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? E-mail us at info@flavorsofsanjuan.com or call us 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. For private tours call 787-964-2447. Cash is not accepted. More detailed information on ticketing can be found HERE.
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 EMAIL US 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 food and drink tastings (dinner tour provides enough for a meal) and an historical tour of interesting OSJ sites. 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. Old San Juan has a wonderful, rich history. Visitors learn the history of Puerto Rico and the many influences that shaped our culture. 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.
How much food/drink is served on the tours?
Our 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.
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, but do keep in mind that the tour routes and thereby the exact restaurants we visit may vary from tour to tour. See our Partnership page to learn more information about our signature restaurants.
Vegetarians, Allergies and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Please give advanced notice if any guests in your party are strict vegetarians, experience allergies or prefer non-alcoholic drinks on the tour (NOTE: the tour price will remain the same).


TOUR GUESTS:
Can my child come on the tour?
Children are welcomed on the Foodie lunch tour (kids 5 and under are free, but food is not included). Unfortunately, the signature dinner tour route and cuisines/alcoholic beverages sampled are not appropriate for anyone under the age of 18.
Are pets permitted?
No pets of any kind are allowed on the tour due to health department restrictions in the establishments we visit.
Are the tours accessible by wheelchair?
The tours unfortunately do not allow easy access for wheelchairs due to the uneven, hilly cobblestoned streets in Old San Juan. However, feel free to e-mail us and we can provide some ideas for an authentic Puerto Rican dinner in Old San Juan.
How many people will be on the tour with me?
As an intimate, personalized boutique tour we have anywhere between 3 and 12 people (max 14 in special cases) on the dinner tour and up to 16 on the lunch tour. If you'd like a larger tour or private group feel free to CLICK HERE for more info.
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 this culturally rich and historically-drenched area that is Old San Juan. 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 beverages and foods.
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.
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 in English only at this time, but if you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour please call 787-964-2447 or email info@flavorsofsanjuan.com.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes! Private tours are perfect for bachelorette/bachelor outings, corporate adventures, school field trips, and more! We can accommodate small and large groups on a private tour. Please E-mail info@flavorsofsanjuan.com to inquire further.
Where do we start/meet?
All tours start at the water fountain in Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan, on the corner of Calle San Jose and Calle San Francisco (there is a Marshall's in this square). Your guide will have a lime green umbrella open at the water fountain.
Do the tours start and end at the same place?
No, the tours do not end at the start in Plaza de Armas. Your tour guide will be happy to assist with easy directions at the end of the tour.
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 Metrobus system. If starting out in Condado or Ocean Park, take Metrobus 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 1-866-2GOTOPR or visit their WEBPAGE for more information.

There is also ferry service between Old San Juan and Cataño, near the Bacardí rum plant. Free trolley service is provided throughout the historic zone. Trolleys leave regularly from the Covadonga and La Puntilla parking lots. They pass the two fortresses and other points of interest. Stops are marked by yellow signs.

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, there are many parking facilities around Old San Juan. Located on Calle Recinto Sur you will find Covadonga Parking Lot in Old San Juan near the central bus station. There is also one near the Coast Guard docking area.
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. Call the Puerto Rico Tourism Company for more information at 787-721-2400.
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% .
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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