Castillo San Felipe del Morro

The Basics

Driving and walking tours of Old San Juan usually include a stop at El Morro, as the fortress is commonly known, or you can zip around the site on a Segway or catch sight of it from the water aboard a boat tour. The fort’s more recent history includes the American military, which occupied the site from 1898 to 1961. The citadel occupies a picturesque spot, and when the wind blows, the lawn that connects it to town is a popular kite-flying spot.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a must-visit for history buffs.

• Park rangers present a free orientation every hour.

• Most levels of the fortress are accessible via ramps.

• It takes about 1.5 hours to explore the fort and its exhibits.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and sunscreen.

How to Get There

El Morro is located in the historic quarter, which is not accessible by public transportation. However, trolleys follow designated routes around Old San Juan, including one dedicated to stopping at the various forts, and taxis are also available. Driving is not recommended because the narrow, one-way streets are difficult to navigate.

When to Get There

You can expect the biggest crowds at El Morro when the cruise ships are docked, as well as on weekends, when kite flyers gather on the field leading up to the fort. Food vendors also gather then to cater to tourists and locals alike. El Morro is closed on major holidays.

Castillo San Cristóbal

History and military buffs will also want to stop at Castillo San Cristóbal, another fort on the northeast edge of Old San Juan that is also part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Within walking distance of El Morro, it is typically less crowded. If you plan to visit the two sites, save money with a combination ticket that covers entry to both.

How long does it take to tour Castillo San Felipe del Morro?

Allow about three hours to tour Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The fortress has six levels connected by ramps and stairs, views across the ocean, and a visitor center with an interpretive movie and informative plaques. You can easily explore independently or take a guided tour.

How much does it cost to go to Castillo San Felipe del Morro?

Entry to Castillo San Felipe del Morro is US$10. Kids aged 15 and under are free. Entry is free on some US public holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Park Week, and Veterans Day. Tickets to El Morro include entry to Castillo San Cristóbal and vice versa.

What is special about Castillo San Felipe del Morro?

Puerto Rico’s Castillo San Felipe del Morro is special because it tells Puerto Rico’s story within Caribbean and North American history. For 500-plus years, the fort has been an important military outpost—for Spain and then the US. It’s a great place to learn Puerto Rican history and enjoy the views.

What is the difference between Fort San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro?

Puerto Rico’s Fort San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro are close together but represent different parts of the island’s history. Fort San Cristobal guarded the land entrance to the walled city of Old San Juan, while El Morro—the older of the two—kept watch over the sea.

What happened at Castillo San Felipe del Morro?

Since the 16th century, Castillo San Felipe del Morro has protected Old San Juan against attacks from the sea. It was involved in many battles, from one led by Sir Francis Drake in 1595 to the US Navy’s bombardment of San Juan in 1898. The fort has never been defeated.

Is Castillo San Felipe del Morro the oldest fort in the New World?

The circa 16th-century Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Puerto Rico is one of the oldest Spanish forts in the New World—and one of the oldest overall. There are 18th-century forts across North America, but few are as old as El Morro. An exception is 16th-century Fort Caroline in Georgia.

Ways to explore

Castillo San Felipe del Morro can be visited independently, or you can join one of the ranger-led tours available—check the website for the latest times and tour programs, as these can vary. Most travelers spend 2–3 hours exploring; you may spend more time here if you take a tour or stop for a picnic within the park grounds.

The fortress also features on various San Juan tour itineraries, ranging from walking tours to e-bike and Segway excursions. You can also view the fort by sea on a boat cruise, explore the island on a golf cart, or take a self-guided audio tour.

Accessibility

Castillo San Felipe del Morro is partially wheelchair accessible, though once inside, the lower levels are not accessible. The site offers assistive listening devices for visitors with hearing impairments, while Braille guides are available at the entrance. There are accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None; the fortress is popular for kite flying, and kids may enjoy spotting the kites. You can also collect Junior Ranger Booklets from any park entrances.

What to pack

Sunscreen, camera, water bottle

What to wear

Sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Running, climbing on the walls, eating and drinking in certain areas

Amenities

Restrooms, water fountains, bookstore

Address

Castillo San Felipe del Morro is situated within the San Juan National Historic Site and is easily accessible via public transportation.

Driving

If you can, avoid driving in San Juan, as the streets are narrow and difficult to navigate. There is also no parking on-site. Instead, take a taxi if you’d like to travel by car.

Public transportation

From the airport, take the E10 or E40 bus to Old San Juan, and from there, walk 10-15 minutes or take a taxi to El Morro. Alternatively, take the free Old San Juan trolley, which stops just steps away from the fort.

Best times to visit

Consider visiting early in the morning or the late afternoon to avoid hordes of travelers arriving on cruise ships, and beat the worst of the day’s heat.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to offer the most peaceful experience at El Morro, as there are fewer tourists than on the weekends.

Best months to visit

December through April is generally the best time to visit Puerto Rico, when the weather is dry and sunny.

Special events

For a unique experience, visit El Morro during the Annual Kite Festival every February.