San Cristobal

About San Cristobal

San Cristobal is one of the two famous forts in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Built by the Spanish in 1873, its purpose was to protect the area of San Juan, which is now known as Old San Juan. The fort was built on a hill that provides great views of Old San Juan and the coast.

For visitors interested in the unexplained, I recommend learning about the mystery of the “Devil’s Guerite.” Guerites are lookout boxes that are typically found in the corner of forts. Legend has it that soldiers have disappeared from one particular guerite while on watch. This guerite is located in one of the oldest parts of the fort, and although it is not accessible to the public can be seen from a distance.

Access to San Cristobal costs $5, and the ticket can also be used for entry to El Morro. I recommend visiting both forts on the same day and walking through Old San Juan to get from fort to fort.

Walking Up the Ramp to Enter San Cristobal - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Walking Up the Ramp to Enter San Cristobal
The Top Level of the San Cristobal Fort - San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Top Level of San Cristobal

San Cristobal - Table of Contents

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My Visit to San Cristobal

I chose to visit El Morro first and then walk through Old San Juan to get to San Cristobal. When I arrived, I was pleased to learn that my admission ticket from El Morro also gained entry to San Cristobal. I didn’t feel like there was as much to see at San Cristobal. Other than some great views of downtown San Juan (New San Juan) and Old San Juan, there was little to look at.

San Cristobal didn’t have rooms as El Morro did, and I did not feel the historical significance that I did in El Morro. My disappointment might have been because much of the fort was closed to tourists. Still, it is definitely worth checking out if you have time for both forts. You will not be disappointed by the views from San Cristobal.

Looking Down From the Top Level of the San Cristobal Fort
Looking Down From the Top Level of San Cristobal
The Entrance to the San Cristobal Fort
The Entrance to San Cristobal
Looking Towards El Morro from San Cristobal - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Looking Towards El Morro
Looking Towards New San Juan from the San Cristobal Fort
Looking Towards San Juan
Looking Towards the Puerto Rico Capitol Building from the San Cristobal Fort
Looking Towards the Capitol Building

San Cristobal Tours and Packages

If you are interested in a tour of the fort, I found one package that included San Cristobal.  The tour package to the right also includes El Morro and the Ruin of Caparra.  I did not take this tour but wanted to link it for visitors that prefer to be guided by an expert.  Please note, that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase using one of my links.  This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Prices are accurate as of May 2023.

San Cristobal Fort Tour
Old San Juan 5-Hours Walking Tour (with Fort) in Puerto Rico - $85.00

Unlike other short walking tours, this experience also includes a guided tour inside the San Cristobal Fort (entrance fee included, transportation from your hotel, lunch break and shopping time).

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 walking tour you will explore in-depth 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.

At the San Cristobal Fort learn about the importance of its defense system against military attacks throughout the centuries with a certified tour guide accompanying you for a more in-depth experience.

Minimum age is 2 years old. Minimum tour group size is 4 people.

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