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Uncle J Walks Old San Juan 2 Castles: El Morro & San Cristobal

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Great choice
20+ bookings last month.
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· SOFIA_T ·
Jul 2026
Best walking tour! Uncle J was great, and this tour was the perfect mix of guided history and solo exploration. It was hot (we did the 2pm tour) but the crosswinds helped keep us cool and Uncle J made sure everyone was OK. We had a great time. Be prepared to walk (there are breaks for water and the bathroom) and bring water.
· Tiffany_R ·
Jul 2026
A lot of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. My Husband and I learned a lot about the castles and what the island have been through over the past years. Taking a tour with Uncle Jwalk worth it because he knows so much about the castles and history.

Overview

    What's Included

    • In-person Guide: English
    • Admission Fee - Entrance fee to Castillo San Cristobal and and El Morro Castle to be paid directly on site.
      $10.00 per person

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Plaza Colón
      FV8Q+C57, C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

      PLAZA COLON is located right in the entrance of Old San Juan. Look for CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS Statue. Multi level parking to the left. Guide will be dressed in white soldier attire with a black hat.

    End point

    • Castillo San Felipe del Morro
      501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

    Itinerary

    1

    Castillo De San Cristobal

    45 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

    2

    Castillo De San Cristobal

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

    3

    Castillo San Felipe del Morro

    1 hour Admission Ticket Not Included

    Calle San Sebastian (Pass By)

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    4.8
    based on 183 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most insightful

    A lot of walking so make...

    Tiffany_R, Jul 2026
    A lot of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. My Husband and I learned a lot about the castles and what the island have been through over the past years. Taking a tour with Uncle Jwalk worth it because he knows so much about the castles and history.

    We loved this tour!

    SOFIA_T, Jul 2026
    Best walking tour! Uncle J was great, and this tour was the perfect mix of guided history and solo exploration. It was hot (we did the 2pm tour) but the crosswinds helped keep us cool and Uncle J made sure everyone was OK. We had a great time. Be prepared to walk (there are breaks for water and the bathroom) and bring water.

    Response from Host, Aug 2026

    Hi Sofia, Thanks for coming on my tour. Yes, the Caribbean in July can get warm. Thankfully, we have the Trade Winds to keep our core comfortable. Hope to see you again Uncle j

    Uncle J Talked the Talk and Rocked the Walk!

    John_S, Jul 2026
    First and foremost- best tour I have ever taken, and here's why: Uncle J takes a different approach to most mundane tour guides in that he mixes his deep PR historical knowledge with a conversational style that brings history to life and makes it more comfortable to engage and ask questions. Also loved his Pirate/Soldier costume! As we toured San Juan, Uncle J was treated like a Rock Star by locals and tourists alike. He graciously posed for pictures with kids upon request and without disrupting the tour. 5 STARS and will recommend without hesitation!

    Enjoyed the tour

    Andre_B, Jul 2026
    Lots of good historical information . Our guide was engaging,, knowledgeable, and personable. However, once we saw one fort, we weren’t up to seeing the second. It sounded as though it was gonna be basically more of the same. We thanked our guide and left happy with our tour! Lots of walking Wear comfortable shoes Bring water and wear sunscreen

    Response from Host, Jul 2026

    Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m delighted you enjoyed the history and found the tour engaging, informative, and personable. It was a pleasure sharing Old San Juan’s incredible story with you. I completely understand that after exploring one massive fortress, some guests feel they’ve had a full experience. While El Morro and San Cristóbal are both Spanish fortifications, each tells a very different chapter of Puerto Rico’s history, with its own unique design, strategic purpose, and unforgettable views. Thank you again for joining Uncle J Walks. I truly appreciate your recommendation to wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen—it’s excellent advice for anyone visiting Old San Juan. I hope to welcome you back on a future visit!

    Uncle J was great. He...

    Joy_A, Jul 2026
    Uncle J was great. He was very informative and engaging. My boyfriend loved the experience wants to do it again.

    Response from Host, Jul 2026

    Hi Joy, Thanks for your kind review and engagement throughout the experience. Puerto Rico has a diverse and rich history. As a Puerto Rican, it gives me great joy to bring the castles to life. Helps when you have great folks, like my ‘big fella”. Until we meet again. Safe travels

    Fun and Informative Tour

    Simi_S, Jul 2026
    Uncle J was prompt, knowledgeable, and professional. Despite it just being the two of us, he didn’t cancel on us (which was much appreciated). Most tours will cancel if a minimum hasn’t been met. Grateful he honored our booking. Took lots of pictures for us and educated us on the history of both castles in a fun and memorable way. Though we’d imagine the pirate costume would be hot to be dressed up in, he not only manages but is very responsive to kids and adults alike that are thrilled to see him as a pirate. Definitely, recommend.

