Overview:

San Pedro Prison is one of Bolivia’s most notorious prisons and is located in the city of La Paz. It is a prison for short, medium and long-term sentences. San Pedro is known for allowing some inmates to live with their families, inside the prison, and even run businesses within the prison walls. The prison was also known for being generally unruly as there was no regulation or control from the authorities. This led to the formation of gangs and other criminal activities. Conditions in San Pedro were often described as substandard, with little medical care, sub-par drug addiction and not enough food. In recent years, reforms have been implemented to improve conditions for the inmates. These include better medical care, improved security and more structure to the prison’s complex. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Open and Openly Run Prison: San Pedro Prison in Bolivia is known for its unique open and openly-run regime, where inmates operate their own internal administration and security systems, sell their labor and services to the local economy, and practice a wide range of freedoms within the prison. 2. Private Economy: San Pedro Prison has its own private economy, with inmates selling everything from food and clothing, to medical services and drugs. Inmates also rent cells and lounge areas to other prisoners, while the more affluent prisoners purchase office space and even entire apartments. 3. Stimulated by Tourism: This prison is also known for being stimulated by tourism. For an entrance fee, guides are allowed to take visitors on a tour of a small portion of the prison. The tourists are able to meet the inmates, talk to them, and listen to stories about the prison culture. 4. Violent Atmosphere: Despite the leniency of the open prison, there is often a violent atmosphere inside San Pedro due to the frequent disputes between gangs and the unequal power dynamics between inmates and guards. 5. Indoor and Outdoor Areas: This prison has both indoor and outdoor areas. The indoor areas include cell blocks, mess halls, recreational areas, and commercial areas. Outside, there is a large open courtyard where inmates can spend time with one another or run their businesses. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Pedro Prison in La Paz, Bolivia, is the largest and oldest prison in Bolivia. It is one of the most famous prisons in South America due to its internal structure and operations. The prison was constructed in 1871 by order of the president of the Republic at the time, German Busch. Originally, the prison was built to house 250 inmates, but today more than 2,500 inmates are confined inside. The prison is divided into distinct sections, each with its own set of rules and regulations. For example, in the outside section, inmates are allowed to possess mobile phones, use drugs, and even indulge in open gambling. Conversely, in the inner sections, there are stricter regulations, such as forbidding the possession of phones, and the regulation of the sale of food and other commodities. The prison is also notable for its distinct “economic structure”. Inmates are responsible for regulating their own affairs and the sale of goods within the prison confines. It is said that those who have money can “buy” a cell or even a prison job, whilst those who don’t have the money are sold into debt to wealthier prisoners. In 2008, the government began a series of renovations and reforms, attempting to reduce overcrowding and improve inmates’ conditions. However, the reforms did not last long and the prison continues to struggle with overcrowding, violence, and the lack of access to basic sanitation and health care. Despite the many issues San Pedro Prison still faces, the prison remains an iconic symbol of Bolivia’s criminal justice system. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. San Pedro Prison is a self-governed prison in La Paz, Bolivia. The prison is divided into “neighborhoods” and each has its own marketplace, church, and bar. 2. Many of the inmates' families live with them inside the prison, creating a unique family setting as the inmates serve their sentences. 3. San Pedro Prison holds up to 3000 inmates, many of whom live in close quarters and are responsible for the maintaining the prison, including running the businesses inside. 4. The prison has its own economy, fueled by the small shops, restaurants, and barber shops inside the prison walls. 5. Though drugs are prohibited inside the prison, drug trafficking does occur in exchange for food and favors. 6. San Pedro Prison is a surprisingly safe place, and outside visitors are welcomed, including tourists, who can buy a ticket for guided tours of the prison. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.