Old San Juan & La Perla: Authentic Food & Culture Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the real flavors and history of Puerto Rico on an authentic food walking tour through Old San Juan and the iconic community of La Perla.
Led by a certified Puerto Rican guide, this small-group experience blends delicious local cuisine with the stories that shaped the island.
As we explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan, you’ll learn about the Taíno, African, and Spanish influences behind Puerto Rican food.
We’ll stop at locally owned spots to taste classics like mofongo, arroz con habichuelas, tostones, alcapurrias or empanadillas, and Puerto Rican coffee, paired with island drinks.
The highlight of the tour is La Perla, the colorful oceanfront neighborhood known worldwide as the filming location of Despacito. Here we’ll dine at a local restaurant with stunning ocean views, walk along the malecón, and learn about the history of this resilient community.
This experience supports local businesses while offering a deeper look at the real culture of Puerto Rico.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Plaza de la Catedral
Begin the tour in the heart of Old San Juan at Plaza de la Catedral, one of the oldest and most historic plazas in the city. Here we’ll take a few minutes to introduce ourselves, get to know the group, and set the stage for the experience ahead. While surrounded by centuries-old architecture, you’ll learn about the origins of Old San Juan and the role this plaza has played in the city’s history.
Learn the history of catedral San Juan Bautista.
What‘s Included
A traditional tasting of mofongo with amarillos, tostones, and rice and beans.
A piña colada, a mojito, and a pitorro shot or local beer (non-alcoholic options available).
100% Puerto Rican coffee or tea
A tasting of classic Puerto Rican fritters including alcapurrias or empanadillas.
Options
MONDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Guide /Tour ever!
aliciagF1299NE,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Luis, was an exceptional guide. He took his time with us and gave us a lot of history on the area and on Puerto Rico in general. I would definitely recommend this tour. Ask for Luis! You won't be disappointed.
My fiancé and I had a...
Elizabeth V,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My fiancé and I had a really nice time during the food tour. Our tour guide was very professional and knowledgeable in the different areas of the Puerto Rican culture and culinary. I works recommend this food tour to family & friends.
GREAT experience
Eugenea H,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marianna is the best!!! Everything about the experience was GREAT! The education, the food, the hostility… just everything! I felt like I was with a friend on vacation!!!
Don't miss this one!
250angellet,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Luis Peña, founder of Bori Local Tours, was awesome! He provided a well designed tour of the area, to include some not often visited sites. Luis was very knowledgeable and provided a phenomenal experience, to include some very interesting history and great local food. Highly recommend!
Excellent and informative
EuniceP284,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour, very informational. Would definitely book another tour. Thank you for excellent care.
My fun experience at La Perla
U9113MAsophiam,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was absolutely amazing. I had so much fun! La Perla is beautiful but can be intimidating for someone traveling solo for the first time. Thanks to the tour guide I felt safe and surrounded by an amazing group of people. I learned a lot about the culture and history of Puerto Rico and I fell in love with La Perla!! I can’t wait to visit again.
An authentic boricuan experience!
E4767QOjosep,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A truly wonderful experience! Food was great and generous portions. The drinks were tasty and delicious! The tour was informative and ventured off the typical tourist trail. Mariana was warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and authentically boricua!
We almost cried when it ended
977ashleighe,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is my 3rd time in PR, and this is the best tour experience I’ve ever had here. Between Pebbles, Mariana, and the incredible stops, the environment they create is like none other. This tour is going to become a local gem.
Don’t miss this tour
constancee2023,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The BEST experience ever. Mariana and Pebbles are more incredible than words convey. We’re super sad that it had to end, but super grateful that we found it. Listen, this is a MUST authentic tour in Puerto Rico.
Absolutely perfect
Alyson E,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot express in words how wonderful this tour was and how amazing Marianna was. Her love for Puerto Rico shone through as she combined a food tour with the history of this beautiful place. Her joy and pride made every single bite of food taste better. The beauty of Old San Juan and the story of La Perla will be something I forever hold in my heart. Also come hungry because the “samples” are a very good size. I left full and happy. What an amazing experience. I cannot recommend enough.
From US$140.00
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Operated by Bori Local Tours