    Response from Host, Jul 2026

    hi Sandeep thanks for the kind review. i really enjoyed our time together and it was an honor. Bless you and safe travels

    Uncle j is amazing! such...

    Charles_C, Jul 2026
    Uncle J is AMAZING! Such a knowledgeable, kind, and funny guy! 10/10 experience, highly recommend!!! LOVE UNCLE J!!!

    Response from Host, Jul 2026

    my lil’ bro Charles, you made our journey thru the castles loads of fun. your infectious smile made my day. you have a friend in Puerto Rico be safe

    Best tour guide ever

    Nicole_M, May 2026
    Uncle J was AWESOME! When the tour started it was just my husband and I (the others were delayed) so we got to ask tons of questions and Uncle J had all the answers! I learned a ton of stuff that my husband evidently already knew. Being able to talk to Uncle J about all the 'unknown' facts made my husbands day. After the tour officially ended, Uncle J walked us back to our starting point and went over several more interesting sights in San Juan, even recommending a few restaurants for us to end our day. If you are looking for a great, fun and knowledgeable tour, this is it. We will take it again next time we are there. I gave 5 stars because 100 was not an option!

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Hi Nicole Gave me great pleasure showing you guys my little island with a big heart. I really appreciated the nice sentiments, but when you have “living castles” at your disposal, its an easy task. Until we meet again! uncle j

    Wonderful experience

    Abdi_C, May 2026
    Some choose to wander the castles , but a guided tour greatly outweighs wandering aimlessly, the historical facts that uncle jay provides while touring both castles takes you back to a time where pirates & life & sea were the norm.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Hi A’ im glad you enjoyed the expierence walking the historic castles of Old San Juan. your engagement was off the charts. best always uncle j

    Historical tour- Get your steps in here!

    Callie_G, May 2026
    Uncle Jay is very knowledgeable amd has a great sense of humor. There is a lot of walking out in the sun--wear hats and sunscreen.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Hey Callie glad you had fun!

    A must if visiting Puerto Rico.

    Alissa_S, May 2026
    Uncle was the absolute highlight of our tour—funny, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. He made the entire experience entertaining while sharing so much interesting history and local insight along the way. What really stood out was that he went above and beyond the tour itself, offering great recommendations for restaurants, parking, and local spots that made the rest of our visit even better. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable experience!

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Alissa thanks for the review! you have a wicked sense of humor!

    Great tour!

    Chelsi_K, May 2026
    Wear walkable shoes and bring plenty of water. Perfect for our family of 7 and we learned about the history of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Hi Chelsi, Thanks for the nice review. I enjoyed you and your family.

    Great Tour!

    Angela_A, Apr 2026
    My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Uncle J! He’s very knowledgeable and fun. He held our attention for the entire tour. If we make our way back to San Juan, we’ll definitely book with him again.

    Response from Host, Apr 2026

    Angela Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck always Uncle j

    Legendary Tour!

    Elias_M, Apr 2026
    Uncle J is a real character and has no shortage of stories. Highly recommend his walk as you get to see the best views at both castles and hear his take on the history going back to when it was first built as a Spanish fort up until its use during the Second World War. Highly authentic experience.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    legendary Tour? i like the sound of that! appreciate it

    Best Tour Guide Around!

    Toryn_P, Apr 2026
    This was my first stop for my Puerto Rico trip, and the tour was great!!!! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, VERY FUNNY, and keeps it real the whole time. You’re in for a treat! You get to see amazing castles, hear some history, and laugh at jokes the whole time. I’d highly recommend this tastefully handsome, charming soldier.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    Toryn im glad YOU liked the tour! God bless ya

    5 Stars for Uncle J

    Freddy_C, Apr 2026
    Uncle J gets 5 stars! We had the best time touring Old San Juan and learning the history of this beautiful island. He’s truly an encyclopedia of knowledge and made the experience unforgettable.

    Response from Host, May 2026

    thanks for the galaxy of stars

    Great Historical Tour

    Michelle_C, Apr 2026
    Uncle J is the perfect tour guide to tell you the history of Puerto Rico, and the two castles. The tour is a good length and you'll do some walking in between castles. The views from the top are amazing!

