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Explore Old San Juan and Ron Del Barrilito Rum Tour: A Historic Puerto Rico Adventure - San Juan

Explore Old San Juan and Ron Del Barrilito Rum Tour: A Historic Puerto Rico Adventure

San Juanmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

6 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most people with average fitness; involves walking over uneven cobblestones and some stairs at historic sites.

Overview

Experience the vibrant heritage of Old San Juan on a unique six-hour tour that combines walking through historic forts and streets with an exclusive visit to Ron Del Barrilito, Puerto Rico’s oldest rum distillery. Discover how tradition shapes flavor and history around every corner.

San Juan, San Juan

Old San Juan & Ron Del Barrilito Rum Tour

Price $125 | 6 Hours | Ages 18+ | Physicality: 4/10

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Adventure Photos

Old San Juan & Ron Del Barrilito Rum Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Learn about the history and unique craftsmanship of Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum and the island’s premier distillery!


Rates

Adult (Ages 18+): $125

Duration

6 Hours

About

After this experience you will understand why Old San Juan and rum making have been an essential part of Puerto Rico’s history through centuries.
Considered one of the oldest towns in America and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the quintessential Old San Juan and its rich history, will impress the most cultural buffs and history savvy. In this sightseeing and walking tour you will explore one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic touristic destinations, learn about its fascinating history, unique forts, impressive architecture and admire the blue cobblestones streets and charming colorful houses. Then enjoy a more intimate and engaging experience at the island’s premier rum distillery. Learn about the history and unique craftsmanship of Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum, still made in the same place and in the same way since 1880. You’ll see the Hacienda’s several historical landmarks, learn about the Fernández family who created Ron del Barrilito and get an in-depth walkthrough along the age-old process that makes Ron del Barrilito one of a kind. It’s always been made in very small batches, no artificial ingredients or colorings are used and it’s aged to perfection in vintage american white oak sherry barrels. This should be a bucket list activity for any rum or spirits enthusiast. Tour includes one complimentary Ron del Barrilito rum cocktail.

Additional Options

  • Rum Tasting Tour – $60 additional cost per person A unique opportunity to sip and enjoy all of our world-class rums in a single tasting. From the fruit notes of Dos Estrellas to our cult-classic Tres Estrellas. You’ll also sip Ron del Barrilito Cuatro Estrellas, a new blend available exclusively at Hacienda Santa Ana, and of course, the crown jewel: Cinco Estrellas. This is the best and most exclusive rum tasting experience in the Caribbean.

  • Mixology Tour – $60 additional cost per person Become the Star of the Bar. If you plan on grabbing a couple of bottles for your home bar, the mixology experience is a must. Some of the island’s best bartenders will show you the basics of making bar-quality cocktails in your own home. This is not Mojitos 101. You will use Ron del Barrilito to craft some of today’s most elegant drinks, such as Old Fashioned, Presidente, and Hemingway Daiquiri. By the end of the class, you will be able to easily impress your guests with your bartending moves at your next party.

What to Expect/Itinerary

  • Bright and early, will head to the colonial town of Old San Juan, considered one of the oldest in America and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Beginning with a sightseeing drive, including picture stops, will give you the chance to appreciate the landmarks of the Capitol Building, San Cristobal Fort and El Morro Fort. Then at the walking tour, learn about the fascinating history, unique forts, the City Walls, the impressive architecture and admire its cobblestones streets and charming colorful houses, surrounded by amazing views to the San Juan Bay.
  • After the walking tour, our lunch break will be in one of the many restaurants around the Historical District, before departing to the rum distillery location.
  • Upon arrival, enjoy one complimentary Ron del Barrilito rum cocktail at the Visitor’s Center before beginning the Heritage (Historical) Tour. This will be a more intimate and engaging experience with small groups. This tour will take you back in time to show you how the world’s finest sipping rum has been made through the years. Since 1880, Ron del Barrilito has been made in the same way at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón. You’ll see the Hacienda’s several historical landmarks, including a beautifully preserved mansion and windmill dating all the way back to the early nineteenth century. You’ll learn about the Fernández family who created Ron del Barrilito. And, last but not least, you’ll get an in-depth walkthrough along the age-old process that makes Ron del Barrilito one of a kind. After the tour ends, you will have some time to relax for a while at Hacienda Santa Ana’s grounds, enjoy more cocktails at the bar or explore the gift shop.

Departure/Pick-Up

  • Departure/Return Location – at lodging or hotel in Metro Area; Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde. (additional transfer fees might apply if pick-up place is outside these areas)
  • Departure Time – 8:30am

What’s Included

  • Ron del Barrilito Heritage Tour Fee
  • Certified and knowledgeable driver/guide
  • Water and Light Snacks
  • Pick-up and Drop-off at hotels in the main touristic metro areas (outside metropolitan areas could be arranged for private groups at an additional cost)

Not Included

  • Cost of lunch
  • Gratuity

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes to walk under the sun.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses.
  • Cash or credit card to buy food or if you wish to offer a gratuity.

Additional Information

  • Minimum age to participate in any of the rum tours is 18 years and a valid ID is required.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
  • Will be operated by a multi-lingual guide (Spanish and English). Tour might be offered bilingual in case needed.
  • Not wheelchair accessible. Participants should be able to walk uphill and downhill Old San Juan Streets.
  • We recommend having a light breakfast before pick-up at hotel. We will have lunch around three hours after pick-up. If you have any special dietary restriction, please notify at time of booking and bring your snacks.
  • Please keep in mind that we will be walking under the sun at some point. Please bring anything you need to keep you protected against the sun.
  • If you have a service animal you have to notify it prior to booking the experience, since other participants in the tour might have asthma or allergies to pets danders.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets require sturdy, comfortable shoes for smooth exploration.

Bring a refillable water bottle

Stay hydrated during your walking tour under the Caribbean sun.

Carry sunscreen and a hat

Protect yourself from strong tropical sun exposure while you explore outdoors.

Plan for moderate physical activity

The tour involves around 6 hours with walking paced for most fitness levels.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Caribbean brown anole lizards often sunning on walls
  • Audubon’s shearwater seabirds visible offshore

History

Old San Juan is one of the oldest settlements in the Americas, founded in 1521 and a key Spanish colonial military hub.

Conservation

Tours emphasize responsible tourism by supporting local businesses and maintaining respect for protected historic sites.

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Adventure Hotspots in San Juan

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Essential for walking on uneven cobblestone and paved streets safely.

Sunglasses

Essential

Protects eyes from bright Caribbean sunlight during outdoor portions.

summer specific

Lightweight breathable clothing

Essential

Keeps you cool and comfortable in the tropical climate.

summer specific

Small backpack or daypack

Useful to carry water, sunscreen, and small personal items throughout the tour.