del Morrow or San Cristobal...which Fort to tour in Old San Juan

[Bluewake]

I've been to San Juan several times but have never really taken the time to explore either del Morro or San Cristobal. I've walked by both but haven't taken a tour of either. I will be there again in a few weeks and have decided to spend some "quality time" at one of the forts. It seems that del Morro is a bit more massive but I've heard that San Cristobal is better preserved and has more details of what life would have been like as a soldier at the fort. I am not sure if that is true, just what I've been told. For those who have toured the forts, which one would you recommend to get the most informative tour? Thanks for suggestions.

[seashinesunshine]

I think you will enjoy both. San Cristobel has more of the headquarters for the park, so yes that may have more information etc. El Morrow, in my opinion has more views and is prettier, but I love them both.

[AmberCascades]

We really enjoyed San Cristobal and spent quite a bit of time there (and we aren't fort history kind of people :)). It's not far to walk over to El Morro afterwards. We got a discount for buying tix for both.

[Lard Greystoke]

Since the forts are maybe a twenty minute walk apart, it isn't that hard to spend quality time at both. It's a pleasant walk looking over the Atlantic. Actually I think San Cristobal is more massive in terms of area, but el Morro has several layers stacked up a hundred feet or so. Cristobal probably has more informative exhibits, Morro better views over the harbor entrance.

[monicajay]

Not a huge history buff but we found time to do a bit of both. Enjoyed the walk between the two.

[davy jones]

As others have said, you can easily do both. You can get ticket that is good for both.

[Dirkgun]

As others have said, you can easily do both. You can get ticket that is good for both.

 

 

If I am not mistaken.... $3 for one fort or $5 for both. If you happen to have a Yearly National Parks pass, bring it as they are part of the US National Parks system.

[kittyluvrnurse]

I have been to PR twice in port and haven't been to San Cristobal at all! Maybe this time we will! :) Feel free to post a picturesque picture of it!!

[Dirkgun]

I have been to PR twice in port and haven't been to San Cristobal at all! Maybe this time we will! :) Feel free to post a picturesque picture of it!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[2PinaColadas]

How far are the forts from where Royal Caribbean docks?

[davy jones]

El Morro about a mile from the ship. It is walkable, but quite hilly. San Cristobal is less than a half mile.

[Daisyloo]

We have done both and they are both good. If I had to pick one, I might give a slight edge to El Morro, but that might be because we did that with a tourguide who was a retired history professor who was full of great info.

Edited September 1, 2014 by Daisyloo

[2PinaColadas]

El Morro about a mile from the ship. It is walkable, but quite hilly. San Cristobal is less than a half mile.

 

So, I think will will walk to San Cristobal, then to El Morro. Cab it back from El Morro. What do you think? (Like your CC username)

[davy jones]

So, I think will will walk to San Cristobal, then to El Morro. Cab it back from El Morro. What do you think? (Like your CC username)

 

The walk to the fort is uphill. The walk back is downhill.

 

There are free tourist trollies that go through Old San Juan and can drop you off at the fort. Also, there are taxis outside the pier that will give you a tour of OSJ that lasts around an hour. We did one our first time there. It was worth it. It also dropped us off at the fort. My last time there, they charged $10 per person.

[Mikesa1721]

We were in San Juan last Wednesday. It was excruciatingly hot there that day and we live in South Florida so you would think we'd be used to it by now. You can see San Cristobal from the cruise terminal and it's a fairly short walk,,uphill, to get to San Cristobal. We unfortunately didn't go inside, we had walked to Barrachina's for Pina Colada's first,,,,we do have our priorities,,and then stopped by the fort on our way back. Here's a few pics though:

 

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Picture of the fountain near the square

 

Edited September 3, 2014 by Mikesa1721