    Best fort tour in Old San Juan

    Ann_P, Apr 2026
    Uncle J does not disappoint! He shared so much interesting history of the island, fort construction and life in Puerto Rico. His colorful style added to the charm of the tour! Wear sneakers for sure!

    Excellent

    Tricia_O, Apr 2026
    Uncle J gave an excellent behind the scenes tour. His enthusiasm and expertise were evident as we explored both forts. I highly recommend this tour. He was patient with both adults and children. He shared his inside knowledge and understanding of the history of Puerto Rico. His costume was an added bonus. He was very gracious with people who stopped him on the street and at the forts.

    uncle j the best

    Alizaay_A, Mar 2026
    It was a great experience, uncle j is super nice and informative thank you so much for everything !!

    Wonderful Day with Uncle J!

    Brandon_B, Mar 2026
    Uncle J handled our group of 5 kids (4 to 8 y/o) and 9 adults with ease! He is exceptionally knowledgeable about the history of the island and the castillos, and he did a wonderful job keeping the kids engaged. I don't think there's a better/more efficient way to experience the history of the castillos than with a walk with Uncle J. I'm not sure if this is always the case, but the added benefit of skipping the lengthy admission lines at each site was a nice perk as well. Thanks Uncle J!

    Very fun tour. The guide...

    Charles_G, Mar 2026
    Very fun tour. The guide was great. Lots of knowledge, anecdotes, and nice guy. Also, his costume is awesome.

    The Highlight of Our Puerto Rico Trip!

    Kristin_G, Mar 2026
    We had the absolute BEST experience with Uncle J as our tour guide at Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal! From the moment we started, he brought the history to life in a way that was both incredibly informative and genuinely entertaining. Uncle J has a gift for storytelling—you can tell he truly knows his stuff, but what makes him stand out is how he delivers it. He mixed fascinating historical details with humor and real, down-to-earth energy that kept everyone engaged the entire time. It never felt like a lecture… more like exploring with a really knowledgeable friend who just happens to know all the best stories. He answered every question, made sure everyone felt included, and even added little personal touches that made the experience feel special and memorable. You walk away not only learning a ton, but actually remembering it—which says everything. If you’re visiting these forts, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Uncle J. It will 100% elevate your experience and be one of the highlights of your trip! Ps- Uncle J… I pray you make it to St Augustine one day!!

    Uncle J is Extraordinary

    Donald_B, Mar 2026
    There is a lot of walking, at times on steep inclines and stairs. The description states this and you have to be able to make tough climbs and long walks. Uncle J is a proud Puerto Rican who will share his heritage with you. He is knowledgeable of what happened on the grounds, but more importantly he knows the ‘why’. His understanding of the global political environment over many centuries is astonishing. You will learn a lot about the strategic importance of the castles and the port. Be ready to walk on steep inclines and learn why the Puerto Ricans are a proud people.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Donald, I especially enjoyed our time together. We bonded over castles and pizza. Lego’s pizza to be exact. The connection was immediate. Your my “tin man” little brother Safe journeys my friend Uncle j

    Awesome tour!

    Echo_J, Mar 2026
    Uncle J was an awesome guide! He def knows all the history in old san juan. We had a great time!!! Strongly recommend this tour if you want to learn more history and story!

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    ECHO ECHO ECHO By far, the goat of all names. Uncle j

    Uncle J = The Man (Don’t miss it!).

    James_H, Mar 2026
    Plainly put, Uncle J is the man! His experience is deeply rooted in history, extremely informative, and interactive. He doesn’t just talk at you, but rather brings you into the fold. He has an awesome comedic edge as well and had my wife and I in stitches at different points. Don’t miss this one. 6 stars.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    My bro James, Your kind words really touched me Que VIVA el Rey Uncle j

    Tour was wonderful but...

    ADAM_G, Mar 2026
    Tour was wonderful but the trek is not for the weak. Be somewhat in moderate physical condition. Very informative and worth the experience.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Hi Adam, Thanks for coming on my walk. Your engagement was delightful Uncle j

    Great historical...

    Robert_E, Mar 2026
    Great historical perspective, battle concepts and architecture understanding. High energy and good understanding of the individuals participating in the tour.

    Uncle J was very...

    Sadie_M, Mar 2026
    Uncle J was very knowledgeable! We had a great time learning about the history of the forts and walking around.

    An absolutely incredible,...

    GERALD_L, Mar 2026
    An absolutely incredible, picturesque tour, and our 11 experience with Viator. Our amazing tour leader Uncle J was a book of knowledge and a great storyteller! This tour is a MUST for outdoor lovers. Highly Recommend!

    From $55.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 24 days in advance.

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