground river.One of the best surprises from our trip to the Caribbean was discovering Old San Juan, the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico. The river is underground and not accessible to the public. Please Note: There are some travel guides published that state you’ll visit the underground river, this is not accurate information.Although you’ll be walking on a concrete walkway through the cavern, it is uneven and wet. If you have a physical challenge that requires you to hold the handrails at all times, we advise bringing disposable gloves, you can easily find these at a pharmacy. If you have children please hold their hands to keep them from touching the rails. Although the handrails get cleaned, there may be bat soil on the rails.No food may be consumed inside the cavern. Level of difficulty of the walking tour: We feel is moderate but the park rates it difficult.The cavern is wheelchair and stroller accessible.An ATV park vehicle offers a free ride from the welcome center to the entrance of the cavern to the elderly, parents with a child, and individuals with a disability.93 miles from the welcome center to the cave.

The tour is only affected by a hurricane warning.

The tour is not affected by rainy weather.

It is a walking tour, it takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Walking map of old san juan