San Juan City & Art Museum Shore Excursion in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Your excursion begins at San Juan Art Museum—a non-profit featuring spectacular paintings, sculptures, graphics, ceramics, folk art, photography and other contemporary media produced by Puerto Rico's world-class artists over the past 500 years.
A docent guides you through the memorable collection of Puerto Rican art from colonial to modern times. Once you’ve taken in the beauty inside, you’ll stroll along the winding path of the picturesque 5-acre garden outside where you’ll discover 100,000 plants, 16 tree species and 14 locally-designed sculptures.
Your tour continues while traveling through portions of New San Juan in route to Old San Juan, an island connected by bridges to mainland Puerto Rico. Upon arrival, you’ll drive past Fort San Geronimo to charming Old San Juan, and then on to Fort San Cristobal to explore this centuries-old fort. You’ll tour the dungeon and Plaza Mayor with your guide before having time to explore on your own.
After 40 minutes, you’re off to view San Juan’s historic sites, including El Morro Fort, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, San Jose Church and Capilla de Cristo. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful 17th-century Spanish ironwork on restored homes and the blue-black glazed cobblestones lining the narrow streets.
The excursion continues at Plaza de Armas, the colorful central plaza of the Old City, where you’ll have free time to shop and visit historical spots inaccessible by vehicle such La Fortaleza, San Juan Cathedral, the door of San Juan or La Rogativa.
Following your visit to Old San Juan, you may re-board the coach and return to the ship or stay a little longer and return to the ship at your own expense.
Please note: The museum is constantly changing its exhibits, which may make some sections inaccessible. The walking portion of the tour in Old San Juan involves travel over some uneven pavement and steep inclines, especially within the fortress. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or who utilize a wheelchair.