Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours
FAQs


Frequently Asked Questions about the Flavors of San Juan Tour.

Can't find the answer to your question here? Give Zerve a call at (787) 964-2447.

TICKET:
Is advance ticket purchase required?
Yes, advance ticket purchase is required since most tours sell out in advance and space is limited. Tours can be booked online with a Visa, Mastercard or AMEX or by calling Zerve at 787-964-2447. For private tours, please contact us directly. Yes, advance ticket purchase is required since most tours sell out in advance and space is limited. For private tours call 787-964-2447. Cash is not accepted.
Are refunds and ticket reschedules available?
Once purchased, refunds and ticket reschedules are not allowed except in special cases such as a tropical storm or hurricane (but not simply because it is raining). Tours depart promptly and it is the guest's responsibility to show up at the right location on time. There will be no partial credit given for late comers, no shows or partial attendance. Flavors of San Juan reserves the right to cancel, change or substitute any service without prior notice.
Is there a waiting list if tour is sold out?
We do not provide a waiting list, but if a tour is sold out on a date you want please call or email us (info@flavorsofsanjuan.com) and let us know how many are in your party and which date you are interested in.
What is included in my ticket price?
All Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours provide guests with enough food and drink to be comfortably full at the end, along with historical and architectural information about the areas we visit in between tasting locations. Gratuity is not included in the ticket price (except in private tours), but is always greatly appreciated.
Do you operate tours in the rain?
The tours are held rain or shine. You should dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions and bring an umbrella if necessary. Luckily the showers in the Caribbean are usually brief and light. Plus, we will spend a large portion of our time inside the various stops. If it begins raining during the tour there are a number of shops we will pass by where you can purchase rain gear. In the extremely rare event that the tour has to be canceled (tropical storm, hurricane), you will be able to reschedule to another time, receive credit for a future event, or receive a refund.


CUISINE:
Do we just walk around and sample food?
Our food and culture tours are so much more than that. Our tours center around areas that have wonderful, rich history and architecture. Visitors learn the history of Puerto Rico and the many influences that shaped our culture, as well as artistic and architectural information unique about the area. The tour is fully narrated by your guide who will discuss history, culture, architecture, entertaining tidbits, and "off the beaten track" locations.
What type of cuisine can I expect on the tours?
You didn't come to Puerto Rico to try a cheeseburger! You will experience and learn about cuisine native to the island (Puerto Rican food and Spanish-influenced food) as well as the cuisine from restaurants unique to Old San Juan and other tasting areas we conduct tours.
How much food/drink is served on the tours?
Our lunch and dinner tours provide generous samples of food and drink along the way, enough for most people to be full afterwards. We sample rice and beans, mofongo, Puerto Rican coffee, local rum and much, much more! Participants must be 18 years or older to drink alcohol in Puerto Rico. Our Premium Rum Tasting and La Placita Market Tour features light appetizers and beverages.
Should I eat anything before the tour?
Didn't your mom warn you about spoiling your appetite? We don't recommend eating anything right before your tour, as food and drink on the tour is enough for most to feel full afterward.
What restaurants do we visit on the tour?
It's a surprise! We will visit a variety of excellent restaurants and tasting locations, but do keep in mind that the tour routes and thereby the exact restaurants we visit may vary from tour to tour. See our website's "about us" to learn about our many partners and visit our Pinterest page to check out extensive photos of each restaurant partner.
Vegetarians, Allergies and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Vegetarians, allergies and non-alcoholic drinkers are welcome on the tour! We actually are wonderful at accommodating dietary restrictions but must know IN ADVANCE so we can prepare adequately for those needs. In most cases guests will still experience LOCAL cuisine on the tour that fits in with their dietary needs. (NOTE: the tour price will remain the same, even if non-alcoholic versions are provided)


