Puerto Rican’s heritage from the Taínos indigenous people, Spanish people and Africans results in an interesting mix of cultures. Consequently, Puerto Rico’s culture and history have attracted both travelers and local tourists throughout the years. For instance, historic structures and landmark spots as well as museums are among this island’s touristic attractions.

Even though some places in this Caribbean island are under rehabilitation due to Hurricane María, some historic and culture-oriented places are open to the public. You might be interested to visit the places mentioned below and participate in guided tours, as applicable.

Some History and Culture-Oriented Attractions in Puerto Rico:

1) San Felipe del Morro Fort

You may explore the San Felipe del Morro Fort in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, on your own or during a guided tour. The U.S. National Park Service’s tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. As of the date of publication of this article, tours for English-speaking people are held at 10:30 a.m., and those for Spanish-speaking people are held at 3:30 p.m.

San Felipe del Morro Fort is part of the San Juan National Historic Site.

Site’s Location: Municipality of San Juan

Administrator: U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior

Website: nps.gov/saju

T.: 787-729-6777

2) San Cristobal Fort

You may explore the San Cristobal Fort in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, on your own or during a guided tour. The U.S. National Park Service’s tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. As of the date of publication of this article, tours for English-speaking people are held at 10:30 a.m., and those for Spanish-speaking people are held at 3:30 p.m. Also, you may watch a short film about the fortifications in Old San Juan (film is played every 20 minutes during opening hours).

San Cristobal Fort is part of the San Juan National Historic Site.

Site’s Location: Municipality of San Juan

Administrator: U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior

Website: nps.gov/saju

T.: 787-729-6777

3) Museum of the Americas

You may learn about Puerto Rico’s history and culture during a visit to the following permanent exhibition rooms:

(a) “Conquista y Colonización” (Conquest and Colonization)
(b) “Herencia Africana” (African Heritage), and
(c) “Artes Populares” (Popular Arts).

Museum’s Location: Municipality of San Juan

Website: museolasamericas.org

T: 787-724-5052, 787-722-6057

4) Guided Tours at Hacienda La Esperanza

A former sugarcane plantation awaits you in Hacienda La Esperanza. As of the date of publication of this article and subject to prior reservation, you may schedule any of the following tours:

(a) The Conquest of Sugar Tour, and

(b) Discover the History and Nature of Hacienda La Esperanza Tour.

For a detailed description of these tours and available dates, you may see Para La Naturaleza’s website.

Tour’s Location: Municipality of Manatí

Administrator: Para La Naturaleza, a nonpofit organization

Website: paralanaturaleza.org

T.: 787-722-5882

E: reservaciones@paralanaturaleza.org

5) Museo Castillo Serrallés (Museum of Serrallés Castle)

You may explore the Museo Castillo Serrallés on your own or during a guided group tour. Castillo Serrallés, a historic mansion built in the 1930s, was the residence of Juan Eugenio Serrallés. The Serrallés Family is known for its contributions to the sugar and rum manufacture industries in Puerto Rico.

Tours are available from Friday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Tours are held on a first come-first serve basis. You may contact the museum for information about the minimum of persons required for a group tour.

Museum’s Location: Municipality of Ponce

Administrator: Patronato del Castillo Serrallés, Inc., a nonprofit organization

Website: museocastilloserralles.com

T.: 787-259-1775

E: info@museocastilloserralles.com

The previous list includes some of the history and culture-oriented recreations you may do in Puerto Rico. Be an adventurer and explore Puerto Rico’s touristic offer.