When you think of sustainability, colonial patios and cisterns might not be the first things that come to mind, but for Boricua architect Andy Rivera, they’re at the core of Puerto Rico’s legacy. As an advocate for historic preservation and founder of the Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawings Society—an organization dedicated to fostering appreciation and stewardship of the Island’s built heritage—Andy has spent over a decade showing locals and travelers that safeguarding architectural history is one of the most powerful ways to protect our future.
What began as his passion for historic structures of Old San Juan evolved into one of the city’s best tours, and from visiting patios that captured rainwater in the 1500s to explaining the value of restoration practices that reduce environmental impact, Andy combines education, storytelling, and community engagement to create unforgettable experiences. For him, these tours go beyond admiring buildings—they uncover the ingenuity of Puerto Rico’s ancestors and educate about the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations.
How do you define sustainable travel, and what does it mean in the context of the tours you offer?
My main purpose is education, and when I say education, I include the local Colegio de Arquitectos (College of Architects), which actually honored the Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawings Society with an award for educating groups of architects, the people of Puerto Rico, and visitors about architecture. When we talk about architecture, especially in our case, we’re centered on historical heritage, and with that, sustainability comes in. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company even endorses us under Ecotours because historic preservation is inherently a form of sustainability. Think about it: when you restore a building, you're recycling. You're not demolishing and rebuilding, which would create environmental impacts—dust, debris, and noise pollution. Demolishing structures also drives up the demand for cement, which is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. Therefore, when you restore rather than build new, you’re reducing the human footprint and avoiding the use of materials that can be harmful to human health. In that sense, historic preservation is deeply related to sustainability.
Can you tell us about the community involvement and the impact of your tour offering?
The tours started 14 years ago, with the interior patio tours being the most popular. People come because they want to see beautiful interior spaces, but leave understanding that they weren’t built solely for “luxury” and were a necessity in the 1500s. By 1522, San Juan lacked a natural water supply. Residents had to collect rainwater in cisterns beneath their courtyards. They filtered it using charcoal or volcanic stone (depending on your economic status)—a natural system that worked like a modern filter—and everyone had their own water supply due to these designs. Patios also offered protection, provided natural light and ventilation, and helped reduce the need for traditional energy, which, even today, helps save on expensive utilities. When people tour with us, they learn how sustainable design was part of our daily lives centuries ago.
What are some ways visitors can explore our historic buildings and natural environment in a more sustainable and respectful way?
I always remind people that San Juan is the second-oldest city in the New World and the oldest European-style city under the U.S. flag. That alone surprises many visitors! They come expecting beaches, but the Island is so much more. Each of our 78 municipalities has its own distinct architectural style. It's a tapestry of global influences—from Catalans and Corsicans to the French and Germans. You can see it in every building, every street. I believe our tours change perceptions and offer a respectful way to explore. They show visitors that we’re not just beaches and El Yunque—we're a living portrait of history, design, and culture… a one-of-a-kind destination where centuries-old influences reveal themselves around every corner.
What are the main challenges you encounter when promoting this preservation-focused tour?
There have been challenges, especially early on. Some property owners were hesitant to open their spaces, but once we (the Puerto Rico Historic Building Drawings Society) educated them, they started to understand the value. And when you recognize value, what’s the natural next step? You begin to appreciate it, and eventually, you want to protect it. Visitors, too, often join a tour expecting to simply “see a patio,” but once they learn the history and understand the function behind the beauty, their perspective completely changes. They leave realizing it’s not just decorative but deeply functional and still relevant today.
What advice would you give to other leaders or organizations looking to incorporate preservation into their travel practices?
People are interested, but the message has to be accessible and engaging. If it’s too technical, it might not resonate. That’s why I bring people into the patios. I show them an aljibe (cistern) in person. That visual and hands-on experience makes all the difference. When you walk into a historic building, you’re stepping into a moment in time—colonial, gothic, classical, or Roman. Every style has its own story, and every interior space reflects the personal touch of the culture and the individual who built it. My advice is to combine knowledge with interactivity and immersion. That’s how you make the information credible and the experience unforgettable.
