Caparra Ruins
Caparra Archeological Site Carretera 2, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Just south of San Juan, the Caparra Archaeological Site is a National Historic Landmark that protects the stone foundations of Caparra, the original capital of Puerto Rico. The city was established under Ponce de León back in 1508, but these ruins are all that remain to this day.
The archaeological site today consists of protected ruins on a small plot of land. While it’s best to go with a guide, there are interpretive signs that give visitors a bit of context. There’s also a one-room historic display on the property—the Museum of the Conquest and Colonization of Puerto Rico (Museo de la Conquista y Colonización)—where you can learn more about the history of the island's conquest and its earliest European settlement.
If you’re interested in colonial history, the ruins are worth seeing.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Wheelchair users may find getting around the ruins challenging, as there's a lot of uneven brick and grass.
The Caparra ruins are located south of San Juan, just off Highway 2. It takes about 20 minutes by car to reach them from central San Juan (traffic permitting). The T2 bus, which runs from the Sagrado Corazón Station to Bayamón Station, stops right in front of the ruins.
The best time to visit is on weekdays, when the on-site museum is open and staffed with people who can answer questions and provide information. As the site itself is outdoors and in the sun, mornings are generally best for a visit, before the heat of the day becomes too much.
Be sure to spend some time in Old San Juan, a bay-facing historic district that draws plenty of travelers away from the beaches and straight to the Puerto Rican capital city. Highlights in the area include the San Juan Cathedral, the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), and the Castillo San Cristóbal.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!