About Fuerte San Cristobal

Fuerte San Cristobal is a majestic castle in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was assembled by Spain to preserve against land-based incursions on the municipality of San Juan. It is a piece of San Juan National Historic Site. Fuerte San Cristobal, with its drooping outer defences, was built over 150 years ago to safeguard El Morro and the city from a land invasion. Provoked by such onslaughts by adversaries England (1598) and Holland (1625), it had been built by the Irish-born Chief Engineer Thomas O’Daly. O’Daly operated Spain because Spain was an opponent of Ireland’s rival England. Fuerte San Cristobal is the tremendous European citadel in the Americas. It forfeited some outworks when the area of the city embankment was slashed down in 1897 to enhance the city of San Juan.” Construction commenced in 1634 and succeeded by 1790. Fuerte San Cristobal encompasses 27 acres on the eastern entrance of the islet of San Juan.  Fuerte San Cristobal has two vestibules, the Historic Gate at the top of the cliff on Norzagaray, and the main gateway to the east demise of Norzagaray.

Tourists can do a self-guided excursion, handouts are accessible to help with hints throughout the expositions and grounds of the castle. As you stroll around San Cristobal, you glimpse through cannon embrasures, step into sentry cartons, steer through underpasses, and investigate vistas of abandoned military sections. Be confident to take a peek at the scandalous “Garita del Diablo”, myth explains of warriors that mysteriously vanished. Fuerte San Cristobal is a conventional wedding forum, the gorgeous enclosure is the wistful location for pixie tale wedding without having to an expedition to a faraway location.

Must See

  • Attend the junior ranger programme and become a ranger in the fort
  • Watch the birds and gaze at the stars after sunset
  • Walk and explore the majestic fort by listening to the history
  • Visit the exhibitions and museum showcasing the old artillery, sentry box and artefacts 
  • Spend the evening by flying kites in the fort
  • Plan for a picnic at the high altitude by enjoying the beautiful views of the city and Atlantic ocean

How to reach

By taxi:

It is about 1.5 kilometres from San Juan. You can hire any of the taxi services namely Santana taxi services, Rochdale radio taxi, metro taxi to reach the destination in 2 minutes. It may cost you around $11 to $13 

By foot:

From San Juan, you can take a walk for 10 minutes to reach the fort.

Tips

  • Recommended visiting the park on the evening to have wonderful sunset views along with the ocean
  • Don't forget to watch the park movie which is telecasted every 15 minutes
  • Carry some snacks and have filled water bottles if planned for a picnic
  • Tunnels will be slippery so advisable to wear rugged boots
  • Restrooms are not maintained well
  • Bring binoculars to watch the birds and stars
  • The special fee must be paid for the usage of cameras and drones inside the fort
  • Pet animals are not allowed inside the fort

Visit Time

Sunday:            9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday:           9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday:          9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday:     9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday:         9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday:              9:00 a.m. to  6:00 p.m.

Saturday:          9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Children(under 15)  Free.

Adults (16 and above): $5.

Annual Passes: San Juan National Historic Site $25.

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 7.02°C

 

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