TOUR GUESTS:
Can my child come on the tour?
Children are most welcomed on the Foodie lunch tour (kids 5 and under are free, but food is not included) since it's the shorter of the tours and is conducted during the day. The dinner tour and cooking classes are better for kids at least 10 years of age or older (must be 18 years old or more to drink alcohol in PR). The rum cocktail making course will be reserved for adults 18 years or older with adequate and safe transportation back home/to a hotel.
Are pets permitted?
No pets (except guide animals) are allowed on the tour due to health department restrictions in the establishments we visit.
Are the tours accessible by wheelchair?
Our rum tasting, cooking classes, and tasting tours unfortunately do not allow easy access for wheelchairs due to the uneven, hilly sidewalks and streets throughout San Juan Puerto Rico. However, feel free to e-mail us (info@flavorsofsanjuan.com) and we can provide some ideas for an authentic Puerto Rican meal for lunch or dinner in various locations across San Juan.
How many people will be on the tour with me?
As an intimate, personalized boutique tour we have anywhere between 3 and 14 people (max 16 in special cases) on the lunch and dinner tours. If you prefer an intimate experience for your group or private party, please visit our "private/group tour" page or email info@flavorsofsanjuan.com and we'd be happy to serve you.
Would I see as much of Old San Juan if I go on my own?
The charm and beauty of this city is accessible to all, but only by traveling with an entertaining, knowledgeable tour guide will you thoroughly experience the culturally rich and historically-drenched area that is Old San Juan and Santurce. Plus, on top of learning the story behind the narrow, blue-stone cobbled streets and key monuments and their significance, you will savor a variety of interesting, taste-bud pleasing local beverage and cuisine.
How difficult is the walking?
There are many hilly parts in Old San Juan and some of the establishments will require you to be able to climb a flight of stairs, but on the whole it's an easy walk with rest stops at the restaurants in between. On average no more than a mile is covered per tour.
Guest Behavior
Guests are expected to be respectful of others on the tour and of the tour guide. Obnoxious inebriation and/or inappropriate conduct will NOT be tolerated and if a guest continues to act in a disorderly, offensive way they will be asked to leave the tour and will NOT receive a refund.


TOUR NUTS AND BOLTS:
In what language are the tours?
Our tours are primarily conducted in English but can be conducted in Spanish or French upon request.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes! Private tours are perfect for family trips, team building, ice breakers, honeymooners, corporate adventures and more! Private tours have a minimum of 6 people and a max of 70 people for tours to go out at the same time. Larger tours can be accommodated on a staggered plan. Contact us at info@flavorsofsanjuan.com and provide us what you had in mind and we can make it happen!
Where do the tours start/meet?
If you are unsure, you may always call "the number on your e-ticket" and we will help you locate your guide…
Do the tours start and end at the same place?
Depending upon which tour you are taking, ending points vary, but your guide will help you find your bearings and in many cases provide you with a map.
How to get to Old San Juan
Getting around is easy! There is an extensive bus service, supplied by the Metropolitan Bus Authority and the Metro bus system. If starting out in Condado or Ocean Park, take Metro bus C53 or B21 into Old San Juan. The central bus station is in the Covadonga Parking Lot in Old San Juan. Taxi cabs can be picked up at the airport, tourist areas such as Isla Verde, Condado and Old San Juan very easily. They charge between $10 and $15 depending on destination. Call the Puerto Rico Tourism Company at 1-800-866-7827. If you plan on exploring the Island, renting a car is probably your best option, as scheduled bus service between cities is unavailable. If you rent a car outside the airport you will avoid paying a 10% airport tax
Is there parking nearby the tour meeting point?
Yes! If you are coming to Old San Juan here are parking locations: Street parking throughout all of Old San Juan is free and unmetered. If you come directly into Old San Juan from the northern section (with the ocean on your right) go straight into the city on San Francisco street and up a few blocks is a blue building that says "parking" and you can valet your car there and the Plaza de Armas meeting location is just a few blocks up. Southern section: 1) "La Puntilla" parking by Paseo de la Princesa and Tourism Company 2) "Dona Fela" parking on Recinto Sur street 3) "Covadonga" parking by the bus station in the southeast NORTH in Old San Juan Once you go up Norzagary Street with San Cristobol fort on your right and the ocean on the right, continue until you see to your left a large open plaza with water fountains and in the distance at your right Fort El Morro. Take a left at the end of the plaza and you will see the entrance to your left for underground parking.
Are bathrooms available during the tours?
Yes, bathrooms are available throughout the tours.


OTHER:
Does the tour include visiting a fort?
No, we do not enter the castles but should you choose to visit the forts, El Morro and San Cristóbal have their own tours and guides. Check out this website for details: http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm
Tips to make your cultural food tour more pleasant:
Wear proper shoes for walking on uneven streets/sidewalks, steep grades and pavement. Protect your skin from the strong Caribbean sun by wearing sun block and/or a hat. Wear lightweight, light-colored cotton clothes to avoid overheating. Please give advance notice of diet restrictions (allergies, vegetarians, etc.)
Does the tour guide accept gratuities?
Yes! Gratuities for good service are always welcomed and appreciated. Industry standard is between 15% and 18% of your ticket price.
Are cameras allowed on the tours?
Yes, and we encourage photos on this fun, picturesque tour. However, video cameras or tape recorders are not permitted.


 


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